By Madison O’Riordan
After stellar seasons on both The West End and Broadway, Matlida the Musical makes its way to Melbourne following its immense success in Sydney.
With a run spanning over five years and an impressive collection of international and Australian theatre awards, Matilda is now showing at the iconic Princess Theatre, and after its premiere on the 17th of this month, has already been received with a string of sold out performances.
The musical is based on the iconic children’s novel of the same name. Written by Roald Dahl and first published in 1988, the story follows Matlida, a precocious 5 year old girl whose giant intellect soon becomes the source of her power as she attempts to handle the many rotten adults she encounters within her life.
The music and lyrics to the show were penned by none other than renowned comedian and musician Tim Minchin, who attended the press call recently for the Melbourne leg of the tour.
Minchin aptly described the show as ‘A musical that doesn’t suck’. He give a wry warning to parents that their children may be ‘chaotic on the car ride home’ as the musical is one that will speak to the kids and will see them leaving ‘hopefully empowered’.
He (Minchin) goes on to discuss how impressed he is with the children in the cast, including the four main actresses that will be playing the role of Matilda in the Melbourne performances; Dusty Bursill, Tiana Mirra, Alannah Parfett and Ingrid Torelli. ’People back home (in the UK) don’t have to worry about the talent here in Australia…The talent here is absolutely world class’.
Aside from the spellbinding dance numbers, impossibly intricate lyrics and breathtaking sets, the universal message of Matlida the Musical will shine through for audience members of all ages; Even if you’re little, you can do a lot…and sometimes you have to be a little be naughty.
Matlida the Musical season is currently showing at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre.
Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
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