Matilda (musical)
Encyclopedia
Matilda is a musical written by Dennis Kelly
with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
. It is based on the children's novel of the same name
by Roald Dahl
. The musical was performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company
starting in December 2010 and running through January 2011. It received its West End premier in October 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre
.
, orchestrations and music supervision by Chris Nightingale, Set design by Rob Howell and illusions and special effects by Paul Kieve.
The musical opened at the Courtyard Theatre
in Stratford-upon-Avon
, England on December 9, 2010, following previews from November 9. The choreographer is Peter Darling
, with Paul Kaye
as Matilda’s father, Mr. Wormwood; 3 young actresses alternate as Matilda: Adrianna Bertola (age 11), Josie Griffiths (age 10) and Kerry Ingram (age 11). The show ended its run on January 30, 2011.
It was announced in May 2011 that the musical would receive its West End
debut at the Cambridge Theatre
. The show was originally scheduled to begin performances on the 18th of October however due to structural and installation work at the theater start of performances was delayed until 25 October 2011 subsequently pushing back opening night from 22 November until 24 November.
In October 2011, it won best musical production and best actor (Bertie Carvel) in the Theatre Awards UK. , and in November 2011 it won the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical as part of The Evening Standard Awards.
It opened in London to more positive reviews and ecstatic reviews. http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2011/nov/25/matilda-review http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/london-shows/8913998/Matilda-Cambridge-Theatre-review.html
Five years later Matilda lives an unhappy existence with Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood and her older, gormless brother Michael. Matilda can already read, going through several books a week. The Wormwoods are oblivious to Matilda's gift, frequently mocking and verbally abusing her. Matilda realises that sometimes, to make things right, you have to be a little bit "Naughty"; so she swaps her father's hair oil for her mother's hydrogen peroxide, leaving Mr. Wormwood with bright green hair.
The next day is Matilda's first day at school ("The School Song"). Her teacher, Miss Honey, is immediately impressed by Matilda's precociousness and ability, so she resolves to recommend that Matilda is moved to the top class with the older children ("Pathetic"). However, the headmistress Miss Trunchbull dismisses Miss Honey's suggestion and lectures her on the importance of adhering strictly to "The Rules" ("The Hammer").
Back at the Wormwood household, Mr. Wormwood is frustrated and takes his frustration out on Matilda. He destroys one of her library books, prompting her to put superglue around the rim of his hat ("Naughty (Reprise)").
At school, Matilda learns about Miss Trunchbull's cruel punishments, including Chokey, a tiny, dank cupboard with broken glass and nails in the walls and floor that she locks naughty children in for hours on end ("The Chokey Chant"). Meanwhile, Miss Honey decides to pay the Wormwoods a visit to express her recommendation that Matilda be put in an advanced class. Mrs. Wormwood only mocks Miss Honey's interest in books and intellect ("Loud"). Alone outside the Wormwood household, Miss Honey is desperate to help Matilda ("This Little Girl").
At school, Bruce Bogtrotter, a boy in Matilda's class, has stolen a slice of Miss Trunchbull's personal chocolate cake. When she discovers this, she decides to punish Bruce by forcing him to eat an entire cake all by himself in front of the class, who bravely support him ("Bruce"). After Bruce has finished the cake, the class celebrates his success but Miss Trunchbull drags Bruce away for the second part of his punishment: Chokey.
After the "Entr'acte," the children sing about their future, Miss Honey laments and Matilda resolves to put an end to Miss Trunchbull's cruelty ("When I Grow Up"). Lavender, a girl in Matilda's class, confides in the audience that, after being given the job of preparing Miss Trunchbull's jug of water, she found a newt and put it in the jug.
The next day, Miss Trunchbull forces Miss Honey's class to participate in a grueling physical education lesson ("The Smell of Rebellion"). When she goes to drink from her water jug, she discovers the newt inside and immediately accuses the first child she lays eyes on. Matilda stands up and tells Miss Trunchbull off for being a bully. Trunchbull launches into a tirade of abuse against Matilda, but Matilda retreats in her mind to a place where everything is "Quiet" and discovers she has the ability to move objects with her mind. With her newfound ability, she tips over the Trunchbull's water jug, soaking her in water and newt. Later on, Matilda demonstrates her powers to Miss Honey. Taken aback, Miss Honey invites Matilda back to her house for a cup of tea and a conversation.
Miss Honey's house turns out to be nothing more than an old farm shed. Matilda discovers that Miss Honey has been forced to live in abject poverty by her cruel and abusive aunt, who looked after her as a child when her parents died. When Miss Honey first got her job as a teacher, the aunt produced a bill of every meal and drink Miss Honey had ever had as a child, as well as any other conceivable expense, and forced Miss Honey to sign a contract binding her to pay it all back. Despite all this, Miss Honey manages to find a simple beauty in her meagre living conditions ("My House").
