Created by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin in 2009, Matilda: The Musical has won hearts all around the world for its spirited, heart-warming take on this beloved story about a very special little girl. The musical is now in its 14th year on the West End and still as popular as ever. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning on going to see the show.
Current West End cast of Matilda the Musical. Photo by Manuel Harlan
What is Matilda: The Musical about?
Based on the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl, Matilda is the story of a clever little girl who is misunderstood and neglected by her parents and finds solace only in books and stories - until she starts school at the ominous Crunchem Hall, where she befriends the other beleaguered students and the kind-hearted but meek Ms Honey. When Matilda begins to exhibit strange and fantastic powers, she must use them to defend her friends against the formidable child-hating headmistress, Ms Trunchbull.
Will children enjoy Matilda: The Musical?
Children will be enchanted by the moving, funny, thrilling story full of pranks, adventure, and daring escapes, as well as the wonderfully whimsical set full of tall bookshelves and towers of building blocks and swingsets. It’s also a special treat to see a cast dominated by child actors, who are the true highlight and stars of the musical. The actors playing Matilda and her ragtag group of friends are all delightfully talented and loveable. Kids will also love seeing these brave, clever children getting the better of the nasty adults around them.
Will adults enjoy Matilda: The Musical?
Matilda is as much a treat for adults as it is for children. Many of us grew up with Roald Dahl’s stories and it’s truly a delight to see the story of Matilda retold onstage. You might find yourself getting a bit emotional, as I did, seeing familiar scenes, like Matilda finding solace in the library or using her powers for the first time, reenacted onstage. And at the same time, the musical doesn’t lean entirely on the source material, injecting new scenes and twists that may take you by surprise. There are also a handful of sneaky adult-directed jokes that go over the heads of children, which got a good chuckle out of the adults in the audience.
Is Matilda: The Musical a good musical for families?
This is the perfect musical for a family trip: enchanting and entertaining for children, and a trip down memory lane for adults. At two and a half hours with an interval, it’s also a good length for children of all ages to lose themselves in without getting too fidgety. It will give you and your children plenty to talk about after the show, and a wonderful collection of songs to listen to on repeat. For children who haven’t read the book, it could be a good excuse to introduce it to them, and to Roald Dahl’s other works.
Is Matilda: The Musical educational?
While entertaining and full of laughs, Matilda, like the book it’s based on, is full of important lessons for children, particularly about the importance of reading books, the power of learning and stories, and of friendship, loyalty, and courage in the face of hardship and bullies. There’s a comical scene where the villainous Mr Wormwood breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience, warning about the dangers of letting children read books and expand their minds, which got a lot of laughter. All this makes Matilda a great pick for a school trip.
What memorable songs are in Matilda: The Musical?
Matilda has a wonderful collection of songs: the sweet and touching ‘Miracle’, where the children sing about how precious they are to their parents, or the upbeat ‘Naughty’, where Matilda plots revenge against her cruel parents, or Ms Trunchbull’s menacing, villainous ‘The Smell of Rebellion’, or my personal favourite, the uplifting revolutionary anthem ‘Revolting Children’, where the children rise up against their cruel headmistress. Each one is accompanied by a rollicking dance or action sequence that will leave you dazzled and cheering.
Is it good for non-English speakers?
Some of the dialogue and songs are very fast-paced and might be difficult for non-native English speakers to follow. That being said, the colourful, dynamic set, energetic dance sequences, and vibrant cast means you’ll enjoy it even if you don’t manage to follow all the dialogue, and the story is fairly simple and straightforward.
Fun fact: if you’re a Bulgarian speaker, there’s a very entertaining moment towards the end where the actors switch into Bulgarian.
In conclusion… should you go see Matilda: The Musical?
Whether you’re a child or adult, or if you read the book as a child or are new to the story, Matilda: The Musical has something for everyone. It’s charming in a way that’s universal across age and background, appealing to our innate sense of wonder through a truly magical set design and songs that evoke themes of courage, resilience, and friendship that everyone can relate to. The musical puts its own spin on a beloved, familiar story, fleshing out characters like Ms Honey and her father Magnus, played heartbreakingly by Eve Norris and Ralph Watts. Neil McDermott and Tiffany Graves as the Wormwoods are delightfully, hilariously villainous, and Kieran Hill is both camp and terrifying as Ms Trunchbull, while the cast of children steal the show with their talent and enthusiasm.
Matilda The Musical is currently booking at the Cambridge Theatre until 24 May 2026.
