The Royal Shakespeare Company’s musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s bestselling book Matilda has been a showstopper on the London West End since its premiere in October 2011. From the very start, the show received roaring applause, collecting an impressive seven Olivier Awards in its first year. Despite its global success, the London production remains as popular as ever, filling the Cambridge Theatre night after night, delighting both long-time Matilda fans and first-timers. In 2022, a new film adaptation featuring Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull was released, further fuelling the musical’s popularity and bringing even more fans to see the live show. Today, it proudly holds its place as the 15th longest-running show in West End history.
From bookworm to theatre buff: my Matilda journey
I’ve been a Matilda fan for as long as I can remember – starting with the book when I was 11. I devoured it like a true bookworm, instantly connecting with Matilda’s love for reading. That bond only deepened when I saw the first film adaptation in the cinema. And as any musical lover knows, we all have those soundtracks that never leave our heads – Matilda’s score is definitely at the top of mine. It’s not unusual for me to randomly burst into “And that’s not right” during a conversation (my colleagues and friends can vouch for that!).
A full circle moment: my second visit to Matilda the Musical
When asked if I would go see Matilda The Musical, the question deserved one and only answer – an immediate and loud YES! It had been three years since my last visit, and I was buzzing at the thought of experiencing it all over again – especially with the recent cast changes at the start of this year. As I made my way to Covent Garden and entered the Cambridge Theatre, I couldn’t resist stopping by the bar to strike a pose next to the life-size Matilda poster, which invites everyone to channel their inner Matilda.
Once I found my seat, I couldn’t help but be mesmerised by the set made of giant building blocks looking like a giant jigsaw puzzle, forming words when assembled. The set, designed by Rob Howell, is a vibrant arch covered with colourful, handwritten letters that beckon you to explore. Naturally, I spent quite some time trying to spot as many words as I could, including revolt, freedom, miracle and many more.
A story of courage and wit
As the curtains rise on Matilda the Musical, the stage is immediately filled with chaotic energy – what looks like a birthday party quickly turns into a hilarious and absurd situation. Parents and their mini-me children sing in high-pitched voices, chanting, “My mummy says I’m a miracle...” as if it were a nursery rhyme, setting the tone for the madness that’s about to unfold. From Mrs Wormwood’s missed dance number (to her, a total disaster) to the comically absurd belief that she’s been pregnant for nine months without realising it, the show starts with an unforgettable bang. Add in Mr Wormwood, who insists Matilda is a boy despite her constant reminders that she’s a girl, and you’ve got a family that simply cannot appreciate the wonder that is Matilda. Her love for books and stories is considered a “disgrace” by her oblivious parents.
This show has its fair share of revolting yet hilarious villain energy. The Wormwoods, with their loud personalities and absurd sense of fashion, bring the laughs from the get-go. Tiffany Graves, no stranger to live stage theatre, absolutely nails Mrs Wormwood’s portrayal with her hilarious take on the ballroom dance-obsessed mother. Her outrageously over-the-top Latin dance routines, including ridiculously funny high-kicking choreography, alongside her equally ridiculous partner (played by Sam Lips), had the audience in stitches every time they appeared. Graves is joined on stage by Neil McDermott as her husband, the despicable Mr Wormwood, and you can’t help but laugh at the couple’s exaggerated antics, even as you cringe at their complete lack of parenting skills.
And then there’s Michael their amorphous son, played by Pearce Barron, whose sole obsession seems to be with “TELLYYYYYY” – he couldn’t care less about Matilda, instead preferring the glow of the television screen.
The terrifying Miss Trunchbull: a villain like no other
There is no villain as revolting and vicious as Miss Trunchbull, a character who seems to have forgotten bullying children is not everyone’s idea of fun. A former Olympic champion, Miss Trunchbull is all about proving she’s the toughest, watching over the students from her office, which is more like a MI5 surveillance hub, ready to terrorise anyone who dares to breathe too loudly. Dressed in an oversized khaki coat and high knitted socks, Kieran Hill’s Trunchbull is a brutal authority figure who runs Crunchem Hall with an iron fist, threatening every child she comes across.
