Original Writer: Roald Dahl
Book: Dennis Kelly
Music and Lyrics: Tim Minchin
Director: Matthew Warchus
The revolting children have moved into Alhambra Theatre for just over three weeks, courtesy of the Royal Shakespeare Company, a testament to the success of this show. The current national tour of Matilda the Musical marks its 15th anniversary, having premiered at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon in November 2010. In these 15 years it has won over 100 musical awards across the world including 24 for the best musical. In 2012, it claimed the most wins of any show to that date at the Laurence Olivier Awards.
Matilda (Madison Davis) was born to selfish parents who didn’t want her, especially so as she isn’t a boy. Her father, Mr Wormwood (Adam Stafford) is a scheming used car salesman, and TV lover. Her mother, Mrs Wormwood (Rebecca Thornhill) thinks looks are more important than books, and her passions lie with ballroom dancing. But Matilda is an exceptional child: she’s highly intelligent, loves books and has a fierce sense of right and wrong. She finds comfort in the library, sharing stories with the warm-hearted Mrs Phelps (Esther Niles) and encouragement from her kind teacher Miss Honey (Tessa Kadler), Matilda discovers her own power to stand up to cruelty, most of all the terrifying headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Richard Hurst).
The production has the perfect mix of humour, heart and just enough fear to keep you on the edge of your seat. The ensemble pieces show the cast at their finest, When I Grow Up and the other mentioned songs combining the younger and adult ‘children’ cast members are impactful and choreographed brilliantly. In contrast musically but equally as impressive is Miss Honey’s My House.
Madison Davis was tonight’s Matilda and what a huge performance from someone so small. She is a delight to watch and portrays Matilda perfectly. Another stand out performance was from Brodie Robson as Bruce Bogtrotter – this tour is Brodie’s professional debut and what a start to his career. His opening line in Revolting Children was just the beginning of what turned into the highlight song of the whole performance.
And of course a special mention needs to be given to Richard Hurst who plays Miss Trunchbull with class, superb comedy timing and the perfect touch of menace.
The set designed by Rob Howell is bright, playful and full of clever details bringing Matilda’s world to life. The use of letters to spell out various words is such a beautiful and fitting visual and reinforces the story’s celebration of words. School Song is a particular celebration of both the set and letter blocks when the beginnings of the words in the song are inserted into the school gate.
Matilda The Musical is a great celebration of Roald Dahl’s beloved story, brought to life with extraordinary performances, an imaginative set and the perfect balance of humour, heart and spectacle. Whether you’re already a fan of Matilda or experiencing it for the first time, this show will not disappoint.
Runs until 23 November 2025
