Matilda The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Amanda Dando
We were super excited to be visiting Milton Keynes Theatre to see Matilda The Musical, all of our kids adored the film, and we have never seen the stage show. There is an abundance of parking all within walking distance of Milton Keynes Theatre which makes it a pleasure to visit. Staff are always pleasant and helpful in the auditorium.
Judging by the amount of little people in the audience, Matilda is even to this day a big draw with the kids. Believe it or not this musical first came to the stage in 2003! Clearly still a winner, packing theatres wherever it goes.
The show is brimming with super talented amazing kids, lots and lots of them, what a credit to themselves they all were. Not a word, foot or note out of place, they simply stole the show. Incredible to think that at their young age they are up on stage some two plus hours, singing and dancing their hearts out. Superstars all of them. A standout performance by tonight’s Matilda played by Molly Hutton, it should be noted that the role is shared equally with Felicity Brown, Petra Hutchings and Caroline Ravansari. I imagine a treat whoever you see on stage. Equally tonight’s Bruce was Kobi Lau stood out, he was a complete natural and had an amazing presence on stage, he shares the role with Jett Austin-Richards, Isaac Cruickshank and John Johnson.
The show pays homage to the book and the much loved film of the same name. It’s pretty dark for a musical filled with children, very rebellious children! Their performances were outstanding, certainly matching the adults on stage with them. We can’t not mention Richard Hurst who plays Miss Trunchbull, certainly the most sinister we have seen. He was most certainly true to character and the thoroughly mean baddie.
The story stays fairly true to the book and film, there are some truly mesmerising numbers in the show, I particularly liked the number after the interval with the swings. What comes through is the children can be resilient, they can triumph against bullies, be that in their home or in the wider community. That you can learn from books is such a relevant message in today’s times, when children are glued to electronic screens. Good can overcome, and does in this very well staged musical.
One tip is return to your seats during the interval, as Matilda’s Dad, Mr Wormwood comes on stage to sing a number, very different to other shows, it’s not to be missed.
The set is simple, but so effective throughout, we loved the way words were incorporated into the staging. It’s an all singing and dancing couple of hours, you can’t help willing the ‘revolting’ children to triumph. This show is certainly entertaining and so very special due to the children’s outstanding performances, go grab your tickets before it leaves Milton Keynes.
Rating: 4/5
Matilda The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Wednesday 28 October to Saturday 14 November 2026
Tickets are available from £65.00 subject to a transaction fee of £3.95 available to buy from www.atgtickets.com or call the Box Office 0800 912 6971
Milton Keynes Theatre 500 Marlborough Gate Central Milton Keynes MK93NZ
Photo credit Manuel Harlan and Matt Crockett
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/matilda-the-musical/milton-keynes-theatre/