#Review: Moonlight Flicks at Claremont Farm – Matilda the Musical, 28.08.23

A hugely enjoyable adaptation of the brilliant stage musical, at a great venue.

I’d recommend seeing this film adaptation of Matilda the Musical whether or not you have children. It’s a fun, occasionally dark, always compelling telling of one of Roald Dahl’s most beloved tales, with more great musical numbers than you can shake a stick at; none of which will come as a surprise of you’re familiar with the work of either Tim Minchin (music and lyrics) or Dennis Kelly (book).

For those who don’t know, the story is about a child prodigy (played by Alisha Wear) whose intellect and value is completely overlooked by her parents Mr and Mrs Wormwood (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough), who happily send her away to Cruncham Hall, which, under the leadership of the terrifying Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson), would be more like a borstal than an educational establishment, if not for the nurturing intervention of Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch).

As a fan of the earlier American film (a straight narrative rather than a musical), I have to say, everyone in the cast shines brightly enough to make the roles their own.

With the original director of the stage show Matthew at the helm, the signs were that this was going to be a loving reworking of an outstanding stage-show, and it doesn’t disappoint. Like Elvis at the same venue a short while ago, as well as being a very good film, it’s a great choice for an outdoor screening.

The set-up and organisation proves the previous excellent impressions were no fluke. As I mentioned in the Elvis review, Claremont Farm has ample parking, and the efforts of the friendly and efficient staff meaning there is very little by way of queueing.

And again, the sound – delivered via wireless headphones – is crystal clear and so immersive this is, if anything, an improvement on seeing (or rather, hearing) the film at the cinema.

We sat a little further away from the outdoor bar on this occasion, meaning the immediate surroundings were just that little bit darker, which in turn makes the rest of the audience just that bit less visible, and so makes the film just that bit more absorbing; though our previous choice of spot to pitch our deckchairs wasn’t that much brighter, so the difference – whilst noticeable and welcome – is actually marginal.

With Claremont Farm’s Moonlight Flicks season now over, you’ll now have to keep an eye out for next year’s offerings, which I predict will be just as well chosen and presented. In the meantime, it’s still well worth visiting the cafe and the shop, both of which centre on delicious local produce. I may see you there.