Left – Sasha Rose. Cover – The cast. Photos – James MorganMiracle is the opening number of the musical Matilda, a marvellously apt melody on the modern malady of the immodest elevation of the average by parents’ intent to make trophies of their tots rather than investing true emotional relationships.
Long before show's end, “miracle” is illustrative of the misnomer, as the marvel of the staging is not miraculous but the result of dedicated, ferociously focused, disciplined, beautiful work.
Sourced from Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name, Matilda boasts a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, a delightful adaptation that imaginatively distils the highs and lows, the twists and turns, the light and dark of the story of the genuinely gifted girl, bullied for bibliophilia.
Matilda Wormwood is a book worm, hooked on words, sold on stories, empowered by knowledge and possessed of an innate intelligence, but ridiculed for her reading and word weaving by both parents, her stupid sibling, and her harridan headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
Dad is a flash Harry charlatan who calls her “son” and Mum is a ditzy dance dame who devotes more time to her dance partner than her daughter.
The adults she has any simpatico with is a teacher, Miss Honey and the school librarian, Mrs. Phelps.
Set against Rob Howell’s sumptuous set, mostly a majestic labyrinthine library with alphabetical motif that morphs into all manner of place, Matilda is enthralling, engaging entertainment performed by an excellent ensemble.
The kids, especially, are astonishingly good, exhibiting not only exuberance of which they have a surfeit, but a precise, disciplined and detailed delivery of physical and vocal timing, presenting real exhilaration throughout, particularly in the stunning swing scene, so simple yet so thrilling, and the Phys Ed class.
On the opening night performance of August 20, Matilda was played by Bella Thomas, and she was awesome.
The grown ups are pretty darn amazing too, with lovely Panto dame portrayal of the harridan hammer throwing, vaulting horse headmistress, Miss Trunchball, by James Millar and the weasel word wood worm, Mr Wormwood, in three ring ringworm ringmaster mode depicted by Daniel Frederiksen of particular haute hisibility. His second act opening with the song, Telly, is a distinct delight.
On stage and behind the scenes, the talent is mega, all exquisitely wrangled by director Matthew Warchus.
Matilda is not a miracle, but it sure is magical. And therefore, unmissable. Well worth a waltzing this Matilda.
Royal Shakespeare Company and Louise Withers with Michael Coppel and Michael Watt present
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
based on the novel by Roald Dahl | book by Dennis Kelly | music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
Director Matthew Warchus
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre | Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW
Dates: 20 August – 20 December 2015
Bookings: 1300 795 267 | ticketmaster.com.au
