The last - and only- time I've seen Matilda was sitting in this very auditorium, almost 8 years ago to the day and let's not beat around the bush - it's as amazing now as it was back then!
In recent years we've seen somewhat of a resurrection of a number of shows that have been 'in hiding' for a while taking to regional stages. However, alongside that, we've also fallen in love with some massive West End transfers - and Matilda is another show my entire family has become obsessed with.
It's kind of a big deal too, having run in London for fifteen years, and now being, or having been, on stage in over 20 other countries, this show has won 85 international awards, including seven Olivier's and 5 Tony's. So it's fair to say expectation was high.
Basing a musical on a Roald Dahl story is also a stroke of pure genius. It's one of the only opportunities you get to fill an auditorium with kids who love the story, because it's aimed at them, alongside their parents who were the generation who adored the novels first time round and their parents who were the people reading them at bedtime. It's a perfect symphony of coincidence that allows a butterfly of a musical to blossom.
The story follows the conventions of the original book, but doesn't replicate it entirely. In the stage version, Matilda is an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind whose talents are constantly belittled by her cruel parents and headmistress. Dreaming of a better life for herself, she dares to take a stand against these oppressive forces and takes her destiny into her own hands.
In a way, it's a more grown up take on the moral of the original and there's a certain amount of satisfaction in being told a new story but being able to recognise the characters, mannerisms and themes you remember from childhood.
The first thing to mention is the set and lighting, which mimic the West End equivalents almost entirely. The stage is covered in hand made Scrabble tiles, depicting a seemingly random set of letters but, look more closely and you'll start to pick out words and lyrics. Coupled with the lighting, automated scenery and beautifully choreographed production, this is immersive staging at its best and gives a wow-factor from the moment you enter the space.
Importantly, though, it's the cast are the life blood of this production - and not just Matilda and Trunchbull. Every person on stage, from the swings to the leads, deserves the standing ovation that this show gets almost every night.
Richard Hurst is just perfect as Miss Trunchbull, bringing an authoritative and imposing, yet almost child like headmistress to life with ease. Adam Stafford and Rebecca Thornhill bring a comedic slant to proceedings as Mr and Mrs Trunchbull, with Thornhill returning for a second stint following the previous tour. This show truly has moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity and the duo's energy is infectious - you can't help but smile when they're on stage.
However, for me, this show belongs to the most insanely talented group of children ever to set foot on stage. It sounds ridiculous, but I can't get over how incredibly talented the younger members of the company are and that alone makes you beam.
Our Matilda tonight was Sanna Kurihara - one of four girls alternating the role, the others being Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton and Olivia Ironmonger. Considering the majority of the weight of the show is firmly on the shoulders of the titular character, Kurihara's stage presence, resilience and stamina is incredible. Whether your on-screen incarnation of the character was Mara Wilson or Alisha Weir, Matilda definitely has a type and this young lady firmly embedded herself as part of that stable.
We should also mention Bruce as well - a role again shared by a quartet of future leading men including tonight's performer; Oisin-Luca Pegg. He shares the role with Carter-J Murphy, Brodie Robson and Takunda Khumalo. What's incredible is a performer who can take Bruce from the kid who says something and then eats a big cake to such a major part of the show...and that performer is Oisin!
The talent, maturity and stage presence these young people have is just exceptional and their acting and singing worthy of any auditorium. I think it's fair to say that you expect to be compensating in the back of your mind for the odd fault or slightly out of tune vocal, but I find it difficult to pick any sort of fault with their performances.
It's such a privilege to watch these young performers on stage and know that the future of theatre in the UK is in safe hands.
Matilda The Musical is brilliant. It's witty, it's funny, at times it's sad and Tim Minchin's score is outstanding. I’ve never heard a roar from a crowd or seen a spontaneous standing ovation like the one this evening - and that tells you all you need to know!
If a six-star review was a thing, I wouldn't hesitate to award it.
The show runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday 2nd August 2026. For more details, or to get (the last few!) tickets, head to birminghamhippodrome.com.
