Swish of the Curtain

This production by the Royal Shakespeare Company is the perfect family outing; it makes you laugh and cry, no matter your age. I have been lucky enough to watch this musical more than once, and I have adored it every time.

Matilda is the unloved daughter of Mr and Mrs Wormwood. She enjoys nothing more than reading. Her family enjoys nothing more than sitting down with a plate of greasy fish and chips in front of the television. And, in Mrs Wormwood’s case, ballroom dancing. When Matilda is enrolled at Crunchem Hall, the school ruled by the omnipotent and sadistic Miss Trunchbull, she discovers that her passion for learning has made her different from the rest of her schoolmates.

My favourite scene is set in the local playground. Matilda and her friends are playing on the swings, singing one of Tim Minchin’s fantastic songs. I was sitting near the front, and the children soared above my head. Although I felt terrified that a child would fall on me, I felt like I was up in the air with them. It was an exhilarating sight.

Every aspect of this show is fabulous. The acting and the dance choreography are superb. It is jam-packed with catchy tunes that have witty, clever lyrics. Although the play is very true to Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, the terrifying Miss Trunchbull is now a more comical character who adds a dark twist of humour.  Matilda and her friends try to be good and avoid the wrath of Miss Trunchbull, but, as their song reminds us, ‘sometimes they have to be a little bit naughty’.