Matilda the Musical
The Matilda musical is an unforgettable treat for all the family
Matilda is based on Roald Dahl’s hugely popular children’s novel of the same name, and was adapted for the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Tim Minchin. An intriguing tale of a girl who does not quite fit in, the Matilda musical transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in the West End following a sell-out run in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Receiving unprecedented praise from both audiences and critics alike, Matilda received five coveted Olivier Awards in 2012, including Best Actress in a Musical for all four girls playing Matilda.
Similarly to the novel, Matilda the Musical follows the story of a five year-old girl named Matilda, an undiscovered genius living with her wheeler-dealer family, the Wormwoods. Having a keen interest in books sets her on the outside, as her family just likes to watch the telly! Surpassing the normal intelligence of the other schoolchildren, Matilda is championed at school by Miss Honey, who endeavours to help her on her journey. Unfortunately, the evil Miss Trunchbull is set on making the children’s lives a misery. What Trunchbull does not realise is that Matilda’s immense intelligence and magical powers can be used to rid the school of the terrible tyrant!
Directed by the Old Vic’s Artistic Director Matthew Warchus (Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol), the Matilda musical is adapted by Tony Award-winner Dennis Kelly (Girls and Boys; D.N.A) and features a hugely powerful, mischievous and memorable score by acclaimed comedian and songwriter Tim Minchin. Matilda the Musical features fan favourite songs such as “Loud”, “Telly!”, “The Smell of Rebellion”, “Naughty”, “Quiet”, “Bruce” and “Revolting Children” amongst many others, and is the perfect mix of nostalgia and zany, inventive humour that resonates perfectly with the original story.
The show has choreography by Peter Darling and incredible set designs by Rob Howell – the dream team that produced the five-star musical adaptation of Groundhog Day at the Old Vic Theatre along with Minchin. Matilda also features sound design by Simon Baker, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone and illusions by Paul Kieve. With such a powerful creative team, Dahl’s book is fantastically brought to life on stage with some original touches that make the story feel even more fresh, fun and exciting for audiences!
Since opening, the Matilda musical has won numerous Olivier Awards, and opened on Broadway in 2013 to rave reviews. It has completely captured audiences’ imagination with its combination of nostalgia, dark humour, witty lyricism and heartwarming story, and has even been adapted into a film with Emma Thompson starring as Miss Trunchbull.
The role of Matilda in the West End is shared by Victoria Alsina, Isabella Jonsson and Maisie Mardle. Other casting includes Elliot Harper (One Man, Two Guvnors) as Miss Trunchbull, Lauren Byrne (Six The Musical) as Miss Honey, Amy Ellen Richardson (Crazy For You, Les Miserables) as Mrs Wormwood, Rakesh Boury (We Will Rock You) as Mr Wormwood, Felipe Bejarano (The Prince of Egypt) as Rudolpho, Connor Lewis as Michael Wormwood, Landi Oshinowo (Shrek, Sister Act) as Mrs Phelps, Alistair So (Bonnie & Clyde) as The Escapologist, and Gemma Scholes (Young Frankenstein) as Acrobat.
Whimsical, quirky, uplifting and above all else brilliant fun, the Matilda musical is one of London’s best-loved shows for kids and adults who don’t want to grow up! Experience the remarkable story of one very gifted little girl for yourself as it continues to run at the Cambridge Theatre near Covent Garden.
Child friendly?
Matilda is recommended for children aged 6 and up. Please note that children under the age of 5 will not be admitted into the Cambridge Theatre. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.