“But that’s not right!” shouts the tiny heroine of Matilda The Musical. Matilda, a four-foot-tall protagonist, struggles against the injustice inflicted on her and her friends by cruel and selfish adults in her life.
Her parents are emotionally abusive, neglectful and unethical, while the principal at her new school is a cold tyrant. Although the premise of the plot may sound bleak, Matilda’s world is also full of colour, friendship, and warmth. A caring teacher, a kind librarian, and wonderful classmates eventually empower her to take collective action against injustice.
Matilda The Musical, based on the 1988 novel by Roald Dahl, is a beautiful and bright reminder of the agency we all have to affect change and positively impact the people around us.
The dramatic storyline is played out on a stage with gorgeous sets. Each environment is designed in a way that the protagonist might view it in her own head. The living room in Matilda’s home is full of loud, clashing colours, mirroring her parents’ chaotic and disorganised lifestyles. The library is full of shelves that reach from the ceiling to the floor, evoking that childlike sense of wonder that Matilda seems to experience when she reads. The sets immerse audiences into Matilda’s world.
The choreography by Peter Darling makes great use of the sets as well. The Alphabet Song is a particularly impressive number, with well-timed choreography centred on a towering gate. As we enter into the school setting, the classroom becomes extremely important and poignant. Tables and chairs are fully incorporated as props, while the songs and choreography allows audience members to stay immersed in the classroom environment.
Yolani Balfour, the actress who played Matilda on gala night in Singapore, pulls the audience into Matilda’s world with her fantastic vocals and stage presence. Balfour’s rendition of “Quiet” is incredibly moving; her voice rings clear across the theatre, and even at such a young age, she is able to channel Matilda’s quiet confidence throughout the song.
Gina Beck plays the kind teacher Miss Honey, and does a wonderful job portraying the tenderness she feels towards Matilda in “This Little Girl”. More scenes between Matilda and Miss Honey might have been useful to transmit the strength of their relationship to the audience, but both are able to use the scenes they were given to the fullest.
In fact, Matilda seems to have more scenes with her parents, Mr and Mrs Wormwood, played by Matthew Rowland and Emily Squibb. The duo have the kind of onstage chemistry that takes over a scene and grabs you. Their comedic timing is impeccable; Rowland’s Mr Wormwood is suitably ridiculous and Squibb’s Mrs Wormwood is so self-absorbed that it is amusing and infuriating at the same time.
In contrast to the more comedic villainous roles, Miss Trunchbull’s narrative is more serious and dark, and her villainy is the most jarring during scenes with Miss Honey.
James Wolstenholme’s terrifying portrayal of Miss Trunchbull could have made scenes at school feel overwhelmingly gloomy; however, the young actors who play Matilda’s classmates injects such life into the school scenes that it is impossible not to enjoy them.
Matilda’s best friend Lavender, as portrayed by Lucy Warway, feels like a breath of fresh air. Warway is extremely eye-catching during ensemble pieces, which is a feat since all ensemble members executed the items with bursting energy and clean precision.
Ashton Robertson as Bruce is also a standout. Lovable, hilarious and adorable, his performance in “Revolting Children” is especially moving – one can feel the palpable energy radiating from him as he stands on a table surrounded by his friends, belting his heart out and singing about rebellion. Robertson seems extremely comfortable in his role and it is very enjoyable to watch. In fact, this is one number that is filled with so much joy and pride that it would stick with audience members as they leave the theatre soon after.
Watching these young actors come together to celebrate the power of children in a world controlled by adults is the highlight of the evening. The musical reminds us to be intentional with the way you live your life. If Matilda and her classmates, small as they may be, can make a difference in the world, so can you.
Matilda The Musical is playing at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands till Apr 7. Ticket prices start from $68, and are available at Marina Bay Sands, Sistic and Klook.
All photos courtesy of Hanan Assor.
Text by Beverly Anne Devakishen