Miss Trunchbull, at her cruellest, has built many, many more Chokeys and forces the children to participate in a spelling test; anyone who fails to spell a word properly is sent to a Chokey. As she discovers the children have been taught well by Miss Honey, Trunchbull begins to invent words to force the children into Chokey. But Matilda uses her powers to make a piece of chalk write on the blackboard and make Miss Trunchbull believe that it is the ghost of Miss Honey's father demanding that Miss Trunchbull give his daughter her inheritance and the family home and run away. This causes her to run from the school screaming, and the children celebrate their new found anarchic freedom ("Revolting Children").
The show ends with Matilda being allowed to live in happiness with Miss Honey.
Act Two
The Original Cast recording became available in October 2011 as both a CD and Digital Download.
The stage version of Roald Dahl's classic has been hailed by one critic, writing for The Daily Telegraph
as "the best British musical since Billy Elliot
".
"A quarter of a century ago, the RSC co-produced Les Miserables, which has turned into the West End’s longest-ever running musical and a worldwide hit. Now, via an unfortunate detour with Carrie, one of the most notorious Broadway flops when they transferred it from Stratford to New York, they’ve finally hit the musical jackpot again" - The Stage
"In short, Matilda is a brilliant piece of musical theatre that caters to adults and children alike. In addition, this particular production of the show is setting a benchmark for what I hope is the start of many successful productions in much larger towns and cities than Stratford-upon-Avon" - Lurkmorphy's Blog
“Tim Minchin’s music and lyrics sparkle with wit and energy, demonstrating a touch of genius to rival that of the eponymous Matilda. Complemented by Dennis Kelly’s book, they make up a piece which is by turns riotously funny and gut-wrenchingly poignant …, all brought vividly to life by Matthew Warchus’ masterful direction.” - Whatsonstage
“Dennis Kelly’s adaptation grips from the start… Jokes and numbers come thick and fast…Tim Minchin’s lyrics, to his own music, are so good that the temptation to write them down could, at any point, make you miss some extraordinary sight.” - The TImes
“The Royal Shakespeare Company has struck gold with this wildly entertaining musical… Dennis Kelly’s clever adaptation and the witty, intricate songs by Aussie comic Tim Minchin create a new, improved version of Dahl’s story” - The Independent.
“In this lovingly created show, Matilda’s magic positively sparkles. There’s a cleverness in the writing which ensures that, while it appeals to children, there is plenty for adults to savour…it’s blissfully funny…There’s a playfulness throughout that proves intoxicating.” - Evening Standard
Dennis Kelly
Dennis Kelly is a London-based writer for both the theatre and television. Oberon plays have published a volume of Dennis Kelly Plays; Debris, After the End, Osama the Hero and Love and Money...
with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
Tim Minchin
Timothy David "Tim" Minchin is a British-Australian comedian, actor, and musician.Tim Minchin is best known for his musical comedy, which has featured in six CDs, three DVDs and a number of live comedy shows which he has performed internationally. He has also appeared on television in Australia,...
. It is based on the children's novel of the same name
Matilda (novel)
Matilda is a children's novel by British author Roald Dahl. It was published in 1988 by Jonathan Cape in London, with illustrations by Quentin Blake. The story is about Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinary child with ordinary and rather unpleasant parents, who are contemptuous of their daughter's...
by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short story writer, fighter pilot and screenwriter.Born in Wales to Norwegian parents, he served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, in which he became a flying ace and intelligence agent, rising to the rank of Wing Commander...
. The musical was performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company
Royal Shakespeare Company
The Royal Shakespeare Company is a major British theatre company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The company employs 700 staff and produces around 20 productions a year from its home in Stratford-upon-Avon and plays regularly in London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and on tour across...
starting in December 2010 and running through January 2011. It received its West End premier in October 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre
Cambridge Theatre
The Cambridge Theatre is a West End theatre, on a corner site in Earlham Street facing Seven Dials, in the London Borough of Camden, built in 1929-30. It was designed by Wimperis, Simpson and Guthrie; interior partly by Serge Chermayeff, with interior bronze friezes by sculptor Anthony Gibbons...
.
Production
The Royal Shakespeare Company announced in September 2009 that it was to stage a musical version of the novel Matilda, naming the writer Dennis Kelly as playwright, with direction by Matthew WarchusMatthew Warchus
-Life:Warchus studied music and drama at Bristol University. He has directed for the National Youth Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre, Opera North, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Welsh National Opera, English National Opera and in the West...
, orchestrations and music supervision by Chris Nightingale, Set design by Rob Howell and illusions and special effects by Paul Kieve.
