Matilda the Musical has been one of the biggest and most popular family shows in the West End in the 21st century. The musical has been adapted from the much loved Roald Dahl novel and audiences have taken the inspirational ‘David and Goliath’ like tale into their hearts.
Matilda is a show that captures the very essence of childhood innocence with both the cleverness and wit to match. Performances of Matilda in London first began at the Cambridge Theatre in back in 2011, and there’s no signs of momentum behind the show slowing down anytime soon. Here’s a complete ‘need to know’ guide to the West End production of Matilda the Musical.
What is show Matilda the Musical all about?
Matilda Wormwood is a young schoolkid with an unquenching thirst for knowledge. Literally everything she sees, hears and reads is an opportunity to understand and learn and better her mind which isn’t always understood by grown ups, including her own indifferent parents, who rarely bother to talk to her.
At Matilda’s school Crunchem Hall, there is one person who understands her and she can look up to — her class teacher Miss Honey. The fearsome Miss Trunchbull rules the roost at the school though instilling fear and dread through the rank and file for student and teacher alike – and you can’t possibly miss her! To save the day, both Matilda and Miss Honey must try to overthrow the system and create a brand new world for them all.
What London theatre does Matilda the Musical play at?
Matilda the Musical has been the resident show at the Cambridge Theatre since opening in the West End back in 2011. Previous musicals to play at the venue include Chicago, Fame, and Jerry Springer – The Opera. The Cambridge Theatre is a medium size West End venue that has three different levels with premium seating being found in the centre of the Stalls section on the ground floor and at the front of the Dress Circle.
What is Matilda the Musical’s running time?
The duration of Matilda the Musical is 2 hours and 40 minutes, which includes a 15 minute interval.
When was the premiere of Matilda the Musical?
The world premiere of Matilda the Musical was held at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon where the production played for a limited season from November 9th 2010- January 30th. 2011 before swiftly transferring into the West End to the Cambridge Theatre where it opened for previews on October 25th, 2011 with the official opening night being held on November 24th, 2011.
A Broadway production of Matilda the Musical followed two years later with preview performances beginning at the Shubert Theatre on March 4th, 2013, and an official opening night on April 11th, 2013 where it played for 1,555 performances before eventually closing on New Year’s Day in 2017. Other productions of Matilda the Musical worldwide have been showcased as far and wide as Korea, Australia, South Africa, China and the Philippines.
Who wrote Matilda?
The story behind Matilda the Musical is adapted from the much loved novel by Roald Dahl of the same name. Other Roald Dahl books that have been adapted for the stage, include ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ which was also showcased in the West End at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Matilda was adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly, who made his playwriting debut in the West End for the production. Kelly has also written several plays for the Royal Court Theatre, including ‘Girls and Boys’, and ‘The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas.’
Who wrote the songs featured in Matilda the Musical?
The music and lyrics for Matilda the Musical were written by Australian comic Tim Minchin The comedian often includes musical elements in his acts but Matilda was a sharp change in direction for him as he turned his attentions to West End theatre. Following his success with Matilda, Minchin has gone on to star as Judas in a national tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, and has written the music and lyrics for another Olivier Award-winning musical, ‘Groundhog Day’.
What songs feature in Matilda the Musical?
Matilda the Musical has an original musical score by Tim Minchin that fully compliments Roald Dahl’s work. Some of the stand-out songs in the show include “Naughty”, “When I Grow Up” and “Revolting Children.” Here’s the full list of songs featured in Matilda the Musical.
Act 1
“Miracle”
“Naughty”
“School Song”
“Pathetic”
“The Hammer”
“Loud”
“This Little Girl”
“Bruce”
Act 2
“Telly”
“When I Grow Up”
“Story 4: I’m Here”
“The Smell of Rebellion”
“Quiet”
“My House”
“Revolting Children”
“When I Grow Up”
“Naughty” (reprise)
Has Matilda the Musical won any awards?
Matilda the Musical made Olivier Awards history following its opening when nominations were announced. The production received nominations in all 10 categories it was eligible for, with accolades also being awarded for the Broadway production. Here’s a full breakdown of all the major awards that Matilda the Musical has won.
Olivier Awards
‘Best Actor in a Musical’ – Bertie Carvel
‘Best Theatre Choreographer’ – Peter Darling
‘Best New Musical’
‘Best Sound Design’ – Simon Baker
‘Best Set Design’ – Rob Howell
‘Best Actress in a Musical’ – Kerry Ingram, Cleo Demetriou, Sophia Kiely, Eleanor Worthington Cox
‘Best Director’ – Matthew Warchus
Tony Awards
‘Best Book of a Musical’ – Dennis Kelly
‘Best Lighting Design of a Musical’ – Hugh Vanstone
‘Best Featured Actor in a Musical’ – Gabriel Ebert
‘Best Scenic Design of a Musical’ – Rob Howell
‘Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre’ – Sophia Gennusa, Milly Shapiro, Bailey Ryan, Oona Lawrence
Is there a movie of Matilda the Musical?
As 1996 Matilda movie was made starring Mara Wilson and Danny DeVito. A new film adaptation of the story is also now in the works that is directly based on the musical with 11-year-old Dubliner Alisha Weir taking the title role, joined by Emma Thompson as the fearsome ‘Miss Trunchbull’. Lashana Lynch will take on the role of Matilda’s teacher, ‘Miss Honey’. The Matilda musical movie is due for release in December 2022.
Some fun facts about Matilda the Musical?
Each performance of the musical uses a lot of confetti which annually adds up to approximately 12 million pieces which is all flown into the faces of the audience.
William Shakespeare wrote “Though she be but little, she is fierce…” which definitely rings true for Matilda Wormwood who stands at 4 feet 4 inches and is the shortest leading lady in the West End.
How do I book theatre tickets for Matilda the Musical in London?
Tickets to see the popular Roald Dahl inspired Matilda the Musical in London can be booked both online through Theatretickets-London.co.uk and from the box office. Due to its ongoing popularity, Matilda is not usually considered to be an ideal candidate for bargain hunters looking to secure tickets to last minute London musicals however official discounts do occasionally come around for those willing to be patient. Other value can be located by studying the seating plan and exploiting the cut off ticket prices from the different price bands. Avoiding peak times such as weekends and school holidays can also be beneficial to avoid paying over the odds.