The Marvellous Mayhem of Matilda the Musical

"Even if you're little you can do a lot" - from tiny page to massive stage!

The Marvellous Mayhem of Matilda the Musical

Watching Matilda the Musical is like opening the pages of your favourite fairy-tale book. The script straddles the border between the Grimm brothers and Disney, bringing a childish fantasy world to real-life social issues. That is not to say, however, that this musical is an infantile piece full of fluffy, over-theatrical stereotypes. The darker themes of the plot grow in strength throughout the musical, as audiences realise that it touches on more relevant themes than you may at first assume. Insightful audience members will appreciate the exploration of the corrupting nature of power, through the terrifying figure of Miss Trunchbull. Especially perceptive members may even see socialist themes running throughout. The titular protagonist, Matilda, asserts that “even if you’re little you can do a lot”, participating in an uprising of “revolting children” to overthrow the dictator-like headmistress. This means that the aspects which are lost on children can add another dimension to this production for their parents.

However, the most comedic stock characters are also the most antagonistic of them all, using witty humour to undercut their violence and cruelty. It appears that the kinder you are as a character, the less you are caricatured. It is this comedy which helps maintain the playful atmosphere onstage, enrapturing audiences of all ages.

The production adopts a highly-spirited theatrical approach to the story, breathing life into the characters of Matilda’s story. The ingenious use of physicality may help to keep younger viewers’ attentions, but it also impresses upon older viewers how full of enthusiasm and animation the characters are. This is crucial in seeing the production though the lens of a child’s eye, helping all members to embrace their inner youthfulness. The rejuvenating energy which the cast brings is equalled only by the astounding professionalism of the younger cast members. Neither is it put to shame by the innovative set, which creeps into the auditorium to encompass the audience in the performance. The lighting also embraces the audience throughout the production, drawing them into the sections of story-telling and supporting the cast’s use of the auditorium.

Not only does Matilda the Musical transport audiences back to their childhood storybooks, but it also adds a healthy dose of the real world to the mix. It suggests that we too can find fantasy in the real world, rewriting our lives to make them as imaginative and romanticised as the inspirational protagonist herself.

Author

Alexandra Hart

Alexandra Hart Contributor

I'm a student from London with a mammoth passion for all things theatrical. My favourite things are reviews, fringe festivals and interval ice-creams!

Writing for Voice Mag has given me a platform to develop my journalism and artistic skills - the perfect excuse to attend even more arts events in my local area. When I'm dancing, acting or creating I feel like I finally have a purpose in life. I hope this will be the start of a journey fuelled by my passion, and, propelled by my enthusiasm, this is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing.

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2 Comments

  • Bee Snellen

    On 30 November 2018, 15:21 Bee Snellen Voice Team commented:

    Great review! How did they manage to make obstacles move by themselves? Were there lots of stage tricks involved?

  • Alexandra Hart

    On 1 December 2018, 15:36 Alexandra Hart Contributor commented:

    Yes - there was a variety of extremely clever tricks being used, mainly down to the illusions of magnets I believe! The chalk "wrote" by itself, the glass "tipped over" by itself and one character "ate" a whole chocolate cake onstage. I actually was able to find out how the illusions all work - but I won't post it online as I don't want to spoil the magic!

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