Matilda The Musical (West End) London Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (544)
See it if Energy and skill of the performers
Don't see it if Vocals weren’t great at the back
See it if I went with my kids and they absolutely loved it. We were sat on upper tier right at the back row and it was still a good view
Don't see it if Don’t book upper tier row A and B visibility is very poor
See it if It's your first show. Easy to watch. Good fun and tremendously entertaining and engaging. Something for everyone.
Don't see it if If you want something more in depth or mentally stimulating.
See it if It’s for all ages
Don't see it if Not nice to children Read more
See it if You like to watch unbelievable talent, amazing voices and a little bit of comedy. A show for all ages.
Don't see it if You don’t like musicals, there is some scenes of flashing lights and loud bangs.
See it if You want to see a show that is classic yet playful and is child friendly.
Don't see it if You are sensitive to lights as some part of the show showcases strong lighting effects
See it if It was magical for the kids, it was my kids first time at the theatre (ages 11 and 7) they absolutely loved every second
Don't see it if You are boring
See it if you want to experience an amazingly-staged play for the whole family, featuring the most talented child actors & singers in the West End
Don't see it if you are seeking a deep, thought-provoking play, rather than a fun, lighthearted experience aimed primarily at younger audiences
Critic Reviews (9)
"Warchus’ peerless production...is spectacularly staged. It feels both intimate and larger-than-life as we see the world through the unique prism of the older-than-her-years Matilda, a voracious reader and loner who is neglected by her parents...The expertly drilled cast of youngsters playing Matilda’s friends are playful and bring an infectious sense of fun and jeopardy to a show that is full of both qualities."
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"As for the children, they are irresistible, stomping and skipping through Peter Darling's angular choreography, thrilling young audiences and push-pulling grown-ups from tears to gasps to laughter with such relentless energy that it leaves you breathless, exhilarated and marvelling at the many ways in which Minchin, Kelly, and Dahl demonstrate that growing up is a lifelong endeavour. For kids, yes, but also for the children that we all remain at heart, this is wise, wicked, glorious fun."
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"Writer Dennis Kelly and composer and lyricist Tim Minchin go to the top of the class with this anarchically joyous, gleefully nasty and ingenious musical adaptation...It captures all the original's delicious nastiness...but it also celebrates the solace of books and the transforming powers of the imagination...The production has a razor-sharp tongue-in-cheek edge...Seldom has the inner rage of the hurt and powerless child been so effectively dramatised."
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"At the heart of this satisfyingly fresh adaptation of a cherished Roald Dahl story are Australian comedian Tim Minchin's music and lyrics, which ooze humour without veering towards smugness...This is true family entertainment. Children will enjoy its blissful mix of fantasy and irreverence and adults will savour it for these same reasons as well as a host of different ones. This generous, big-hearted piece is already being spoken of as one of the best new British musicals in years."
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"The creative team behind this RSC musical (first seen in Stratford last year) pitches the tone beautifully. They catch Dahl’s peppery, mischievous, dark imagination and tell his story of the gifted Matilda, her ghastly parents and her wicked headmistress with real zest. They create a show that appeals to children with its monsters and mess, and to adults with its message that reading is cool...On transfer, it has become overly shrill in places...But it’s still dark, daring and a lot of fun."
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"It is the best new British musical since 'Billy Elliot'...Dennis Kelly, who has adapted Roald Dahl’s famous story for the stage, has previously been responsible for some of the most violent and depressing plays I have ever endured. Here, in a spectacular transformation, he has discovered joy, humour and tenderness, and his script actually improves and deepens Dahl’s original...Matthew Warchus’s thrilling, warm-hearted production...constantly combines comedy with a sense of wonder."
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So, I would not go quite as far as my neighbour in describing it as 'brilliant', but Matilda the Musical is nevertheless hugely enjoyable and cracking Christmas fun.
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How they get such performances from such youngsters is the RSC’s own miracle. Mind you, they’ve got form on their side: Les Misérables anyone? Matilda might just have similar legs.
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