Matilda the Musical
Cambridge Theatre
SHOW TIMES
Opened: 25 Oct 2011 Booking from: 25 Jul 2017
Booking until: 27 May 2018
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
457 MEMBER REVIEWS
Add a review >- jameshawkins 5 reviews 2 helpful votesMatilda the Musical, 13th August 2014The reviews for this show have been amazing, and I had wanted to see it since it opened in Stratford. My sister and I brought our tickets a year in advance, and had both been so excited to see this show. On leaving the theatre, we both agreed that it was completely underwhelming and that it was not worth the wait or money. I think if you have children with you, then it is perfect. It's all quite panto, and there was nothing in it that gripped my attention/that I related to. There wasn't anyone in the adult cast that really stuck out for being great (in my opinion). I know that a lot of the actors in it are VERY talented (from their previous work), and I thought it was a shame that this show didn't showcase what they can really do. The children on the other hand are quite amazing, I was really impressed with what they were doing. Although I though the direction in some scenes led them to be a little overly sickly/irritating. I understand that this is the point in some of the scenes, but I thought it was a bit too much. Miss Honey's character is completely 2D, and although I felt like they had tried to pad her out a bit, she was like a complete wet fish. I'm still unsure as to whether this was down to the actress I saw play her, or how she was written. I really like the film, but the musical is quite different... Not necessarily in a bad way though. The songs are all okay, some are quite clever, but I thought that all in all they were a bit Vanilla. The opening was strong, but other than that there wasn't any 'wow' moments. The set was really good, I liked how bright and colourful it was. The story went on for a bit too long in my opinion, and I also thought that some scenes were completely un-needed, namely most of the Escapologist's scenes in act 2. I would not see this show again, and I would not recommend anyone to see it.Sat in Stalls N17The view was really great. Completely central, with an uninterrupted view. We were far away enough to take everything in, but still close enough to see the actor's/actor's facial expressions clearly.
View from Stalls N17 - laurenbyrne-fraser 3 reviews 0 helpful votesMatilda the Musical, 11th June 2016Roald Dahl’s timeless story of everyone’s favourite bookworm burst into the West End in 2011 and continues to wow audiences both in London and across the globe. Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin have successfully transposed the characters from page to stage with consideration and respect to Dahl’s original book whilst injecting it with a score of songs that you’ll be humming for weeks. The complex sets were effortlessly interchanged and helped land the audience right in the room with Matilda as she struggled to see eye to eye with her materialistic parents and her devilish new head teacher. Yet the respectful script, endearing songs and sublime stage production takes a back row seat when compared with the phenomenal talent of the cast. There wasn’t a single moment where one of the children missed a cue, stammered a line or dropped out of character for even a second. I know this is the West End and professionalism is everything but most of those kids are under 12. At times it’s easy to forget their acting. As for Matilda herself, to be able to act, sing and dance that well for a whole show is just remarkable. Her timing and stage presence was as good as other critically acclaimed performers that are twenty years older than her. The standing audience at the end of the show clapped and cheered, all whilst shaking their heads as they wondered how someone so young can be so talented. It’s not right!Sat in Dress Circle D10I had a great view of the set!
View from Dress Circle D10 - jennagrimwade 1 review 0 helpful votes
- seatplan1234567 165cm 2 reviews 0 helpful votesMatilda the Musical, 24th July 2016What else can I say about the show? Simply impressive! The colourful magical set attracted my eyes the first time I entered the theatre and it is still the most amazing thing I've seen. The plot itself has more fancy and complicated bits been added, and the story within the show exposes a big secret at the end and it was rather scary and unexpected to me when I first saw it. The kids are all so talented and professional, really don't seem like bunch of 10-year-olds! Perfect show for a family theatre trip.Sat in Upper Circle A23This seat is right next to the central block of front row which was sold out at the time I booked them (three months before the show) but A23 was still good if you are looking for a wholly view of the stage at a good price, at the same time you don't want to be sitting too far back so the facials are not lost. You actually feel that you are very close too. Personally believe front row Upper Circle seats are even better than front row Dress Circle seats (regardless of the price difference) as you would miss out the impressive lighting effects at Matilda, at least two or three times in Dress Circle. Con: You won't get confetti in Upper Circle, it only reaches to Stalls and front of Dress Circle; the seat is slightly askew but you get attracted to the show and forget about it :) Recommendations: would highly recommend central front row Upper Circle for anyone who have not yet seen the show; book for shows during weekdays for a cheaper price; avoid booking central seats in the first few rows if you can't get front row ones because people in front of you may need to lean forward, they will block you if you are not tall (like me) or if you are a small kid.
