Matilda The Musical is that very rare thing: a flawless theatre show.
Dennis Kelly’s book and Tim Minchin’s music and lyrics preserve the spiky comedy of Roald Dahl’s story, and the largely young cast are exceptional, with performances that outclass many professional adult stars.
Matthew Warchus’ direction brings together a technical dream, with a perfect union of set design, lighting, and illusions that stand out – especially the Wormwood’s green and orange living room – but never stand in the way of the story. When we see a child swung by their pigtails out into the ether we can (almost) believe it, and when students clamber up the school gates as giant letter boxes are thrust with careful choreography into the bars, nothing seems more natural.
On opening night Felicity Brown took the title role (played in rotation by Petra Hutchings, Mollie Hutton, Sanna Kurihara, and Caroline Ravansari during the tour run), leading an exceptional group of young actors. It can be often that casting directors get name checked in reviews but Amy Beadel deserves it for her picks here.
Together, they act, sing, dance, and even perform gymnastics (in a fantastical Phys Ed session that is one of many highlights) with an assurance that is astounding. The ensemble is impressive throughout, though Isaac Cruickshank as Bruce (Jett Austin-Richards, John Jonson, and Kobi Lau share the role across performances) and Dalia Al Nagar as Lavender (also played by Polly Florence and Martha Tutill) have the most substantive supporting roles, and lap up the limelight.
Of the adults, Richard Hurst as the domineering dame Miss Trunchball clearly gets most attention, and stalks the stage with magisterial disdain for the children, and delectable comic timing. Rebecca Thornhill and Adam Stafford as the unfortunate Matilda’s parents are beautifully common, relishing every bit of their casual cruelty. Ryan Lay’s portrayal of Latin dance partner Rudolpho – and particularly his splits – will stay with me for a disturbingly long time.
As teacher Miss Honey and librarian Miss Phelps respectively, Tess Kadler and Cassandra Lee have softer roles to fill but bring plenty of warmth and character. Lee especially provides a wonderful foil for Matilda’s storytelling, creatively told through a rich mixture of dumb show (with Lizzie Nance and Ben Tyler captivating as the doomed lovers), song, and shadow puppetry.
The stagecraft on show throughout is exceptional, and packs the two and a half hours with magical memorable moments, from the reveal of the model house in Matilda’s story, to the swings soaring into the sky, from simple use of lighting to create Trunchball’s sporting circle, to Bruce’s burp and then devouring a giant cake.
I’ve been reviewing shows for more than 20 years and even in the best shows there is usually something that niggles, but this one charmed my smelly socks off. Ticket prices are high for its month-long residency at Norwich Theatre Royal but they reflect an exceptional show, with big production values, and a cast so talented it beggars belief. If you can make it, go.
- Matilda The Musical continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until Sunday 6 September 2026. Tickets £47.70-£93.28.