Matilda the Musical – Sunderland Empire

Writer: Roald Dahl

Adapter: Dennis Kell

Music and Lyrics: Tim Minchin

Director: Matthew Warchus 

The “perfect storm” doesn’t happen very often, particularly in such a collaborative industry as theatre. It’s rare to see every single element of a production perfectly complement each other and for the whole to unfold like a dream. Even some of the best plays and musicals can have weak sections or parts that don’t quite equal the whole. And then there’s Matilda the Musical: as perfect a theatrical endeavor as one could wish to see.  

Building on the strong foundation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 book, Dennis Kelly’s witty and heart-felt adaptation wisely doesn’t water down Dahl’s famous sharp wickedness with grotesque villains doing horrendous acts of abuse that are only palatable thanks to being so over the top. Tim Minchin’s quirky music and hilarious lyrics that contain as many jokes as the script, complement Kelly’s script, providing a perfect mix of character driven ballads and show-stopping bangers. However, perhaps key to all of this is the truly breathtaking direction by Matthew Warchus, choreography by Peter Darling and, most of all, the set and costume designs of Rob Howell as well as the lighting design of Hugh Vanstone – this show is fun and moving, well written and scored – but it looks amazing! 

This new tour retains everything that made Matilda the Musical so great and then adds the cherry on the cake with the most perfect casting. The first person who must be mentioned is Sanna Kurihara as the titular character. The role of Matilda isn’t just central to the show – she almost is the show. The role is shared equally by Kurihara, Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton and Olivia Ironmonger. The role would prove to be demanding for an adult performer, never mind one of such a young age and tiny stature. Kurihara is a true star and carries us through Matilda’s highs and lows expertly. Her clear speaking voice, her lovely vocals and her ability to command a stage as large as this one is frankly amazing. Whether stealing the show with her fun Naughty or having everyone on the edge of their seats as she delivers a string of long monologues that make up the story she is writing, this is a masterclass in performance. The rest of the child cast are equally talented with Takunda Khumalo as a lovably cheeky Bruce (he shares the role of Bruce with Oisin-Luca Pegg, Carter-J Murphy and Brodie Robson) and Pixie Grace Pettigrew managing to keep her Lavender just on the right side of annoying. 

Happily, the adult cast manages to keep up with the children with Richard Hurst’s monstrous Miss Trunchbull dominating the narrative. Hurst brings a surprising spryness to this hulking ogre and despite the boos that his appearance elicits in the finale, it’s clear that the audience loves him really. The same can be said for the equally vile Mr and Mrs Wormwood who, thanks to being in the capable hands of Adam Stafford and Rebecca Thornhill, are clearly audience favourites with their brilliantly cartoonish performances. Tessa Kadler balances this out with her sweet Miss Honey, breaking the audience’s hearts with her rendition of Pathetic, as well as Esther Miles’ empathetic Mrs Phelps. Also, a quick shout-out to Ryan Lay who takes the small role of Rudolpho and almost runs off with the whole show

Special mention must go to Paul Kieve’s illusions that are so integral to the story. These range from some subtle magical effects to an amazing feat where a little girl seems to be thrown off stage by her pigtails, only to fall back to earth directly from the flies – rarely has one witnessed such a seamless piece of stagecraft. 

The Press Night audience contained more than its fair share of young children and during the 2.5hr+ running time there was no evidence of fidgeting or whining: a true testament to how spellbinding this production is.  

Matilda the Musical is a must-see miracle. Top marks!

Runs until 28th February 2026