View from Upper Circle A23
MATILDA THE MUSICAL SEATING PLAN
To experience the truly breath taking magic of the Matilda set, we would recommend sitting towards the front of the Stalls where some of the very best tickets can be found. Those sitting close to the central aisle may be in for a treat too!
STORY
Adapted from Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel of the same name, the story of Matilda has been transformed into a widely praised stage musical filled with all the imagination one would expect from the story’s title character, becoming one of the hottest tickets in town.
Following a highly successful run at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon between December 2010 and January 2011, the Royal Shakespeare Company transferred their band new production of Matilda to the Cambridge Theatre. The show has remained at the venue since it began previews in October 2011 and, having won a record breaking number of Laurence Olivier Awards, remains one of the hottest tickets in the West End.
Like the book, the stage version of Matilda focuses on the title character, her creative mind and her special abilities. Unfortunately for Matilda, she is somewhat of an outsider in her family, who are self-obsessed con artists. Failing to get the parental love, support and attention she needs, Matilda lives a somewhat lonely early life. That is until she starts school and meets her friendly and understanding teacher, Miss Honey, who sees Matilda for the gifted child she truly is.
Unfortunately, school isn’t even the safe haven that Matilda thought it might be due to her dictator like headmistress, Miss Trunchball, who believes “children are worms” and should be punished should they fall out of line. Can Matilda and her friends overthrow the matriarch and make school the happy place it should be?
One of the most striking elements to the show is Rob Howell’s set design, that spills into the audience and manages to captures ones imagination throughout the entire performance.
Matilda features an inspiring original score by comedian and performer, Tim Minchin. Songs such as “When I Grow Up,” “Naughty” and “Revolting Children” are particularly stand out, as is the shows accompanying choreography, imaginatively created by Peter Darling.
Following a highly successful run at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon between December 2010 and January 2011, the Royal Shakespeare Company transferred their band new production of Matilda to the Cambridge Theatre. The show has remained at the venue since it began previews in October 2011 and, having won a record breaking number of Laurence Olivier Awards, remains one of the hottest tickets in the West End.
Like the book, the stage version of Matilda focuses on the title character, her creative mind and her special abilities. Unfortunately for Matilda, she is somewhat of an outsider in her family, who are self-obsessed con artists. Failing to get the parental love, support and attention she needs, Matilda lives a somewhat lonely early life. That is until she starts school and meets her friendly and understanding teacher, Miss Honey, who sees Matilda for the gifted child she truly is.
Unfortunately, school isn’t even the safe haven that Matilda thought it might be due to her dictator like headmistress, Miss Trunchball, who believes “children are worms” and should be punished should they fall out of line. Can Matilda and her friends overthrow the matriarch and make school the happy place it should be?
One of the most striking elements to the show is Rob Howell’s set design, that spills into the audience and manages to captures ones imagination throughout the entire performance.
Matilda features an inspiring original score by comedian and performer, Tim Minchin. Songs such as “When I Grow Up,” “Naughty” and “Revolting Children” are particularly stand out, as is the shows accompanying choreography, imaginatively created by Peter Darling.
SUITABLE FOR
Matilda is widely praised as one of the best shows currently running in the West End and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Fans of productions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Lion King and Hetty Feather will love this show and should definitely get tickets.
Please note that children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Age Recommendations: Recommended for children 6+
Please note that children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Age Recommendations: Recommended for children 6+
PHOTOS AND VIDEO
