The cost-of-living crisis, political turmoil, oppression and conflict abroad. These are revolting times. We should be revolting. Fortunately, everything we need to know about harnessing our rebellious spirit can be learned from Matilda the Musical. If life’s not fair, only we can put it right.
British-born, Aussie-raised Tim Minchin turned Roald Dahl’s classic into a stage musical for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2010 and after years of award-winning acclaim, a big screen adaptation bursts into cinemas this week.
The film stars Emma Thompson as demonic Miss Trunchbull, Lashana Lynch as sweet Miss Honey and Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as Matilda’s slimy parents Mr and Mrs Wormwood, with Matilda played with endearing smarts by newcomer Alisha Weir.
But the real star is the music, with whirlwind rhymes packed with humour and heart delivering a timely message about standing up for yourself and others. Matilda may have magic in her fingertips, but her real power comes from her intellect, determination and courage.
