Multi Award-Winning Matilda The Musical Is Here In Singapore & A Back-Stage Tour

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Roald Dahl is a familiar author whose books are popular among primary school children. AJ has read a few of his books too, including Matilda. 



Mid-week, I had a date night with my niece to watch the multi award-winning Matilda The Musical which made its debut in Singapore since 21 Feb 2019 at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. The Singapore season marks the first time the hit musical has ventured into Asia, having toured to Australia and New Zealand since 2015-2017.


The Wormwood Family (photo credit: Base Entertainment)

The story in the musical follows very closely with the original story in the novel with just a little twit like how Matilda’s mom, Mrs. Wormwood, didn’t even know she was 9-months pregnant until the day of delivery. The 2.5-hours musical was totally captivating with the songs, dances, fantastic props and sound effects. I am especially impressed with little Matilda (played by our very own Singapore's Sofia Poston) who has an incredible memory bank to memorise and recite a huge chunk of the script at one go, do stage walk and position, sing and dance, etc. all at the same time. If Matilda is a genius, Sofia Poston is another one too!


Sofia Poston as Matilda in Singapore (photo credit: Base Entertainment)

Matilda is a 5-year old girl who loves reading and learning, but her talents are suppressed by her TV-obsessed parents. As she grows up and goes to school, she faces the tyrannous grip of Headteacher Miss Trunchbull. Her talents catch the attention of her class teacher Miss Honey, and the bond between them grows. 

Never say die, Matilda takes a daring stand against unjust forces to grasp her destiny in her own hands, overcoming the bully, changing her destiny and creating her own path.


Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey (photo credit: Base Entertainment)



Not only were we impressed by the musical, we were also awed when we were brought to the backstage to experience what's going on behind the scene.


(Photo credit: Base Entertainment)



The backdrop as seen on stage (see above) is decked out in a kaleidoscope of colours with the help of lighting.




Although it is a big stage scene, much attention has been paid on the details like how the school uniform was designed by Quentin Blake, the illustrator of Roald Dahl's books, Miss Trunchbull's desk has a real book with a detention list and her special chair, and the iron gate with real metal thorns.




Miss Trunchbull's desk with a book of detention list

All the props are brought along to whichever country the musical is showing.  It takes the backstage team 3 days to set up and 1 day to tear down. Every day, the backstage team will check on those props that the actors would use to sit, lie, climb or swing to ensure the safety of everyone.  I have been involved in production work before so I understand there is so much work behind the scene which often, the audience do not know. All these efforts are meant to bring to the audience a spectacular show.


From page to stage, Mathilda The Musical is certainly not to be missed, especially if your kid is a fan of Roald Dahl. Tickets are now on sale at Marina Bay Sands and SISTIC. Do grab them fast if you intend to watch because they are selling like hotcakes.

Venue: Sands Theatre @ Marina Bay Sands 
Last day of show: 17 March 2019
Showtimes: Tue - Fri: 7.30pm | Sat: 2pm and 7.30pm | Sun: 1pm and 6pm
Prices: Tue - Thur: $68 - $178 | Fri - Sun: $68 - $198 ($4 ticketing fee applies)





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