Review: Matilda the musical - Norwich Theatre
Review by Annabel Johnson
Being a huge fan of Roald Dahl's book, loving the film adaptation and having chaperoned a junior production of Matilda in 2024, I honestly thought I was Matilda-ed out. After hearing Revolting Children on repeat for weeks, a stint in The Chokey was starting to sound like a reasonable alternative. Thankfully, this production reminded me exactly why audiences keep coming back.
I had goosebumps the second the opening score, conducted by Andrew Corcoran, began. Seemingly fixed pieces of set slid away to reveal hidden nooks and entirely new spaces, and just when you thought you'd got a handle on what was hidden behind each section, another surprise was revealed. It was wonderfully inventive.
Richard Hurst, as the infamous Miss Trunchbull, sang, "We must begin insisting on rigidity and discipline" and boy, did the young cast deliver. The Smell of Rebellion was an impressive display of discipline and precision, combining a trampoline, pommel horse and gym mats to showcase their militant “Phys-Ed” lesson. The children were exceptional throughout, working incredibly hard in every musical number, with choreography that was elevated even further by the addition of older ensemble members, adding even more layers to the already tricky routines.
The role of Matilda is shared between Felicity Brown, Petra Hutchings, Mollie Hutton, Sanna Kurigara and Caroline Ravansari. Felicity Brown was performing on the evening we attended, portraying the plucky young protagonist with the perfect balance of mischief, intelligence and sweetness.
Bruce, shared throughout the run by Isaac Cruickshank, Jett Austin-Richards, John Johnson and Kobi Lau, was played by Isaac Cruickshank at our performance. Isaac’s cheekiness instantly had the whole audience on side and we were all anxiously willing him to finish that ginormous chocolate cake – although I’m willing to bet it wasn’t just me wishing they could have a slice too!
Adam Stafford and Rebecca Thornhill were suitably stupid and cruel as Mr and Mrs Wormwood, perfectly capturing Roald Dahl's dark humour and making them enormous fun to dislike.
It's a magical show, full of heart, humour and astonishing talent. Whether you're discovering Matilda for the first time or, like me, thought you'd already had your fill, this production reminds you exactly why it's become such a beloved musical. You'd be a real maggot to miss it!
Matilda the musical continues at Norwich Theatre until 6th September.
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