Natalie Anglesey Reviews this 5 star Matilda The Musical at the Palace Theatre.

Natalie Anglesey reviews 

THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL

I’ve always been curious about the components of a successful musical - so every time I went to London, I’d try to get tickets to see The Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi award-winning production of Matilda The Musical – but with no success. After far too long a delay, in which time it seems to have travelled the globe, this musical, at last, enjoys a 10-week run at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until 24 November 2018.

According to my six –year old, it was worth the wait, particularly Paul Kieve’s magic! It was great to see a theatre packed full of children - with more of them than adults! They are after all the theatre audiences of the future. A word of warning the first act is rather long for little ones so make sure you do the toilet run before it starts!

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s book, Matilda, her story is beloved by children everywhere. This musical version remains true to the tale of an extraordinary little girl who, with an amazing capacity for reading and languages, dares to take a stand against her bully of a headmistress. There’s a nod to Dahl with Rob Howell’s moving library cum letter block set which becomes, in turn, a home, a schoolroom, and a children’s playground atmospherically lit by Hugh Vanstone’s lighting design. 

Winner of 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, it’s not surprising as the creative team is of the highest order. Dennis Kelly’s stage adaptation stays incredibly true to the original. Matthew Warchus is one of my favourite directors and didn’t disappoint with his usual clarity of purpose to educate and more importantly, in this case, to entertain. Key to the success of this show is Tim Minchin’s music with songs, containing echoes from the past of The Beatles, yet modern enough to lift the spirits. His lyrical witticisms  entertained both adults and children alike embellished by Peter Darling’s athletic choreography.

The cast, particularly Sophia Ally as Matilda, is feisty and smart giving a mature performance for one so young. There’s also a first rate, evil performance from Craige Els, as the bullish Miss Trunchbull. Sebastien Torkia is a delight as Matilda’s lying, second-hand car-salesman father Mr Wormwood while Rebecca Thornhill is his Latin- American Dance mad wife. Michelle Chantelle Hopewell is Mrs Phelps, the friendly librarian.While one of the highlights is Carly Thoms giving a heart-warming portrayal as the delightful Miss Honey, both by name and nature, with a beautiful voice to match.

There are some great visual moments, like the playground scene with the young cast swinging their way almost into the audience. There’s also incredibly energetic support from the young ensemble of child performers and credit must be given to Dylan Hughes who gives an impassioned Bruce and can belt out a song while Louella Asante-Owusu as Matilda’s best friend Lavender has bags of confidence. 

Commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Matilda originally premiered at the RSC’s The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010, before transferring to London’s West End the following year. It remains to rave reviews six years later at the Cambridge Theatre.  It has now  been seen by more than 6.5 million people worldwide. Having swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, it won five Tony Awards in New York.  Matilda The Musical has now played in 50 cities worldwide and continues to delight audiences in London, Australia, North America and now here in Manchester. 

The ticket prices are higher than normal for Manchester but this 5 star production is a quality show with an exceptionally large cast and if you can afford it- it's well worth the price of a ticket. If you loved the book- you’ll love this!

Manchester Palace Theatre until 24 November 2018

Box Office: 0844 871 3019* www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester