Matilda - The Musical (RSC)

Bursting with infectious joy, this dark bedazzling comedy will make the inner child in anybody begin to itch with excitement and mischief.

The RSC makes the transformation of book to stage look easy. With more imagination and naughtiness than my nine year old brain could have ever dreamed up, it’s clear that this isn’t just any musical. Its success has been echoed in the hundreds of rave reviews and the endless line of sold out performances. The RSC haven’t just created a classy children’s show but a hit musical, eagerly anticipating the West End.

The script was written by Dennis Kelly and the lyrics provided by song writing comedian Tim Minchin. Who better to help transport us into the cartoon like world of Matilda, where children are swung by their pig tails, locked up in the miserable chokey and forced to eat unhealthily large proportions of cake. Their playful creation heightens Dahl’s tale of the triumph of curiosity and cleverness over ignorance and vulgarity. Teaming with comedic brilliance, the two have managed to create a seamless production, where the music element never feels forced or awkward. Like Tim Minchin stated, it would be unbelievable if Miss Honey (a shrinking wall flower) was to suddenly burst into a full song and dance, arms and legs flailing. It’s this understanding and passion to get full marks, that makes them such star pupils.    

The audience wasn’t just straight out the playground; it was truly a family affair. The age range of the audience wasn’t simply attributable to adults accompanying enthusiastic, hyped up little ones. Animated faces were gleaming, both young and old. The venue is intimate; the globe-like layout means that you’re close to the action, no matter where you can afford to sit. Its compactness creates an atmosphere unlike any other, you’re literally in touching distant of the performers as they walk between you, or flash past the corner of your eye. However, underneath its magic, it’s fair to say the RSC has quite a middle class following and I can’t say I witnessed anything different. The RSC audiences can carry a whiff of elitism and although this is unintended, it can’t help but make you wrinkle your nose. However, making students and standing tickets available from £5 is a good step towards it becoming more accessible.  

Matilda is refreshingly far from the RSC’s stereotyped Shakespeare productions or even their other shows aimed at a younger audience. Although Matilda has the core unfaultable quality that all RSC productions hold, it’s different. It lacks inhibition, standing bold it glitters and grins with childlike cheek. The RSC have always been top of the class when it comes to children’s theatre; they never talk down to a younger audience, tales are never sugared up and always preserve the original story.

With imagination more extraordinary than Matilda herself, the RSC are the most incredible story tellers with entire universes inside their heads. They are a magical company and this is a truly magical play.