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Wednesday 19 January 2011

Matilda the Musical



Matilda is the brand new musical creation from Aussie comedian and musician Tim Minchin, with a marvellous script from Dennis Kelly. The run is taking place at The Courtyard Theatre, part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon. Once again I found myself amongst a gaggle of children, all clutching their Roald Dahl colouring pads and consuming copious sugary bribes from their parents.

It took us a while to drive there, especially with the distinct lack of signposts, surprising considering the importance of this theatre to Stratford. Eventually we found it, parked and wandered through the picturesque town to the venue. The 1000 plus seat Courtyard Theatre was not intended to be permanent, but merely a temporary home during the company’s Transformation project. Those who see Matilda in this building will, I’m sure, agree that it works perfectly for this piece.

Matilda is yet another example of the super kids that seem to be taking over stages everywhere; think of Billy Elliot and Oliver! Just as the little girl’s thoughts rule Dahl’s book, the tiny actress playing Matilda dominates this production and is on stage most of the time. There are ten children in the musical, and three casts, allowing them to alternate regularly. I saw brave and bold Josie Griffiths take to stage as the lead, and she was faultless, giving a performance that would put many adults to shame. I sat gawping at the tiny star, wondering how on earth she managed to learn all those lines, songs, and complicated dance moves. The other kids are brilliant too, and just as talented, I soon forgot they were children - the acting is so impressive.

Director Matthew Warchus has taken a terrific story and made it into an irresistible show. The choreography is beyond imaginative, with fun rebellions and punchy gym routines. For a first show, the Minchin – Kelly duo have written an unbeatable piece, surpassing all expectations. The songs are thoughtful and catchy, with words that sizzle. The story captures Dahl’s magical world, with a clever twist that gives the characters a real sense of depth.

The terrifyingly fabulous Miss Trunchbull is played by Bertie Carvel making his debut at the RSC with Matilda. He marches about spitting orders with sadistic glory. There is a wonderful scene when the headmistress forces poor Bruce to eat a giant chocolate cake, gleefully rubbing her chubby paws together in delight. The ghastly Wormwood parents are played by thrillingly grotesque pair Josie Walker and Paul Kaye, the cruel opposite to Matilda’s intelligence.

I’m afraid I can’t find a bad word to say about this show; there is nothing to criticise and is much more fun than I expected. And I am not the only one raving about it - Matilda has received five star reviews from everyone who’s anyone. I have all my fingers and toes crossed that this show will transfer to a London stage soon, I am desperate to see it again.

Matilda is on until 30 January 2011 at The Courtyard Theatre.

16 comments:

  1. Thanks for the comment on my blog sweets, I've joined your followers :)

    I have to say I'm not a big Minchin fan to be honest, but I may have to look into this following your glowing review! xxx

    http://my-favourite-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  2. Thankyou!

    I don't know Minchin as a comedian, but honestly this show is incredible, and with such cute kids!

    xx

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  3. lovely blog dear :) following you! xox

    http://combo-monster.blogspot.com/

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  4. Oh i loveeed that book when i was a kid! too bad I dont live anywhere near london :(!

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  5. when i was 10 i played the mathilda once ... long, long time ago ...

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  6. Oh i loved Matilda the film, i sooo wanna go see the musical.

    Sadie x

    http://brandnewbutterflywings.blogspot.com/

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  7. I've seen Matilda twice! Isn't it brilliant! I also went to the 'Conversation with Tim Minchin' which sold out within hours. He was hysterical, and the atmosphere was amazing, everyone was in such a good mood, and some of the cast were in the audience! He talked about the writing process and answered any questions. He pretty much said they'll be taking it to the west end, everyone was talking about it and he said if offered they'd definitely do it. I'm pretty certain it will go, as since I can remember looking for tickets 2 weeks ago, it was fully booked.
    He also said if they take it to the west end they will release the soundtrack, which should be awesome.

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  8. Oh that is such good news... thankyou for the update Maria! I've heard it will be going to West end as well - I can't wait to see it again!

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  9. This is a fantastic show - I've seen it several times and if anything Milly's review is an understatement.

    I wouldn't count on it going to London though. Apart from anything else, the Courtyard has a thrust stage and nowhere in London has one - except the Roundhouse (and that's a temporary copy of the Courtyard).

    If by chance Matilda gets a re-run at Stratford, don't miss it - you won't regret it!

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  10. Yes they will have to probably alter the staging, but I've spoken to the RSC press team, and they let me into the secret that it almost definitely will be coming to London... fingers crossed!

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  11. Milly - the clever thing to do would be to use the Roundhouse with the Courtyard 'copy' inside it. First used in 2008, this is a genius piece of engineering - see: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23469197-roundhouse-turned-from-rock-venue-to-theatre-in-10-days.do

    Hope the link works!

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  12. This show will obviously transfer - west end producers are fighting over who takes it on...
    It'll clearly go to a big west end theatre - the roundhouse isn't right for a family show - its too out of the way.

    These are my thoughts any way

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  13. I think this show is more suited to an intimate smaller venue. Part of the success was due to the staging at the Courtyard. The audience felt they were in amongst it and they certainly were with the remarkably moving "When I Grow Up " swinging sequence. When it moves to the West End (& Broadway according to the rumours) appropriate venue selection will be fundamental to achieving Matilda's full potential. It's a magical theatrical experience which will etch itself into the memory of anyone who sees it.

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  14. Can't wait to see this in the West End now, was great at Courtyard.

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  15. ive seen this in stratford and in london!!

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  16. which was better, London or Stratford?

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