Just over 12 years since the original came out in 2010, Matilda the Musical is going strong, entertaining millions. While the Netflix version is yet to be released, its theatrical performance live at the West End remains iconic and nostalgic.

As it is a musical, the audience were introduced with a song entitled ‘Miracle’, already fun, bright and interactive, with Lavender running through the aisle during the song. Matilda then arrived on the stage as an intelligent, witty, bookworm who doesn’t really get on well with her family. Her love for books and stories was interesting as she unknowingly told the story of Ms Honey, her teacher, to the librarian which unfolded the dark past of Honey throughout the play.

Matilda the Musical was a spectacular eye-catching performance that had lots of song and dance numbers such as ‘Naughty’, ‘School Song’ and ‘When I Grow Up’. It was joyful and had lots of jokes that made the audience laugh. The audience was even shocked with the iconic and most memorable Trunchbull hammer throw of Amanda Thripp by her pigtails! Viewers could feel as if they were a part of the show as there was confetti and paper aeroplanes thrown in the audience; performers also encouraged the audience to clap along during the final song.

Production has done an amazing job with the set design, the stage was covered in wooden cubes with letters from the alphabet and neon lights. Most definitely establishing an institution environment. The set was very detailed, it included scenes of the Wormwood home, the school and the library. The transitions between each scene was smooth, almost unnoticeable as the cast worked together to swiftly recreate a setting with props as well as automatic walls.

Overall, Matilda the Musical was an enjoyable performance for both older and younger audiences by reminding them of their own childhood for the adults and creates a new memory for the children. It ended with Matilda’s iconic ‘superhero’ pose as a very memorable show for many viewers.