Curve Theatre Leicester – until 25th October 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
4****
Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s classic, Matilda the Musical is a joyous, energetic fun filled production that blends humour, heart and mayhem. With a razor-sharp book by Dennis Kelly and an iconic score by Tim Minchin, the show delights all ages whilst honouring Dahl’s original spirit. At its core is the story of a remarkable little girl who, despite being born into a family of grotesquely ignorant and neglectful parents, uses her wit, intelligence, and imagination to rewrite her story. With a love of books and a strong moral code, Matilda finds solace and strength to stand up against injustices for herself and others, and faces off against the towering, terrifying tyrant in the form of her headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
Minchin’s songs are clever, poignant, and catchy. Opening with the show with the boisterous ‘Miracle’ and continuing with brilliant numbers such as ‘Naughty’ and ‘Revolting Children’ they keep getting better. Peter Darling’s choreography is vibrant and inventive, matching youthful exuberance with theatrical polish. Every number is bursting with energy, and every performer is perfectly placed. Standouts are ‘School Song’ and ‘When I Grow Up’, the climbing and swinging is the epitome of childhood. The visual and technical design brings even more wonder to the stage. Rob Howell’s playful, literary set feels as though it’s leapt straight out of a storybook, while Simon Baker’s imaginative sound design and Hugh Vanstone’s expressive lighting evoke the surreal magical world of Matilda.
The cast are exceptional across the board. Rebecca Thornhill and Adam Stafford bring a delightfully sly and eccentric charm to the Wormwoods, portraying Matilda’s despicable parents with comic precision. Samuel Leon’s Mike Wormwood is delightfully dim-witted, adding to the family’s wonderfully horrid dynamic. Ryan Lay’s flamboyant Rudolpho is full of campy charisma, his splits were quite the sight, while Tessa Kadler delivers a heartfelt performance as Miss Honey. Gentle, vulnerable, yet quietly determined, her scenes with Matilda and the other children are touching.
Richard Hurst as Miss Trunchbull is sensational. Equal parts menacing and absurd, Hurst’s interpretation is masterful. Machiavellian, monstrous, and completely magnetic, his rendition of ‘The Smell of Rebellion’ makes for both repugnant and unmissable viewing. Stealing the show is Sanna Kurihara as Matilda. Playing the protagonist with poise, pace, intelligence and a quiet strength well beyond her years, she commands the stage with aplomb. Leading the cast with confidence and charm, her story telling and singing voice are captivating. The ensemble of young performers is equally impressive, particularly Dottie Jones as the sprightly Lavender and Brodie Robson as the gassy Bruce Bogtrotter. The young performers bring much of the emotional and narrative weight of the show, and they do so with infectious energy and confidence. It’s a wonder to watch.
Matilda the Musical is a triumph, a theatrical celebration of comedy, capers and childhood. It proves that imagination is a mighty force, and that sometimes, even the smallest voices can be the most powerful. Whether you’re discovering Dahl’s story for the first time or revisiting it with nostalgia, this production is an utter delight from start to finish.