As I was sitting in the stalls, quite close to the stage, I could see Trunchbull storming in and out, shouting threats, literally fearing who she’ll come after next. The Chokey – a small, grimy cupboard where she locks up disobedient children – felt like the ultimate threat, with children fearing for their lives whenever it is mentioned. And let’s not forget when she grabs poor Amanda Thripp (Beatrice Armitage) by her pigtails and flings her across the stage like a ragdoll! The moment Amanda drops from the ceiling a few minutes later had the audience gasping. And of course, there’s Bruce Bogtrotter, played by Max Garlick – dear Bruce, who makes the grave mistake of taking a bite of the Trunchbull cake. Forced to eat a ginormous, multi-layered chocolate cake, Bruce’s moment quickly goes from slightly fun to straight-up torture.
Music and lyrics: bringing Matilda’s story to life
What really sets Matilda apart, aside from its beloved story and unforgettable characters, is its music. The songs created by composer and lyricist Tim Minchin make this version of the beloved story so special.
“Naughty”, a catchy song bringing mischief and defiance to an all-time high, perfectly captures Matilda’s urge for rebellion while “When I Grow Up” is a touching and powerful song bringing up the hopes and sense of wonder we all once had. The children’s performance of this song is unforgettable, as they sing in chorus, riding giant swings above the stage, executing perfectly choreographed numbers with high energy. It’s a moment that fills you with so much joy that you almost feel like you’re a part of the scene. And of course, there’s “Revolting Children”, a standout number as the kids finally take a stand against Miss Trunchbull’s tyranny. By the end, you’ll be ready to jump to your feet and belt out “that’s not right!” at the top of your lungs – though we didn’t actually do that, of course…
The songs stay with you long after the curtain falls, perfectly blending with the show’s mix of comedy and rebellion.
Matilda, a show you can’t get enough of
The real stars of Matilda are the children, bringing fiery performances to the stage – especially Matilda herself. She’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for, with her vivid imagination and superpowers that let her take on the adults who just don’t get it.
With the recent cast change this season, the show feels as fresh as ever, even 13 years after it first hit the Cambridge Theatre. And the best part? Since the kids alternate in the role of Matilda, every performance feels a little different, making it an experience worth seeing again. We had the pleasure of seeing Anna Deikalo as Matilda, but no matter which talented young performer is on stage, you’re in for a treat.
You can feel the buzz in the air from the audience too, with adults enjoying it just as much as the children. With its feel-good story, Matilda leaves you feeling uplifted and ready to take on anything you’ve dreamed of!
Make the most of your visit
- Arrive early and take it all in: We recommend getting to the Cambridge Theatre at least 30 minutes before the show starts. There's so much to see and do inside! Snap a picture striking the iconic Matilda pose in front of the giant show poster by the bar, soak up the themed decorations throughout the theatre, and be sure to admire the stage set before you take your seat.
- Grab a quick bite before the show: Covent Garden is packed with tasty options for rumbling stomachs. In a rush? Seven Dials Market is a top choice. Feast on pizza slices as big as your head at Bad Boy Pizza Society, get your cheese fix at Pick & Cheese (the world’s first cheese conveyor belt!), or devour some seriously good Colombian tacos at Los Gordos.
- More time to spare? If you’ve got a little extra time and want a more relaxed pre-theatre dining experience, you’re in luck. Head over to Mrs Riot, a cocktail bar and bistro that’s got a cool old Hollywood and pop vibe. Their homemade pizzas come with a super light dough, so you can enjoy all the comfort with none of the guilt. Or, for something a bit more adventurous, make your way to Gilgamesh – a restaurant and lounge bar that blends Eastern and Western flavours. The Babylonian-inspired setting alone is worth a visit, but the theatre menu featuring Japanese-style aubergine miso, sushi rolls, Thai green curry and baked sea bass is sure to leave you satisfied and ready for the show.