Reviewed by Helen Noble
Absolutely outstanding performance!
Roald Dahl’s classic book, Matilda, has been adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly with original songs by Tim Minchin. Seen by over 7 million people worldwide and winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical. Matilda The Musical comes to the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford!
The story is of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Matilda is a brilliant bright child, unloved by her parents who are constantly glued to the TV and who think that reading books is weird. She is sent to school at Crunchum Hall with the scary, horrible Head Mistress Miss Trunchbull, an ex-hammer throwing bully who has been known to hurl children. Remember the girl with the pig tails? Who would have thought it could be done live on stage!
The cast: Elliot Harper as Miss Trunchball, Sebastien Torkia as Mr Wormwood, Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood, and Carly Thoms as Miss Honey. The role of Matilda is played by Nicola Turner.
The stage is set up of an array of books, wooden lettering and lights, the interchanging scenery is smoothly done, in fact at times I never even noticed.
Whilst Miss Trunchbull, Mr & Mrs Wormwood had the audience in tears of laughter, Matilda’s live storytelling nearly had us literally in tears.
The production is an array of amazing singing, acting, dancing and acrobatics all of which is absolutely spectacular, with a mix of funny and fierce, sweet and scary, revolting and rejoicing. Background music & sounds, the live band, lighting and the special effects of confetti really added to this astounding production.
The whole cast were sensational but a special mention to Nicola Turner as Matilda, what a magnificent all-round performance! from her script, acting, dancing and her immense singing.
An evening of fun, laughter and entertainment from start to finish.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the show, it was a spectacular performance and we would highly recommend it!
The Alhambra is a traditional theatre, the main theatre building is modern with bright lights which not only look fabulous but makes the building easy to find. You are welcomed by friendly smiling staff, who are more than happy to help in whatever way they can. Bag searches were carried out on entry into the main foyer. On the ground floor there is a ticket kiosk and a kiosk for purchasing soft drinks and sweets. On the first floor there is an impressive bar/cafe area, also a merchandise kiosk selling production memorabilia. The venue has disabled parking onsite to the left of the buildings entrance it says no entry but there is a buzzer system to allow entry. There are plenty of carparks within a couple of minutes walking distance from the venue, one on Sharpe Street which is just up the hill from the Alhambra. If using an NCP car park if you inform the ticket office on arrival and they give you an additional parking ticket to enable a discount on your parking fee.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £21.50 to £69 (booking fees may apply).
Matilda the Musical is at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford from 19 February to 23 March 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or call the box office on 01274 432000.
Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ | 01274 432000
