Legendary British musical makes Bangkok debut
The multi award-winning Matilda The Musical will make its Bangkok debut with 13 rounds to be staged at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre from May 14-24, daily at 7.30pm (except on May 18), plus a 2.30pm matinee on May 16, 23 and 24.
Hailed as one of the most successful British musicals of modern times, the musical is adapted from the beloved book by British novelist Roald Dahl, who penned many of the world’s best-loved children’s stories including Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and The BFG.
It has taken both London’s West End and Broadway by storm, garnering five-star reviews across the board, as well as more than 90 international awards including 16 for Best Musical.
Having delighted more than 8 million people of all ages so far, the hit West End musical is now in its seventh year in London and the Bangkok season is the third leg of its Asian tour after stops in Macau and Manila.
Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and played to sold-out audiences at the RSC’s The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in England for 12 weeks from November 2010 until January 2011.
It transferred to the West End later that year and swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards.
Its New York production opened in 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre to rapturous reviews and won five Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical.
The musical follows the story of Matilda, a precocious five-yearold 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 head teacher Miss Trunchbull.
Seeking solace in the library in a world of her imagination and creation, Matilda forms strong 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.
Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre is on the 4th floor of The Esplanade, Ratchadaphisek Road.
Tickets cost 1,500, 2,500, 3,200, 3,800, 4,200 and 4,800 baht and can be purchased from Thai Ticket Major outlets (visit thaiticketmajor. com or call 02-262-3838).