Review: Matilda the Musical

Most people seem to have seen the film, whereas I haven't, apart from the final few minutes when it was on TELLY once. As for the original book by Roald Dalh, it seems to be one of the few books of his that I haven't read. So, I went into the Cambridge Theatre, with no preconceptions of the story.

Saying that though, I am a huge fan of both Roald Dalh and Tim Minchin, and thus I knew it had to be good. The reviews have all been glowing, and the performances of songs from the show that I have seen on the TELLY, have made me want to go and see it even more. However, it is expensive, even by usual West End standards, and booked up weeks in advance, so it unfortunately isn't the sort of musical you go see on a whim.

However, all things eventually came together, and last week we went and saw it. Even with my high expectations, it did not disappoint on any level. First impressions are crucial people always say, and in comparison to all other theatres I have graced with my presence, this is certainly the best. The interior of the Cambridge Theatre was quite spectacular from the moment you walk in the doors, and as you walk down the corridors. Then you walk into the auditorium, and it is as if the set design has exploded outwardly.

As set designs go, it is certainly the best, and it is understandable why it has won two awards. It makes a lovely change to feel as if you're sitting in the middle of what is happening on stage, as opposed to just watching. The performers regularly run up and aisle, which adds towards that feeling, but means if you have an aisle seat, which I did, you have to make sure to keep your feet well and truly tucked away.

However, and this is my only criticism, one of them isn't good at running through the audience, as he side-swiped me with his arse, and briefly slipped out of character to give a quiet wail of pain. Ever since, I've felt a bit self conscious of the size of my shoulders.

All the children are brilliant too. They look great, act, sing and dance fantastically, and have great personalities that shine through, and you cannot help but fall in love with them; they're simply just adorable. And the production crew make sure that they get their monies-worth from them, by making them push props into position, instead of hiring additional stage hands.

It is hard to pick a favourite child, because they all done a perfect job; better than some older and more experienced West End actors I have seen perform. However, the teen who played Matilda's sullen teenage brother, wearing a hoody with the word 'Genius' stitched on, had me laughing the most, as he sat doing nothing, breaking only to shout TELLY or BACKWARD at the correct point in the script or song.

Overall though, Matilda the Musical was a masterpiece. It will make you laugh out loud, and then sit in stunned silence, as it pulls at your heart strings minutes later in the same scene. Then they soon have you on an even bigger high. The songs all fit in brilliantly, and are catchy and funny, with Tim Minchin's musical style peering through. The story has been adapted, with additional material that manages to be in Roald Dalh's quirky manner, and characters that look like their illustrated counterparts from the original book. If he were alive today, it is hard to believe he wouldn't be proud.

Now it's time go back to watching some TELLY!