I went to see the RSC’s production of Matilda this evening at the Cambridge Theatre. I know I’m not the first to say it, but I think the show might just be one of those ‘once in a generation’ theatrical events. Tim Minchin’s score is inspired. And Dennis Kelly’s book perfectly captures Roald Dahl’s curious combination of anarchy, cruelty and good old fashioned schmalz.
Anyway, along with the rest of the audience, I was entranced by the performances of all the children. And the lyrics to “When I grow up” are simply wonderful:
When I grow up,
I will be tall enough to reach the branches
That I need to reach to climb the trees
You get to climb when you’re grown up.
And when I grow up,
I will be smart enough to answer all
The questions that you need to know
The answers to before you’re grown up.
And when I grow up,
I will eat sweets every day,
On the way to work, and I will
Go to bed late every night.
And I will wake up
When the sun comes up, and I
Will watch cartoons until my eyes go square,
And I won’t care ’cause I’ll be all grown up.
When I grow up
I will be strong enough to carry all
The heavy things you have to haul
Around with you when you’re a grown up.
And When I grow up
I will be brave enough to fight the creatures
That you have to fight beneath the bed
Each night to be a grown up.
And when I grow up,
I will have treats every day,
And I’ll play with things that mum pretends
That mums don’t think are fun.
And I will wake up
When the sun comes up and I
Will spend all day just lying in the sun.
And I won’t burn ’cause I’ll be all grown up.
When I grow up…
The show is choreographed by my university friend, Peter Darling, who was also responsible for Billy Elliot. This teaser video shows you why the show deserved to win a record-breaking seven Oliviers.
http://youtu.be/narCr-dkZUA
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