Matilda
Most of us will have grown up reading Roald Dahl books and will have read his book of Matilda. Dennis Kelly’s adaptation to a musical for the stage brings to life everything that you imagine as a child reading the story for the first time and Tim Minchin’s songs not only have memorable tunes, but their lyrics are clever extensions of the story sweeping us up in the world of Roald Dahl’s imagination once again.
For anyone not familiar, Matilda Wormwood is an intelligent child who loves nothing more than getting lost in her books, much to her parents’ disgust. When she starts school her wit and magical powers help to outwit both her parents and her bullying head teacher Miss Trunchbull. Matilda is determined to change her own destiny and that of those around her who are deserving of it.
The RSC’s production is celebrating 15 years and it’s very apparent why this is still a firm favourite with audiences new and old. Matthew Warchus’s direction of the production is clear, colourful, and packed full of hilarious character portrayals.
Peter Darling’s choreography is quirky and delivered perfectly by the cast, whilst Rob Howell’s set and costume design neatly incorporates Dahl’s descriptions as well as the abstract colours and individuality that the characters depict. In particular the alphabetical blocks within the set design are incredibly fascinating, the longer you look at them the more you see, with words relevant to the story hidden in plain sight for the audience to find.
The roles of Matilda and Bruce are shared equally between four young performers (Matilda - Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger and Sanna Kurihara / Bruce - Oisin-Luca Pegg, Carter-J Murphy, Brodie Robson and Takunda Khumalo); on this occasion Matilda was played by Sanna Kurihara and Bruce was played by Oisin-Luca Pegg. Kurihara is a very natural enthusiastic performer, her storytelling is faultless and her characterisation brilliantly executed. Pegg who hails from Birmingham was clearly enjoying playing to a home crowd, his portrayal of Bruce was both effortlessly funny and enjoyable to watch.
The roles of Mr and Mrs Wormwood are played by Adam Stafford and Rebecca Thornhill respectively, they work well together and their comic timing is impeccable. Thornhill’s performance of Loud is particularly wonderful, showing off her triple threat talent.
Richard Hurst’s portrayal of Miss Trunchbull is brilliantly evil. A comical yet terrifying character who takes pleasure in ‘breaking the children’ and Miss Honey in equal satisfaction. Tessa Kadler as Miss Honey is perfect as the kind-hearted teacher who sees the potential in Matilda and in turn finds a new confidence by their friendship.
This is not only a brilliantly put together, eclectically delightful production, but it is also a reminder that we should be kind to others and that we are the ones who control our own futures. Matilda is a character that we should aspire to be like whether we are a child ourselves or merely need to nurture the hidden child within.
This show was reviewed on Thursday 2nd July 2026 at Birmingham Hippodrome where it runs until the 2nd August 2026. Tickets available here: Matilda The Musical – Birmingham Hippodrome
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit : Manuel Harlan
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