Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, London Preview
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WILL BE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THIS PREVIEW AND THE SUBSEQUENT REVIEW
Previewed by Joanna Woodburn
Such is the magic formula of Matilda The Musical that it has been enchanting audiences across the generations for an incredible 15 years in London’s West End and the award winning production has grown into a global phenomenon.
Adapted from Roald Dahl’s beloved book, the production keeps all the hallmarks of Dahl’s famed wit and charm, which enables both young and old alike to feel an instant connection from the moment the curtain rises. The inspirational show tells the story of Matilda, a young girl blessed with extraordinary talents, who uses her brains, curiosity and a sprinkling of magic as a powerful force for good.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, Matilda The Musical is currently booking through to January 2027 at the renowned Cambridge Theatre. The show won a record-breaking seven awards at the 2012 Olivier Awards, as well as four Tony Awards and a Tony Honour for Excellence in the Theatre for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway.
These are exciting times for The Royal Shakespeare Company as it turns a new page and welcomes new talented young performers to Matilda The Musical – Sithuni Gamage, Bonnie Harper and Carla Lopez-Corpas will join Emilia Shefford in the title role of Matilda. The other young performers taking to the stage in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Nigel and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are Zoe Akinyosade, Oliver Alexandru, Felix Anderson, Mary Bassey Bassey, Amelie Bibani, Nathan Cooper, Alejandro García-Pérez, Ryan Hayter, Sebastian Tay Hilas, Eira Kay, Esmaé Kevany, Ivy-Rose Mann, Karin Narumi, Lucas Moy, Alexzander Neophytou, Jessica Rihanna Mocanu, Eden Rowe, Lucy Sheppard, Samuel Sturge and Henry Treharne. They join the existing young cast, which includes Sid Boyle, Kanaho Kurihara, Albie Lambert, Savannah McDowell and Mason Mingle.
The current adult cast includes Jon Robyns (Miss Trunchbull), Tiffany Graves (Mrs Wormwood), Neil McDermott (Mr Wormwood) and Eve Norris (Miss Honey). The ensemble includes Naomi Alade, Kofi Aidoo-Appiah, Alex Louize Bird, Katie Bradley, Millie Brown-Thornton, Reece Budin, Kelly Ewins, William Elijah-Lewis, Antony Lawrence, Nick Len, Tania Mathurin, Ben Middleton, James Oliver, Stuart Rouse, Chloe Saunders, Callum Train and Dawn Williams.
The creative team has design by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.
Matilda The Musical guarantees a heartwarming, magical theatre experience, full of fun, memorable songs and a much needed touch of mischief! A perfectly delightful Easter treat or for any time of the year for audiences of all ages.
Matilda The Musical is at the Cambridge Theatre, London. For more information or to book tickets, visit matildathemusical.com
Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU