Matilda (The Musical)

Hello whoever might be out there, 

My birthday gift this year was tickets to see Matilda The Musical at my nearest theatre (which as you may know, isn't near at all, especially as my Mum doesn't drive) and it was the best thing I could've got. I have wanted to see Matilda on stage for so many years, basically as soon as I heard about it. I was meant to go in Year 6 with my primary school but couldn't, and I am kind of glad in a way because it meant I got to go today. Matilda (1996) has always been my favourite film and probably always will be. I relate to Matilda Wormwood more than any other character, and part of the reason why I am glad I got to go now is because I can fully appreciate both the character's and my own lived experiences.

I'm not going to trauma dump, that isn't fun to write or to read and I have already rephrased this several times to avoid it, but all you need to know is that I understand Matilda in practically every aspect of her character, minus the psychokinesis. And her story is one that always brought me great comfort, the idea that there is justice and joy at the end of the tunnel. You don't even want to know the number of times I've watched Matilda, I don't even think I could give you a definite answer. Even though they say in the musical, "not all stories have a happy ending", it gives me hope for my own story. 

"Quiet" is the most relatable song I have ever heard. Ever. I challenge you all to find another song more relatable but I think you'll struggle. The way I ugly cried during that song is astonishing. All while being watched by a little kid because apparently some people can afford £85 a ticket for their kid to do nothing but disturb everyone else? I cried anyway though because I have been dreaming of that very moment for years and years, and it came true. I cried several times to be completely honest. "When I grow up" is a classic tear-jerker so obviously they sing it twice. "This Little Girl" got me AND "My House" so basically I'm just an absolute sap. I didn't listen to those songs much beforehand as, no offence, but I'm really not keen on whoever sung for Miss Honey on the West End Cast CD. The version I heard today was a million times better and it made me fall in love with those songs.

The musical is so much more overt with the influence Miss Honey is having on Matilda's life and vice versa. I loved it. It felt like I was living a fantasy I have always dreamt of, like I could truly immerse myself in their story, like I was up on the stage myself. Every Matilda needs a Miss Honey, but every real Matilda can only dream of having a true Miss Honey. So watching this musical felt like both a warm hug and a slap in the face at the same time. It also just skips out some of the most intense bits from the original film (and book, I'm not ignorant) and that is a relief for me, genuinely. Considering the musical is longer runtime wise, the plot was surprisingly condensed.

I know that is to do with the escapologist plot. Potentially hot take, I love the escapologist plot. Was it in the original? No. But do I think it is a wonderful addition? Absolutely. It isn't perfect and definitely drags out too much, but it gives Mrs Phelps more stage time and gives Matilda and outlet for exploring her experiences that ties in nicely with Miss Honey's experiences. I think "My House" is too rushed as a scene for the information that is revealed but it is so very sweet that I'll let it slide. I relate to Matilda in the way she explains her reality through fiction, and I think it is both a beautiful and interesting thing to see. It is executed so well. They also gave a child fire on stage in a theatre which was kind of insane.

It was funny. It was mesmerising. It was comforting. It was everything I could ask of a musical based on my favourite story.

I wonder if I'll be somebody's Miss Honey someday?

Yours faithfully,

MD