Dennis Kelly, Tim Minchin, Matthew Warchus and Royal Shakespeare Company first brought Roald Dahl’s magical story about a special little girl to life in 2010, and then to London’s Cambridge Theatre in 2011. But has the charming Matilda The Musical cast a spell on you yet?
Roald Dahl’s much-loved story about a gifted girl with a horrible family has been enjoyed by the world since 1988. But it wasn’t until Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin paired up to adapt the book into a musical did it become the phenomenon it is now. The show first premiered at the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010 before opening at London’s Cambridge Theatre in the West End in 2011. In its first year, the show won a record-breaking (at the time) seven Olivier Awards – still the record number of Oliviers won by a musical. In 2013, it opened on Broadway and won five Tony Awards. Matilda has wowed millions around the world with productions not only on the West End and Broadway, but in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Philippines and Korea. It’s won 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, and it’s loved by children of all ages – even theatre critics.
Matilda The Musical is about Matilda Wormwood – an extraordinary child who has a gift for learning and other unusual talents. Living with her horrible, not-always-lawful family means Matilda doesn’t get the attention and love she deserves. Being neglected by her parents means Matilda must find her own entertainment, role models and morals. But that’s no problem for the resourceful, rebellious girl, even when she’s pit against the dreadful, terrifying Miss Trunchbull – the child-hating headmistress at Matilda’s new school. In fact, Matilda has as many lessons for the adults in her life as they think they have for her. Will she find the loving home she craves?
A cast of wildly talented kids, witty lyrics by Tim Minchin (the anarchic, hilarious songwriter), and a touching story written by Roald Dahl, everyone’s favourite children’s author. We can’t think of a reason why you wouldn’t love Matilda The Musical. It’s a heart-warming show packed full of wonder, magic, rebellion and fun that’ll keep every member of the family entertained. Plus, when it opened on the West End, Matilda The Musical broke all records by winning no less than seven Olivier Awards ! The production has been seen by over 9 million people across over 70 cities worldwide and won over 86 international awards. So that’s no mean feat!
Matilda The Musical is suitable for children aged 6 and up. Unfortunately, babes-in-arms will not be admitted into the theatre.
Matilda The Musical’s running time is 2 hours and 35 minutes, including one interval. In a standard week, there are performances of the show at 7pm on Tuesdays-Fridays, 7.30pm on Saturdays, 2pm on Wednesdays, 2.30pm on Saturdays, and 3pm on Sundays.
Boasting an incredibly designed and constructed set, Matilda The Musical opened at the Cambridge Theatre in the West End on 25 October 2011 and has been there ever since. It’s now the longest running show the Cambridge Theatre has ever had.
