Review: MATILDA - E-X-T-R-A-O-R-D-I-N-A-R-Y

Watching Matilda the musical is like witnessing something as close to musical theatre perfection as you can get. The detail in this masterpiece is so intricate & refined. I'm still trying to find fault in the show, to give a balanced objective summation of the work. And yet as hard as I try I cannot think of a single moment that didn't work, a cast member out of place a or time where my mind wandered. Dennis Kelly's writing is brilliant Tim Minchin's lyric and score unconventionally perfect and Matthew Warchus' staging thrilling.

The story, based on Roald Dahl's novel, follows the life of a small genius Matilda, played on opening night by young Ingrid Torelli. Torelli draws us in from her very first entrance and takes us on a magical journey over the course of the show. Torelli combines innocence with cunning to traverse her exciting fearless tale. A company of children supports her superbly, most noticeably Kathleen Lawlor as her cheeky best friend Lavender and the cake eating Bruce played with flair by Daniel Stow. Each of these young stars is polished, courageous and unafraid in the face of such difficult material. The children are the true stars of this show and are supported by a remarkable adult cast. James Millar as Mrs. Trunchbull delivers a phenomenal performance, every inch of his character is thought through meticulously and executed to perfection. Daniel Frederiksen and Marika Aubrey as Matilda's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood are riotously dysfunctional. They bring terrific comedy to the show, as does Matilda's delinquent brother Michael played by Daniel Raso, who stands out both in this role and his ensemble plot. Elise McCann as Miss Honey is the perfect antithesis to the Wormwood's and her burgeoning relationship with Matilda is heartwarmingly genuine, a role no doubt many teachers can adhere to. Cle Morgan as Mrs. Phelps displays some of the best listening skills an actress could wish to present on a stage. Her friendship with Matilda is so likeable and meaningful. The ensemble is brilliant in executing Peter Darling's frenetic choreography. Special mention to Travis Khan's broody Rudolpho, Sambering and high kicking his way across the stage with flair and panache. Every member of this ensemble are stars in their own right and come together to deliver mind-blowing work. The highlight of this work and the highlight of the show is School Song. Matilda is worth the price of admission for these 4 minutes alone. This number is perhaps one of the more impressive examples of collaborative vision from all involved. It is excitingly brilliant.

Matilda the musical is quite simply one of the best shows to hit Melbourne. It has ingredients that make it accessible to generations. It's a show that families should see with their children. It's the perfect show for any young child to experience the theatre. It combines every element that a good musical comedy should have and then pushes them to the extreme and succeeds beyond any shadow of doubt. It is a show that will have you talking about it for days and weeks after and will stay with you for many years to come. Bravo Tim Minchin and every soul associated with this remarkable work.

Matilda the Musical

Princess Theatre Melbourne

Until November: Ticketmaster.com.au

Photo Credit James Morgan

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