It's a world inspired by British novelist Roald Dahl, re-imagined by British writer Dennis Kelly and scored by the Australian 'rock n roll nerd' comedian-musician Tim Minchin. And it's a world your inner child needs to visit.
If that wasn't enough to sell 'Matilda The Musical' to you, wait until you hear the cast. It's primarily composed of eight children and as the first voice hits your ear singing: "My mummy says I'm a miracle" you'll understand why this musical has met critical acclaim from West End to Broadway.
The production itself is a sensory playground that reads much like a wonderland. The stage comes littered with wooden blocks that spell words like 'shark', 'escape' and 'Matilda', which sets the mood for a story about a five-year-old child genius brought up by a family who doesn't appreciate her and sent to a school where the principal is a "bully".
It transitions between a library with a clock that say "T-I-M-E" that ticks to real time, a bedroom with shelves for characters to climb on, classrooms with desks to flip and dance on and a playground with gates and swings to climb and swing on. The soundtrack, likewise, is fun and playful.
With music and lyrics by the illustrious Tim Minchin, it's everything you'd expect from the sassy comedian sans the adult jokes. It's kooky, it's oddball, it's hilarious, and it's childish, rife will lyrics about watching "TV until my eyes go square" and stomachs that are "a bit like a TARDIS".
The cast of children, as suggested is remarkable. Despite their Australian upbringing, they manage to pull off English accents with effortless ease in dialogue and in song. Throughout the evening, their choreography (alongside the adult cast) remains impeccable, particularly in the delightfully thrilling 'School Song' and its playground of gates and blocks, and the fun and playful theme song 'When I Grow Up' and its slide and swing-set medley.
With every piece, each actor hits their lines with such astute precision it's difficult to believe some are making their professional debut in this production. This evening's Matilda included. Georgia Taplin is one of four Matildas for Sydney's leg of Matilda in Oz. Tonight (19 August) at the Lyric Theatre, this ten-year old commands the stage for over two hours, warming the audience with her joy, musical timing and strong vocal without a single hitch. It's an incredible feat for such a young talent and the standing ovation for this pint-sized player says it all yet doesn't say enough.
Not to be forgotten is Elise McCann (Miss Honey). Her character, though docile, is overlooked for the most part but bursts out of its skin into powerhouse proportions on the back of the song 'My House'.
Then, there's the stunning Marika Aubery (Mrs Wormwood). Brash and bold, she's loud, proud and pregnant with comical timing and a wicked set of legs; to dance on, naturally. Unsurprisingly, the actor to give Taplin a run for her money is the ineffable James Miller. S/he is the genius behind the horrible, revolting, hilarious and high-breasted Miss Trunchbull. Only a man with bosoms till Tuesday and legs like skyscrapers could pull The Trunchbull off with such daring and grace. Miller does so with a twinkle in his eye and a skip in his step.
In two words: absolutely brilliant.
Bring the revolting children (err- kids) along. And while you're there, bring your inner 'naughty' child along, too.
5/5
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'Matilda The Musical' plays at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until 8 November, 2015.
