Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty!
Hubby has been hinting that he wanted to see Matilda the Musical for quite some time, so for Christmas I bought us tickets to go and see it at the Cambridge Theatre in London.
Apart from the fact that we got a little lost trying to find it, we arrived in plenty of time, getting to take in all the nods to the popular Roald Dahl book throughout the theatre.
It was the stage that provided the real “Wow” factor though, as it was covered from floor to ceiling in hundreds of books, spelling out words from the story.
Matilda the Musical is an extraordinary play about an extraordinary little girl.
Matilda is my favourite Roald Dahl book, full of magic, dark humour and larger-than-life characters, which transfers perfectly to stage.
Neglected and under-appreciated by her self-involved parents, Matilda, played by the outstanding Zaris-Angel Hator, finds comfort in the escapism of books.
Matilda’s parents and older brother are hilariously self-indulgent and Matilda’s tricks on her father are brilliant and include the hair dye swap – well, sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty, don’t you?
It is not until Matilda starts at Crunchem Hall school and meets the kind and equally downtrodden Miss Honey,who recognises her remarkable abilities, and the fabulously fearsome headmistress Miss Trunchbull.
Most of my favourite scenes are there with Miss Trunchbull swinging Amanda Thripp by her pigtails (I still don’t know how they did it), Bruce Bogtrotter’s cake punishment and of course the infamous “Chokey”.
The show kept you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end as it is full of rambunctious fun and wicked wit. With childhood pranks, a sports lesson with some impressive vaulting from the kids, a classroom that appears from the floor and the most beautiful scene that involved the children soaring towards the audience on giant swings.
For a cast that features mainly youngsters, the singing, dancing and acting was on point and we left the theatre humming its tunes and feeling genuinely uplifted by the happy ever after ending.
The show is suitable for children aged 6 and over, although I think Eliza would have been terrified by Miss Trunchbull, I know Isaac would have loved it and we plan on taking him to see it soon.
Cathy Glynn
This looks amazing Kara, I love the stage sets, Matilda is one of my favourite films. One day I am going to treat us to a show in the West End x
Welsh Cakes and Wellies
I would love to see this, it sounds brilliant. My son is into drama and he acted in a mini version of it, which was wonderful. I would love to take him and see this.
Erica Price
The set looks amazing. Good to hear that the young cast do so well – I bet they love taking part.
Sarah
Sounds fantastic. I have to see it. I didn’t know about this movie. Thanks for bringing it up.
Kat
Matilda was one of my favourite books when I was a little girl! I liked film as well, so I would love to see that show:) I’ll be the oldest on the audience without kid:D
Jo
It looks brilliant! I absolutely loved the book. I went to see Little Shop of Horrors late last year and it left me thinking I need to see more musicals.
Sarah Ebner
We went a few years back and really liked it. The music and lyrics are great (we have since listened to them so many times!) and the kids in it were amazing! Definitely go back……
Sylvia
I love Matilda too! Which I thought about it earlier, could have gone there as a part of my birthday present 🙂
Fashion and Style Police
The set looks great. I would love to see this.
five little doves
This is on my list of shows I am desperate to see this year! It looks so much fun and I know that I would love it, the kids too!
Michelle Twin Mum
Great to hear it is as good as I expected. Mich x
Tereza
I’ve been meaning to see the theatre version of Matilda for ages, it looks like you had a wonderful time!xx
Sonia
Matilda is one of my favourite books and films! My kids adore her! We really need to go and see this x
Zena's Suitcase
The theatre is such a good feel good experience. This sounds like an amazing show and one I’d definitely love to see. What a great present for hubby
Ness
I saw this theatre when we went to see Stomp last year. There are so many great shows on in London at the moment.