The award-winning MATILDA THE MUSICAL, has returned to thrill audiences in Red Dot Island. Base Entertainment Asia and GWB Entertainment in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company have brought the lively production back to Sands Theatre from now to 7 April 2024. The first time the hit musical was in town was over five years ago in 2019.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL, created by playright Dennis Kelly and composer Tim Minchin, is adapted from Roald Dahl's beloved children's book about an extraordinary girl courage and resilience. The production first opened at London's West End over a decade ago, and yet, it still continues to inspire audiences all over the world. The musical has since won over 101 awards, including 24 for Best Musical. Recently, the musical was also adapted into a full-length movie, which is still available to watch on streaming via Netflix.
GWB Entertainment Executive Producer, Paul Warwick Grin says: “This exceptional musical continues to win hearts and minds of audiences all around the world and remains one of the brightest lights on London’s West End. We are delighted to be bringing Matilda The Musical back to the excellent Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands”.
For the international tour, the main character Matilda is performed by three performers Yolani Balfour, Donna Craig, Myla Williams, whilst Daniel Abrahams, Jayden Seder, Erich Jordaan and Gideon van Biljon act as Bruce and Eric. The other primary cast includes Kaye (Michael Wormwood/Tommy), Matthew Rowland (Mr Wormwood), Gina Beck (Miss Honey), Emily Squibb (Mrs Wormwood), Lucy Warway (Lavender) and James Wolstenholme (Miss Trunchbull.
Red Dot Diva was invited for the media premiere and found the musical to be an immersive and enjoyable experience. Even though the story went into rather dark places, it never strayed too far away from the notion of hope and the idea of fighting for the common good. There were also a number of funny scenes interspersed along the way to make the story less intense, like the salsa dance number by Mrs Wormwood and her vain and “very supple” ballroom dancing partner Rodolpho, as well as when the cartoony Bulgarian mobsters who barged into the Wormwood household. The latter segment had Red Dot Diva almost rolling on the floor, in stitches.
The impressive set made the story come alive on stage (there were swings!), and the live band added to the atmosphere, especially the bassoon player's notes during Miss Trunchbull's more menacing scenes. Red Dot Diva thought the ensemble cast was terrific. The child performers showed off their innate mischievousness, and their exhuberance were infectious in group performances like “The School Song” and the iconic “Revolting Children”.
But in Red Dot Diva's opinion, it was Miss Trunchbull the cruel headmistress of Crunchem Hall, played by James Wolstenholme who stole the show. He portrayed the unpleasant, larger than life character as both funny and scary at the same time, and that is not an easy thing to do. The other standout performance was the young actor playing Bruce, who seemed to be having a lot of fun on stage. Red Dot Diva wished that the actor performing as Matilda on media preview night was more expressive, however, she cannot fault the young actor's crisp diction. It was to die for.
The story about Matilda and her love for books was something close to Red Dot Diva's heart. Red Dot Diva was a bookworm when she was Matilda's age, and being the typical Gen X-er, was also left to her own imagination most of the time. Luckily for Red Dot Diva, she did not have uncaring parents. Neither was her school ruled by a tyrannical headmistress. Phew!
The production ends at 7 April 2024, so if you want to watch the show, go grab your tickets here!
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Thank you, Base Entertainment Asia for the invite.
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