With music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and direction by Matthew Warchus, 'Matilda The Musical' is a success before the curtain even drops.
Based on the classic children's book by the one and only Roald Dahl, the show features all the memorable characters, with the magical addition of music.
Elise McCann, who plays the sweet, sensitive soul of Miss Honey, talks about the show and all its wonders.
What can audiences expect from ‘Matilda The Musical’?
This show is hilarious! It is a night of irreverent and naughty humour, incredible storytelling, fierce dancing and singing and huge amounts of heart. It's a rare and special piece of theatre unlike anything you've seen before.
A lot of people have incredibly fond memories of ‘Matilda’. Were you a fan of the book or movie before you auditioned for the musical?
Absolutely. I read the book as a kid along with all the other Roald Dahl books. He was a huge presence in our family library. And, like most kids, I devoured his stories and 'Matilda' was definitely one of my top picks. I did see the movie, and really enjoyed it. But what I love about the musical is that it reverts back to the darker humour and underlying sinister quality in the adults that all of Roald Dahl's books really explored. The movie was a little more Disney. But Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly, the creators of the musical, have created the perfect combination of fun, frivolity, heart and humour while retaining the dark edge that is the central grounding of Dahl and his books.
What drew you to the role of Miss Honey?
To be honest, I didn't so much pick her as she picked me. As cliche as that sounds. I had been auditioning for another role, but the director saw me as Miss Honey and so I had a read of her and it just fit. She is an incredible woman. I am in awe of her ability to practice such patience and kindness and love, despite having been abused, neglected, constantly belittled and undermined her entire life. She is very fragile, and she is flawed, but I love her journey. She is one of the few characters that gets to really grow, and through Matilda's help, learn to find her inner strength and her own sense of self worth. She gets beaten down time and time again but never gives up. She always sticks around and tirelessly tries to help and empower the children in the school. She could easily run away, hide, or fight dirty, but she always chooses the high road, and that takes an incredibly strong character. It is an incredible constant reminder to me to strive to be a kinder, more compassionate and generous woman.
Is Miss Honey a character you relate to strongly?
I relate to parts of her, definitely. She is the heart of the piece, the person who everyone can see a little of themselves in. I have had periods of time in my life where I have either been bullied, or felt bullied and belittled. Been or felt abandoned, neglected, scared and alone. But I also have learnt to be brave, to not let fear stop me from achieving things, and to stand up for what I believe is right. We live in a pretty precarious time right now where there is a lot of fear permeating our communities, countries and the world as a whole. Miss Honey and Matilda are great reminders and inspiration for us all to try and not let that terror overcome us, or stop us from standing up for what is right, what is loving, what is kind and being brave.
What’s your favourite part of playing Miss Honey?
I would have to to say being able to work with the kids and watching them smash out the shows night after night. They grow so much in their skill and acting and general confidence as little humans over the course of each season. And it's really special and just so magnificent to be able to witness these little rockstars be so amazing each night. 'Matilda The Musical' is about a little girl who is so brave and genuinely a miracle – and I get to actually watch these little children be miraculous.
Happy 500 shows to the extraordinary Australian company of MATILDA THE MUSICAL! #matildainoz photo by Fiona Hamilton pic.twitter.com/CmdvT4pcQb
— matildainoz (@MatildainOz) October 23, 2016
Miss Honey is an iconic character, to the point that many children wished they could be adopted by her, too. How have fans of the book or movie responded to your portrayal of one of fiction’s most iconic teachers?
It has been an incredible and supportive and generous response. Never before have I played a character that people have had such an instinctual reaction of love for. The second best thing about playing this beautiful woman is the response from our adult and children audiences. Every night at stage door I receive so many hugs and such beautiful words. Kids genuinely just come up and hug me. Like they know me. It's super special that people feel so warm and safe with me and this character. I feel very lucky.
The old adage says to never work with children or animals, but it’s certainly not uncommon to see child performers in musicals and theatre. What’s it been like working with so many child performers?
It's intense! They have so much energy. It's a lot of work – probably the hardest I've ever had to work. And that is because you just have to remain so focused. You can't ever really relax or go on autopilot, as the kids are constantly finding new things and the groups are constantly changing also, so it's always different. But that difference also brings with it an instant ability to find new things yourself, and to really stay fresh. We performed over 500 shows by the end of the Melbourne season, so to have an extra means through which to find freshness and spontaneity in something that becomes so ingrained in your body and mouth, is really awesome. All of that, and the kids are seriously little legends, so it's just really fun and awesome to have such a simple joy and excitement and energy for life and for this opportunity around you.
Has there been a particularly memorable performance during the ‘Matilda The Musical’ run so far?
Oh wow that's a tough question. Each of our eight Matilda's to date's first performance has been pretty memorable and lasting. It is simultaneously thrilling and exciting, but overwhelming and emotional to witness these tiny girls perform to 2,000 plus people for the first time.
In 2015 you won the Sydney Theatre Award, and this year you won the Helpmann Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for your work as Miss Honey. How does it feel to see your hard work being so appreciated, both professionally and by the theatre-going public?
Oh it's completely overwhelming. I am so grateful for the opportunity to play this role and be a part of this rare and awesome show, and to have received awards for it is cream really. Awards in the arts are inherently subjective so you have to take it with a grain of salt, but it truly has meant a lot. I feel very honoured.
It’s easy to see that you’re a fan of supporting new Australian work. What’s the best part of working in Australian musicals and theatre? And why do you think the Australian voice is so vital in our theatre culture?
I think it's vitally important to support and advocate for Australian work and stories. Our stories, our talent, our creativity and our artists are not any less important than those of our international counterparts, it's just we haven't been as loud in telling them. We need to encourage new stories and work that reflects how Australia looks, thinks, and that gives our artists, both in front and behind the stage or camera, a chance to share their craft in work that is inherently ours. The Australian commercial market is predominantly made up of international content. They are wonderful and interesting and relevant stories to tell, but they are written for casts that don't necessarily reflect our population content. They are written with a voice that does not reflect the truth of who and what Australia is.
Do you have any advice for aspiring or emerging actresses?
Work really hard. Listen and watch, and learn from those with more experience. Respect every person in your company. And back yourself. Always remember when you do get the opportunity to perform to an audience, how special that is. That those people are paying good money to watch you and that it is a privilege to be able to entertain and educate them. Always be grateful, because there are a thousand other people who are dying to do what we do, so remember to act with grace and gratitude and never take it for granted.
Matilda The Musical Tour Dates
25 November 2016-12 February 2017 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre28 February-23 April 2017 – Crown Theatre (Perth)
May 2017 – Adelaide (TBA)