The musical opened at the Courtyard Theatre
Courtyard Theatre
The Courtyard Theatre is a temporary 1,048 seat thrust stage theatre building in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Designed by Ian Ritchie Architects and built in 11 months, it opened in August 2006 to host performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company while its Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres...
in Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town and civil parish in south Warwickshire, England. It lies on the River Avon, south east of Birmingham and south west of Warwick. It is the largest and most populous town of the District of Stratford-on-Avon, which uses the term "on" to indicate that it covers...
, England on December 9, 2010, following previews from November 9. The choreographer is Peter Darling
Peter Darling
Peter Darling is an English dancer and choreographer best known for his award-winning work in Billy Elliot the Musical.-External links:...
, with Paul Kaye
Paul Kaye
Paul Kaye is an English comedian and actor. He achieved notoriety in 1995 portraying the character of Dennis Pennis, a shock interviewer on The Sunday Show...
as Matilda’s father, Mr. Wormwood; 3 young actresses alternate as Matilda: Adrianna Bertola (age 11), Josie Griffiths (age 10) and Kerry Ingram (age 11). The show ended its run on January 30, 2011.
It was announced in May 2011 that the musical would receive its West End
West End theatre
West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking...
debut at the Cambridge Theatre
Cambridge Theatre
The Cambridge Theatre is a West End theatre, on a corner site in Earlham Street facing Seven Dials, in the London Borough of Camden, built in 1929-30. It was designed by Wimperis, Simpson and Guthrie; interior partly by Serge Chermayeff, with interior bronze friezes by sculptor Anthony Gibbons...
. The show was originally scheduled to begin performances on the 18th of October however due to structural and installation work at the theater start of performances was delayed until 25 October 2011 subsequently pushing back opening night from 22 November until 24 November.
In October 2011, it won best musical production and best actor (Bertie Carvel) in the Theatre Awards UK. , and in November 2011 it won the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical as part of The Evening Standard Awards.
It opened in London to more positive reviews and ecstatic reviews. http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2011/nov/25/matilda-review http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/london-shows/8913998/Matilda-Cambridge-Theatre-review.html
Act One
As a chorus of children boast "My mummy says I'm a miracle", the ballroom-dancing obssessed T.V. addict Mrs. Wormwood gives birth to a baby girl called Matilda. Whilst the doctor professes Matilda the most beautiful child he has ever seen, Mrs. Wormwood is more worried about a dancing-contest she has missed and Mr. Wormwood dismisses the child as an "ugly little thing". ("Miracle")Five years later Matilda lives an unhappy existence with Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood and her older, gormless brother Michael. Matilda can already read, going through several books a week. The Wormwoods are oblivious to Matilda's gift, frequently mocking and verbally abusing her. Matilda realises that sometimes, to make things right, you have to be a little bit "Naughty"; so she swaps her father's hair oil for her mother's hydrogen peroxide, leaving Mr. Wormwood with bright green hair.
The next day is Matilda's first day at school ("The School Song"). Her teacher, Miss Honey, is immediately impressed by Matilda's precociousness and ability, so she resolves to recommend that Matilda is moved to the top class with the older children ("Pathetic"). However, the headmistress Miss Trunchbull dismisses Miss Honey's suggestion and lectures her on the importance of adhering strictly to "The Rules" ("The Hammer").
Back at the Wormwood household, Mr. Wormwood is frustrated and takes his frustration out on Matilda. He destroys one of her library books, prompting her to put superglue around the rim of his hat ("Naughty (Reprise)").
At school, Matilda learns about Miss Trunchbull's cruel punishments, including Chokey, a tiny, dank cupboard with broken glass and nails in the walls and floor that she locks naughty children in for hours on end ("The Chokey Chant"). Meanwhile, Miss Honey decides to pay the Wormwoods a visit to express her recommendation that Matilda be put in an advanced class. Mrs. Wormwood only mocks Miss Honey's interest in books and intellect ("Loud"). Alone outside the Wormwood household, Miss Honey is desperate to help Matilda ("This Little Girl").
At school, Bruce Bogtrotter, a boy in Matilda's class, has stolen a slice of Miss Trunchbull's personal chocolate cake. When she discovers this, she decides to punish Bruce by forcing him to eat an entire cake all by himself in front of the class, who bravely support him ("Bruce"). After Bruce has finished the cake, the class celebrates his success but Miss Trunchbull drags Bruce away for the second part of his punishment: Chokey.
Act Two
During the interval, Mr. Wormwood appears with a disclaimer, apologising for the show's rampant support for reading and warns children that if they do read they will go blind, become smelly and get verrucas (of the mind). He then introduces what he considers to be "the pinnacle of man's success": television ("All I Know I Learnt From Telly").After the "Entr'acte," the children sing about their future, Miss Honey laments and Matilda resolves to put an end to Miss Trunchbull's cruelty ("When I Grow Up"). Lavender, a girl in Matilda's class, confides in the audience that, after being given the job of preparing Miss Trunchbull's jug of water, she found a newt and put it in the jug.
