Oh, did I mention she has telekinetic powers? Yeah, in her spare time, Matilda discovers she can move objects with her eyes. This isn’t some gimmick; it’s a metaphor for how reading and intelligence are superpowers. The special effects are subtle but stunning—crayons levitate, a glass of water tips over, and at one point, she makes a giant chalkboard rebel against the Trunchbull. It’s like Stranger Things, but with better singing and fewer Demogorgons.
Matilda the Musical Tickets | Cambridge Theatre
The Real World vs. The Fantasy
Here’s what I love most: the show doesn’t shy away from darkness. Matilda’s parents are neglectful, her school is a dictatorship, and the Trunchbull locks kids in “The Chokey” (a spiky closet of doom). But the story never feels grim because Matilda wins through cleverness, kindness, and a little bit of orangutan-grade stubbornness. You’ll root for her so hard your clapping will leave bruises.
By the end, you’ll want to adopt a library, quit your job, and stage a sit-in at your local council. The show is a love letter to weird kids, rebellious teachers, and the power of stories. It’s why the Cambridge Theatre is packed every night, and why you’ll probably book a second viewing before the curtain call finishes.
