Rating: *****Matilda Wormwood is an unhappy girl. Born into a family who don’t want her, she loses herself in books – ignoring the telly the rest of the Wormwoods are glued to. When she starts school she is placed in the class taught by the charming Miss Honey (Lauren Ward). However, despite spotting Matilda’s immense knowledge and wanting to help her excel, she is thwarted by the despotic and cruel Miss Trunchbull (Bertie Carvel). As Miss Trunchbull’s vicious grip tightens around the children, and Matilda becomes more isolated at home, what genuine gift does she possess that can make all that is wrong right again?Roald Dahl’s classic tale comes to life on stage with music by comedian Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly. As soon as you walk into the auditorium you are greeted by Rob Howell’s fantastical tidal wave of lettered blocks and Scrabble tiles. Although the set is highly stylised, the incredible colour and playfulness pays fitting homage to Dahl’s wealth of vibrant imagination, and fittingly sets the tone of the evening ahead.Minchin’s songs might be typically ‘West End’, but they’re incredibly catchy and memorable; ranging from the raucous to the touching. Peter Darling’s choreography is similarly stupendous, with all movement impeccably timed, making everything work like frantic clockwork. Accompanying the music an choreography, Paul Kieve’s illusions are also very exciting – everything from flying chalk, flying girls, and lazar Chokeys add to an already blinding production. Despite one or two things missing from the original book, all the best bits are still here and die-hard Dahl fans won’t find themselves disappointed.For all the pizazz of the production, it is the cast who really make the show. The entire child company are simply spellbinding. These young people are absolutely amazing in their roles, bounding with energy and never missing a cue or seeming unsure. What’s more, you get the sense that each and every one of them thoroughly enjoys what they do, and this rubs off not only on the adult cast but the audience as well.Carvel’s Miss Trunchbull is also a highlight. Though a tall and butch gentleman, he still manages to convey a twisted femininity to his character. It’s interesting that Matthew Warchus’s direction has Miss Trunchbull played as an embittered psychopath, as opposed to the despicable and meticulous bully that some may have imagined her as. Although not as dark as he could be, Carvel still manages to play Miss Trunchbull with a scarily unhinged and nightmarish gusto.The only niggle about the production is that some of the acting is incredibly over the top, especially that of Mr (Paul Kaye) and Mrs (Josie Walker) Wormwood. At points it’s very silly and pantomime. But you have to remember that this is a production aimed at children, and those that were present in the audience were lapping it up completely!Miss out Mamma Mia, leave Les Miserablés, and stay away from Wicked! This is the ONLY thing in the West End that is worth watching this Christmas. Invigorating, brilliant, and hysterically good, it will guarantee to have you feeling like a child again, no matter what your age!Matilda: The Musical plays at the Cambridge Theatre, London, WC2H 9HU. Tickets £20 to £59.50. To book call 0871 297 0777 or visit the website.Share this: