MATILDA - THE MUSICAL A Musical in 2 acts; Music Tim Minchin, Lyrics Tim Minchin, Book Dennis Kelly from the novel Matilda by Roald Dahl Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon - 9th December, 2010 - 30th January, 2011. Cambridge Theatre, London . previews from 18th October 2011; opening 22nd November, 2011. SYNOPSIS Act One As a chorus of children boast "My mummy says I'm a miracle" the ballroom-dancing obssessed T.V. addict Mrs. Wormwood gives birth to a baby girl called Matilda. Whilst the doctor professes Matilda the most beautiful child he has ever seen Mrs. Wormwood is more worried about a dancing-contest she has missed and Mr. Wormwood, a dodgy used-car salesman, dismisses the child as "an ugly little thing". Five years later Matilda lives an unhappy existence with Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood and her older, gormless brother Michael. At only five years old Matilda can already read and gets through several books a week. The Wormwoods are oblivious to Matilda's gift and frequently mock and verbally abuse her. Matilda, who believes that anything that's not right must be put right, realises that sometimes, to make things right, you have to be a little bit 'Naughty'; so she swaps her father's hair oil for her mother's hydrogen peroxide, leaving Mr. Wormwood with bright green hair. At the local library Matilda, who frequently entertains the librarian, Mrs. Phelps, with exciting tales, begins to tell Mrs. Phelps a new story about an extraordinary Acrobat and Escapologist; internationally famous they are beloved by all and wow crowds with their daring performances. The Acrobat and Escapologist long to have a child but have been unable to conceive. To distract themselves from their sadness the pair announce to the world press that they will be performing an exciting and dangerous new act: "The Burning Woman Hurling Through The Air With Dynamite In Her Hair, Over Sharks and Spiky Objects Caught By The Man Locked In The Cage". tn-m-rscThe next day is Matilda's first day at school. Her teacher, Miss Honey, is immediately impressed by Matilda's precociousness and ability, so she resolves to recommend that Matilda is moved to the top class with the older children. However, the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (a cruel and sadistic disciplinarian and former hammer-throwing world champion, who firmly believes in the school motto: "Baminotomus Est Maggitum" -- Children Are Maggots), dismisses Miss Honey's suggestion and lectures her on the importance of adhering strictly to "The Rules". Back at the Wormwood household, Mr. Wormwood is frustrated that a group of wealthy Russians didn't fall for his lies about a number of worn-down old cars he had been trying to sell them at exorbitant prices. He takes his frustration out on Matilda and destroys one of her library books; prompting her to put superglue around the rim of his hat. At school, Matilda learns about Miss Trunchbull's cruel punishments, including Chokey, a tiny, dank cupboard with broken glass and nails in the walls and floor that she locks naughty children in for hours on end. Matilda soon witnesses Trunchbull's wickedness firsthand when the furious headmistress spins a small girl around by her pigtails and throws her across the playing field. Meanwhile, Miss Honey decides to pay the Wormwoods a visit to express her recommendation that Matilda be put in an advanced class. She meets Mrs. Wormwood and her faux-Italian balroom-dance partner Rudolpho. It soon becomes apparant to Miss Honey that Mrs. Wormwood couldn't care less about her daughter's advanced intelligence and Mrs. Wormwood mocks Miss Honey's interest in books and intellect
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