Matilda the Musical – first time in Singapore set to wow book fans this part of the world

Truth be told, I have not read books by Roald Dahl including Matilda, only my kids had. I even had to “borrow” big J’s copy and he said that he will charge me if it was overdue just like the national library. I have possession of Matilda by Roald Dahl but I have yet to start reading. I didn’t grow up with Roald Dahl books but my older kids have, so this will be a huge treat for them seeing what they have read being reenacted as a full length musical.

Acclaimed as ‘the standout musical of the decade’ by the UK’s Sunday Times, the multi award-winning Matilda The Musical will make its debut in Singapore from 21 February 2019 at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. Inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical has taken both London’s West End and Broadway by storm, garnering five-star reviews across the board. Winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda is now in its seventh year in London where it continues to delight audiences of all ages, and has been seen by more than 8 million people. The Singapore season marks the first time the hit musical has ventured to Asia, having toured to Australia and New Zealand from 2015-2017.

The musical follows Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl who loves reading and learning, but is suppressed by her TV-obsessed parents who pay her little attention. As she grows up, she begins to resist the challenges and obstacles presented to her, learning that sometimes you have to be a “little bit naughty” in order to get through life. As she begins to master living with her family, her world is thrown into disarray as she starts a new school under the tyrannous grip of Headteacher Miss Trunchbull. Seeking solace in the library in a world of her imagination and creation, Matilda forms-morestrong bonds with adults such as Librarian Mrs Phelps and her class teacher Miss Honey. Together they give her the confidence to embrace her special gift and individuality which is needed to reclaim
her life.

photo credit: Base Entertainment

The Chief Executive Officer of Base Entertainment Asia Chantal Prudhomme said, “Matilda is about overcoming the bully, changing your destiny and creating your own path, something both children and adults can relate to and inspire from. Base is proud to bring internationally renowned shows from Broadway and the West End to Singapore audience. We are exceptionally thrilled and honoured to be presenting the astounding production of Matilda this February.”

Featuring a smart and witty original score by Olivier Award winner Tim Minchin, alongside an exciting book by Tony Award®-winning playwright Dennis Kelly, and ingenious staging by Tony Award® winning director Matthew Warchus and Tony Award® winning choreographer Peter Darling, the musical adaptation is one of the most successful British musicals of modern times.The production has sets and costumes by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell, with orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone, and sound by Simon Baker.

Chief Executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions James Cundall said, “When I saw Matilda for the first time at the Cambridge Theatre in London I started dreaming of taking this brilliant creation to Singapore one day. I am thrilled that day has finally arrived, and am sure that Singapore audiences will fall in love with the heroic tale of Matilda in this anarchically joyous and ingenious musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story. ”

With an incredible cast of young performers, Matilda inspires and delights audiences both young and old. The timeless story of a small girl’s determination to challenge those above her for the greater good, combined with Roald Dahl’s signature wit and naughtiness, makes this an unforgettable musical.

Besides this, we should also be very proud as we have a nine-year-old local talent Sofia Poston being casted as Matilda. This is more the reason we should support the local talent pool and also for all Roald Dahl book fans, you dont have to fly all the way to London to catch this!

Matilda The Musical
Venue: Sands Theatre @ Marina Bay Sands
From: 21 February 2019 to 10 March 2019
Showtimes: Tue – Fri: 7.30pm | Sat: 2pm & 7.30pm | Sun: 1pm & 6pm
Prices: Tue – Thur: $68 – $178 | Fri – Sun: $68 – $198 (excluding $4 ticketing fee)

Book here