Matilda tells the tale of miracle Matilda, who can read books far beyond her years, her family however would much prefer it if she’d just be quiet and watch telly. Matilda soon finds herself starting school and coming face to face with the truly revolting Miss Trunchbull. While teacher, Miss Honey, tries to prove Matilda’s brilliance to the likes of her parents, Matilda and her school friends find themselves trying to survive the wrath of Miss Trunchbull. All while doing what’s most important – standing up for what’s right.
The performance was led by Sara Sheen as Matilda, she carried the show magnificently portraying Matilda with a strong righteous attitude, a big dose of mischief and an infectious personality. Sheen delivered some wonderful vocal performances throughout, including ‘Naughty’ and ‘Quiet’.
The absolute highlight of the show for me was the children’s ensemble. Just seeing the enthusiasm, energy and enjoyment each child put into their performance was enough to make me want to return to see the production time and time again. Max Brophy delivered a hilarious performance as Bruce Bogtrotter, particularly when Miss Trunchbull forced him to eat a humongous chocolate cake. The rest of the class cheering for him as he did inciting the first act’s closing song ‘Bruce’. Olivia Calladine-Smith delivered a wonderful performance as Lavender, my favourite moment taking place just before the second act of the story began when she ‘just couldn’t wait’ to tell us what was going to happen, but I won’t spoil that for you.
Michael Begley and Rebecca Thornhill are more than memorable as Matilda’s less than likeable parents, and Miria Parvin is heart-warming as school teacher Miss Honey delivering excellent vocal performances including the heart-wrenching ‘My House’.
Craige Els stole the show for me, portraying a hilarious and positivity terrifying Miss Trunchbull. Whether reminding Miss Honey and the children of the correct way to throw ‘The Hammer’, re-enforcing the fact that you should ‘always keep your feet inside the line’ or telling Bruce that he should have thought about it before he ‘made a pact with Satan’ and decided to steal her cake, Els’ had me laughing through every scene. When I wasn’t awfully scared, that is.
All in all, Matilda is a fantastic production that I honestly cannot praise enough. With both an adult and children cast bustling with talent, songs that will stay in your head for days to come (particularly the kids victorious anthem ‘Revolting Children’) and a heart-warming story that will constantly remind you ‘don’t let a little something like little stop you’ a night seeing Matilda is guaranteed to be a night you won’t forget.
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