Few musicals manage to delight children, impress adults and leave an entire theatre on its feet, but Matilda the Musical achieved exactly that when Ben and I attended the press night at the Bristol Hippodrome on Wednesday, June 3.

From the moment the doors opened, there was an atmosphere more akin to Christmas morning than a midweek theatre performance. Excited children filled the auditorium, families chatted eagerly and there was a genuine buzz around the theatre.

It was a truly multi-generational audience, with children, parents and grandparents all eagerly awaiting one of the most beloved family musicals of modern times.

By the time the final confetti cannons erupted, and a standing ovation greeted the cast, it was clear Bristol had fallen in love with Matilda all over again.

Based on Roald Dahl's beloved story, and brought brilliantly to life through Tim Minchin's unforgettable songs, Dennis Kelly's sharp, witty script and the imaginative direction of Matthew Warchus, Matilda follows an extraordinary little girl with a brilliant mind who uses her vivid imagination, intelligence and a touch of magic to stand up to her cruel parents and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull.

Packed with humour, heart and spectacular theatrical moments, it is easy to see why it remains one of the finest family musicals ever written.

The applause started before the opening scene had even begun – such was the anticipation inside the Bristol Hippodrome. It felt as though the audience already knew they were in for something special, and we were not disappointed.

From the moment the energetic opening number, Miracle, burst into life, the production had the audience in the palm of its hand. Fabulous vocals, superb choreography and a cast overflowing with talent and enthusiasm combined to create an electrifying start that immediately set the tone for the evening ahead..

The title role of Matilda is shared by four exceptionally talented young performers in rotation – Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger and Sanna Kurihara.

On opening night, Sanna Kurihara took to the stage and delivered an amazing performance. From the moment she first appeared, both Ben and I found ourselves completely won over.

Warm, intelligent, determined and immensely likeable, she perfectly captured Matilda's resilience and sense of justice, making it impossible not to root for her as she repeatedly outwitted the adults around her. Judging by the audience's reaction, we certainly weren't the only ones firmly on her side.

Her early solo number Naughty provided our first glimpse into Matilda's inner world, while Quiet proved one of the most powerful moments of the evening. As the chaos around her suddenly stopped and the stage froze completely still, the auditorium fell silent – you could hear a pin drop.  It was beautifully performed and genuinely moving.

The young cast were exceptional. Brodie Robson impressed as Bruce, while Dottie Jones as Lavender, Haiden Sihapanya as Eric, Charlie Cox as Tommy and Cole Nicholson as Nigel all performed with remarkable confidence, energy and professionalism. 

We were really blown away by how fantastic they all were.

One of our favourite scenes of the evening was School Song. The stage suddenly exploded with colour, energy and movement as the children welcomed the new arrivals to Crunchem Hall.

Climbing over giant school gates, dancing with huge alphabet blocks and performing some incredibly precise choreography, the young cast were outstanding. The pace and energy of the number was infectious, and it perfectly showcased the remarkable talent of the ensemble.  

Visually, this production is spectacular. Rob Howell's award-winning set and costume design brings the entire show together flawlessly.

The giant alphabet blocks that frame the stage create an instantly recognisable world and remain one of the show's greatest visual achievements. When first revealed, with Matilda illuminated amongst the blocks, they created a genuine wow moment.

The giant alphabet blocks are far more than just a backdrop. They cleverly transform throughout the show, with desks, bookshelves and furniture appearing almost magically as the story moves from one scene to the next. The transitions are so seamless that you become completely immersed in Matilda's world.

I also loved the attention to detail. From vintage books and school ornaments to the imposing trophies dotted around the set, there was always something new to catch the eye.

The design creates a rich, believable world and plays a huge part in bringing the story to life.

The choreography by Peter Darling is nothing short of sensational. Every movement feels purposeful and integrated into the storytelling. Later in the show,

When I Grow Up proved one of the standout moments of the evening. Watching the children soar through the air on giant swings created a magical theatrical moment that was both uplifting and emotional.  

Tessa Kadler's Miss Honey provides the emotional heart of the production. Her warmth, kindness and gentle nature shine throughout, helped by her signature pink cardigan which immediately sets her apart from the harsh world around her. Her vocals were outstanding, particularly during My House.

The lighting during this sequence was especially beautiful. The vast stage suddenly became intimate as Miss Honey stood bathed in a warm golden glow from her lamp, creating one of the most touching moments of the evening.

Richard Hurst was magnificent as Miss Trunchbull. Combining menace, comedy and sheer stage presence, he dominated every scene in which he appeared. Discipline and The Smell of Rebellion were among the biggest crowd-pleasers of the evening, earning huge applause thanks to Hurst's brilliant comic timing, powerful vocals and commanding performance.

The famous gymnasium sequence during The Smell of Rebellion was a particular highlight. Miss T was hilarious marching around in her ridiculous gym kit, the choreography was fast paced and exciting, and the young cast did some truly amazing, high-energy stunts leaping right over the vaulting horse. It got a massive reaction from the audience.

Comedy flows naturally throughout the production, and the audience was laughing from start to finish. Rebecca Thornhill's Mrs Wormwood generated huge laughs during her outrageous pregnancy scenes, while Adam Stafford's loud-suited Mr Wormwood delighted the audience with his