They most definitely were not Revolting children

The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that this week's blog post is a tiny bit late.... I'm sorry!! Since Monday I have been mega busy helping out at my old school, but that's a story for another time..... On Wednesday, when I was meant to be posting, I was in-fact in Birmingham, at the Hippodrome, seeing the musical Matilda. I know..... typical Caitlin. This is my second time seeing the show, the first time being in London in the summer of 2016, and I have to say it wasn't any better. Don't get me wrong. it's a good musical, the music is FAB, the staging and set is genius and the children are just the cutest! But it isn't one that I would want to go and see again. The problem with it, for me, lies in the storyline being plucked from the Roald Dahl classic. This aims it predominantly at children, but children aren't the people paying to see the musical. Equally the platforms which musicals are usually advertised on are rarely children-friendly platforms. Adults such as myself see the appeal in watching Matilda as it brings a childhood story to life, unfortunately, the way it is written is very simplistic as to cater for children meaning that at times the adult audience switches off. The set designs by Rob Howell are just so clever. Matilda's bedroom just screams bookworm, even allowing for Matilda to be able to climb up and sit on her bookshelf to read her books. The School desks glide on stage with what looks like no help from anyone. It was so slick! And I can't ignore everyone's favorite set, the swings. They fit perfectly with the song 'When I grow up', and is a perfect piece of nostalgia for the older audience members as they probably had these thoughts while they were playing on a swing as a child. Tim Minchin's music and lyrics are by far the best element of the show. He writes perfectly for each character giving Matilda's dad, the comedy character within the show, more bouncy, Jazz style songs to show his exuberance. While Miss Trunchbull, the resident baddie, has quick-moving songs in an almost spoken word style in parts, giving her room to show her power. The way Minchin writes for the children is great. He really makes use of their range and innocence, especially in Matilda's songs. Most notably in 'Quiet', when the song dies down to just the piano and voice it's just so beautiful. The orchestration mimics the lyrics, as the song features moments of silence. and delicate piano, cello, and flute accompaniment. I also want to take a moment to appreciate all the children in the show, for their age they are such hard workers and great little singers and dancers. Other than Matilda, my favourite young character was Bruce, his solo in Revolting children was awesome, he has such a soulful voice and it was a joy to watch. However, poor Poppy Jones who played Matilda slipped up a couple of times, forgetting little bits of dialogue, which although didn't ruin the show, it was a bit disappointing. I do appreciate she is a child but she must have been good enough for the job otherwise she wouldn't have been given the part. To round off, I would recommend going to see Matilda but I have to say I'm not desperate to see it again, just not totally my bag. however, it doesn't mean it won't be yours. If you want to get tickets then you can get them here. Don't forget kids, even Matilda thinks that sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty!