Be A Child Again, Watch Matilda The Musical

Have you watched Matilda The Musical? If not fond of musicals, have you watched Matilda, the film? Both are on Netflix.

Oh, I’ve jumped the gun. Let me begin at the beginning. Have you read any or all these books: Matilda, Anne of Green Gables, Alice’s Adventures in the Wonderland, Harry Potter series, Jungle Book, Malgudi Days, and The Blue Umbrella?

But, I’m an adult; why should I read children’s books? You may ask.

Well, you should read children’s books. Because, these books are relevant and meaningful. Because, once upon a time you were a child, ever eager and excited to embark upon a journey to a spectacular world of imagination which filled you with a sense of wonder and even awe, and gave you goosebumps when your favourite characters were faced with imminent danger. That was before adults drilled into you that the real world which mattered was very, very different from the fictional world which must be trashed.

Also, children’s stories are mostly written by adults, not children. These are meant for children, but the good stories are never infantile. The narrative is simple but not simplistic, never dumbed down for the target readers. Often, children’s stories speak as much to the kids as to the adults – parents, family, elders, teachers, and mentors.

“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest,” said C.S. Lewis.

So, consider a voyage to the wonderful world of children’s literature, and watch children’s films, whenever you can. To begin with - watch Jungle Book, Malgudi Days, The Blue Umbrella, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, WALL-e. There are many other gems.

A few days ago, I bought a Kindle copy of Matilda (1987) by Roald Dahl with illustrations by Quentin Blake for INR 139.39. I had watched Matilda, the 1996 film a few years ago, had loved it; and recently watched Matilda The Musical (2022) and greatly enjoyed it - as much as I had enjoyed My Fair Lady, an enchanting musical for adults based on G.B. Shaw’s Pygmalion.

Why did I read the book after watching the film and the musical? Wasn’t it boring to read a story which I already knew very well? No. The film and the musical are both based upon the novel, but reading the novel is pleasurable on its own merit. I loved the author’s narrative style, and his ability to create with sheer words a fascinating, yet complex, world. No wonder, Roald Dahl’s children’s books were bestsellers, and have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide.

You are not alone!

Who is Matilda? A little girl in a small English village, so neglected by her parents that she could as well be an orphan. Like Anne of Green Gables. Her father is a crook; he buys stolen cars, refurbishes, and sells. Her mother is convinced that girls need looks not books to get a rich husband and a good life. Every day she drives away to her bingo parties leaving Matilda, a four-year old alone at home (wasn’t that illegal?) to receive parcels and packages. But Matilda is a precocious child who loves to read. After finishing Easy Cooking, the only book at home, she went to her father and said, ‘I want a book.’ Her dad snapped:

“A BOOK?! WHAT D'YOU WANNA FLAMING BOOK FOR?...WE'VE GOT A LOVELY TELLY WITH A 12-INCH SCREEN AND NOW YA WANNA BOOK!”

The four-year old girl was disappointed, yet unfazed. She was unstoppable, took matters into her own hands, walked ten blocks daily to the public library and devoured all the books in the children’s section after which she went on to read big books for GROWN-UPS with the guidance of Mrs Phelps, the helpful librarian.

“So Matilda’s strong young mind continued to grow, nurtured by the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out into the world like ships on the sea. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.”

Matilda: Book-lover

Matilda was reluctantly put to Crunchem Hall Primary School rather late by her callous parents.  

Which books had she already read when she joined school?

Roald Dahl feared that the inexorable march of the telly – the brazen, boorish, loud, flashy, exhibitionist new kid in the block – might bully the meek, gentle, self-effacing books to retreat to a dark corner. That is why he made Matilda an adorable bibliophile; her extensive reading taking her  on an exciting journey ROUND THE WORLD.

Matilda, the Novel

Read it. I guess you’d enjoy it. Gift it to a child. She’d love it. Roald Dahl authored many popular children’s novels and stories.[i]

Matilda was the author’s last novel for children. Interestingly, Matilda was a wicked girl in the first draft of the novel. Dahl was unhappy about it, trashed the draft, and rewrote the novel transforming Matilda into the adorable, intelligent girl who refuses to suffer bullying at home or at school, and acts to help herself, her schoolmates, and her teacher - Ms. Honey.

Her father had bullied her:

“I'm right and you're wrong, I'm big and you're small, and there's nothing you can do about it.”

The sadistic Principal Miss Trunchbull enjoyed bullying and tormenting the kids. Matilda decided that enough was enough, and she chose to do something about it. What could a mere child do against authoritarian, arrogant, and unreasonable adults? Much, when a bright girl proceeds to right wrongs and is helped by her magical power of telekinesis!

Matilda has been adapted into stage musicals and films, each bringing unique interpretations to the beloved story. A list of the stage productions and films is at endnotes.[ii]

Matilda, the Film

Great performance by Mara Wilson as Matilda and Pam Ferris as Miss Trunchbull. Sadly, the film was not a box-office hit.

Matilda The Musical

Matilda the Musical (Stage Production) is running since 2011, with over 4,874 performances in London’s West End.

Matilda the Musical (2022 Film) grossed $37.3 million at the box office, with additional viewership on Netflix.

Here’s the link for the delightful songs in the musical: https://youtu.be/-kURfS7FOhM?feature=shared

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[i]  Brief CV of Roald Dahl

•        Born: September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Wales.

•        Died: November 23, 1990, in Oxford, England.

•        Career: British novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot.

•        Military Service: Served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II.

•        Notable Works: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, The Witches.

•        Awards: British Book Awards' Children's Author of the Year (1990), World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (1983).

•        Legacy: His books have sold over 300 million copies worldwide, making him one of the most influential children's authors.

 

[ii] Matilda: Stage Productions and Films

Matilda has been adapted into stage musicals and films, each bringing unique interpretations to the beloved story.

Stage Productions

•        Matilda the Musical (2010) – Premiered with the Royal Shakespeare Company, featuring music by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly.

•        West End & Broadway (2011–2013) – The musical became a global success, winning seven Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards.

•        International Productions – Matilda the Musical has been staged in Australia, South Korea, Japan, and South Africa, among other countries.

Film Adaptations

•        Matilda (1996) – Directed by Danny DeVito, this live-action adaptation starred Mara Wilson as Matilda and Pam Ferris as Miss Trunchbull.

•        Matilda the Musical (2022) – A film adaptation of the stage musical, directed by Matthew Warchus, starring Alisha Weir as Matilda and Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull.