Kaleidoscopic choreography and musical numbers performed by a fantastic ensemble cast of eminent British actors and young newcomers makes this film adaptation of the Matilda stage musical a hugely entertaining affair. Directed by the Old Vic’s artistic director Matthew Warchus with original songs written by Tim Minchin and a screenplay by Dennis Kelly, the deliciously macabre flavour of Roald Dahl’s book intact while also ensuring a family-friendly good time. The same team who worked on the multi-award winning West End and Broadway musical have added new songs and tweaked a few things for a modern audience.

The story of young, neglected genius Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) who discovers she has telekinesis powers, her selfish parents (played with real relish by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough), bully headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson) and kindly schoolteacher Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch) was previously adapted for the big screen in 1996 by Danny DeVito. This time around, the big songs add an extra layer of emotion for the actors to dig into as they belt out tear-jerking and jubilant tunes. Lynch in particular, with her dewy-eyed delivery, really sells the poignant depth of her affinity with Weir’s Matilda and the pair have great chemistry.

Thompson is clearly having a ball as Trunchbull, playing the role as a mix of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman from Full Metal Jacket and a prison warden, as she intimidatingly barks orders from her surveillance-filled lair and terrorises the ‘maggot’ children she despises. When the kids eventually lead their rebellion against an entitled and bitter educator, their revolution is depicted through CGI wizardry and even the toppling of a statue. It’s a rousing and heartfelt display, in a film that also nails the novel’s mischievous humour with the infectiously giddy enthusiasm of a child stuffing chocolate cake in their gob.

Matilda The Musical is at the London Film Festival, Thursday 6 October, and in cinemas from Friday 25 November.