Matilda The Musical | Bristol Hippodrome

Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty, and I was super naughty on Tuesday night, staying out way past my bedtime to see the multi award winning ‘Matilda The Musical’ at Bristol Hippodrome. What a maggot!

I was hooked from the opening birthday party number and was genuinely taken aback at how incredibly talented the kids were. A special mention must go to Sophie Woolhouse, who played the titular bookworm on the night I saw the show. She felt so perfect for the role, I was left wondering how the other three children who all take turns in playing Matilda could be anywhere near as glorious as she was. I also have to give a shout out to Matthew Caputo, who plays Matilda’s TV loving brother Michael. If you’ve seen the show you will know he doesn’t have a huge amount to say, but I think I laughed every time he piped up.

A teeny tiny criticism was that I did find the 1st half a little long, which was a shame as it meant that I was a tad uncomfortable watching one of the scenes that I’d been most excited about watching. However, the endlessly creative staging more than made up for it. I particularly enjoyed the use of the swings (seen above) during ‘When I Grow Up’. I may have had a little (not so little) lump in my throat as this point. Actually, at several point. I didn’t realise it would be so emotional!

If you’re not already swayed to rush out and see this, this should do the trick. Tim Minchin’s score is almost worth the cost of admission alone, his marvellous melodies adding genuine tenderness to the more emotional scenes. But fear not, jazz hand fans, there are plenty of uptempo numbers to bring house down, particularly the oh so clever songs like ‘School Song’ and ‘Revolting’. Fans of the book, you will not be disappointed. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Vx

*I was kindly invited to see Matilda in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own.

*I reeeally like musicals.