The next day, Miss Trunchbull forces Miss Honey's class to participate in a grueling physical education lesson ("The Smell of Rebellion"). When she goes to drink from her water jug, she discovers the newt inside and immediately accuses the first child she lays eyes on. Matilda stands up and tells Miss Trunchbull off for being a bully. Trunchbull launches into a tirade of abuse against Matilda, but Matilda retreats in her mind to a place where everything is "Quiet" and discovers she has the ability to move objects with her mind. With her newfound ability, she tips over the Trunchbull's water jug, soaking her in water and newt. Later on, Matilda demonstrates her powers to Miss Honey. Taken aback, Miss Honey invites Matilda back to her house for a cup of tea and a conversation.
Miss Honey's house turns out to be nothing more than an old farm shed. Matilda discovers that Miss Honey has been forced to live in abject poverty by her cruel and abusive aunt, who looked after her as a child when her parents died. When Miss Honey first got her job as a teacher, the aunt produced a bill of every meal and drink Miss Honey had ever had as a child, as well as any other conceivable expense, and forced Miss Honey to sign a contract binding her to pay it all back. Despite all this, Miss Honey manages to find a simple beauty in her meagre living conditions ("My House").
Miss Trunchbull, at her cruellest, has built many, many more Chokeys and forces the children to participate in a spelling test; anyone who fails to spell a word properly is sent to a Chokey. As she discovers the children have been taught well by Miss Honey, Trunchbull begins to invent words to force the children into Chokey. But Matilda uses her powers to make a piece of chalk write on the blackboard and make Miss Trunchbull believe that it is the ghost of Miss Honey's father demanding that Miss Trunchbull give his daughter her inheritance and the family home and run away. This causes her to run from the school screaming, and the children celebrate their new found anarchic freedom ("Revolting Children").
The show ends with Matilda being allowed to live in happiness with Miss Honey.
Song list
Act One- Miracle - The Company
- Naughty - Matilda
- School Song - Children and Company
- Pathetic - Miss Honey
- The Hammer - Miss Trunchbull
- The Chokey Chant - The Company
- Loud - Mrs Wormwood, Rudolpho
- This Little Girl - Miss Honey
- Bruce - Children
Act Two
- When I Grow Up - Children, Miss Honey, Matilda
- I'm Here - Escapologist, Matilda
- The Smell of Rebellion - Miss Trunchbull and Children
- Quiet - Matilda
- My House - Miss Honey
- Revolting Children - Children
- When I Grow Up (Reprise) - Children and Company
The Original Cast recording became available in October 2011 as both a CD and Digital Download.
Reception
The 2010 RSC Stratford production received almost unanimous rave reviews from the National press and online blogs.The stage version of Roald Dahl's classic has been hailed by one critic, writing for The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
as "the best British musical since Billy Elliot
Billy Elliot the Musical
Billy Elliot the Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot. The music is by Sir Elton John, and book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screenplay. The plot revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes...
".
"A quarter of a century ago, the RSC co-produced Les Miserables, which has turned into the West End’s longest-ever running musical and a worldwide hit. Now, via an unfortunate detour with Carrie, one of the most notorious Broadway flops when they transferred it from Stratford to New York, they’ve finally hit the musical jackpot again" - The Stage
"In short, Matilda is a brilliant piece of musical theatre that caters to adults and children alike. In addition, this particular production of the show is setting a benchmark for what I hope is the start of many successful productions in much larger towns and cities than Stratford-upon-Avon" - Lurkmorphy's Blog
“Tim Minchin’s music and lyrics sparkle with wit and energy, demonstrating a touch of genius to rival that of the eponymous Matilda. Complemented by Dennis Kelly’s book, they make up a piece which is by turns riotously funny and gut-wrenchingly poignant …, all brought vividly to life by Matthew Warchus’ masterful direction.” - Whatsonstage
“Dennis Kelly’s adaptation grips from the start… Jokes and numbers come thick and fast…Tim Minchin’s lyrics, to his own music, are so good that the temptation to write them down could, at any point, make you miss some extraordinary sight.” - The TImes
“The Royal Shakespeare Company has struck gold with this wildly entertaining musical… Dennis Kelly’s clever adaptation and the witty, intricate songs by Aussie comic Tim Minchin create a new, improved version of Dahl’s story” - The Independent.
“In this lovingly created show, Matilda’s magic positively sparkles. There’s a cleverness in the writing which ensures that, while it appeals to children, there is plenty for adults to savour…it’s blissfully funny…There’s a playfulness throughout that proves intoxicating.” - Evening Standard
External links
- Official website
- Discussion Thread at Musicals.net