Based on the Roald Dahl book, Matilda (Alisha Weir) is the story of an exceptionally gifted young girl who frees her school from the tyrannical Headmistress Miss. Trunchbull (Emma Thompson). 

Matilda’s parents played to absolute perfection by Andrea Riseborough and Stephen Graham are hardly interested in their daughter. The disappointment of not having a son and the drain on their finances is too much to bare. The inconvenience of being fined for failing to send her to school is a step too far. So they happily give Miss. Trunchbull advance warning that she is a troublemaker. 

With the help of kindly teacher Miss. Honey (Lashanna Lynch) and a little bit of magic Matilda is able to navigate the perils of those who would wish her ill and help those around her at the same time. 

Roald Dahl’s books hold a special place in the hearts of many. I myself read his stories to my children as part of our nightly bedtime routine and Matilda was one of many favourites. This film is based on the extremely successful musical by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin and it is filled with energy and joy. It seems Matilda is a Dahl novel that really lends itself to the big screen as the Danny Devito led film from 1996 is also a great adaptation of the book. 

It opens with the birth of Matilda. The first musical set piece of many that dazzle with invention and is filled with great choreography and stage craft. Most importantly though they always seem to push the story along whilst being filled with comedy and heartfelt warmth. The film continues on like this from start to finish. Filled with Dahl’s brilliant characters being portrayed superbly by an array of young and old. My absolute favourites were the already mentioned mum and dad characters played by Riseborough and Graham and the young Bruce Bogtrotter (Charlie Hodson-Prior). 

Everything I have said means that it should have been perfect. Well, here is where I let you in on my own personal gripe. I really do not get on with the songs in this musical. This is an issue I never expected given that I have always liked songwriter Tim Minchin’s stand up shows which feature many musical moments. Obviously this is personal to me and it does not stop me from seeing the genius behind what has been achieved here. 

If you do get on with the songs I suspect this will be perfect for you.