From the pages of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel to the spotlight of the stage, Matilda the Musical has enchanted audiences of all ages with its powerful storytelling, toe-tapping songs, and inspiring message of resilience and self-belief.
First brought to life in 2010 by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Matilda the Musical was adapted by playwright Dennis Kelly with original songs by comedian and musician Tim Minchin. What started as a small production in Stratford-upon-Avon quickly became a global phenomenon, with award-winning runs in London’s West End, Broadway, and international stages from Australia to South Korea.
The Story at the Heart of the Magic
At its core, Matilda the Musical is the story of a young girl with a brilliant mind and a fearless heart. Matilda Wormwood is born into a family that doesn’t appreciate her intelligence or imagination. Ignored by her dim-witted, TV-obsessed parents and tormented by the tyrannical school headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda escapes into books and stories, dreaming of a better world.
But Matilda doesn’t just dream—she acts. With the help of her kind-hearted teacher Miss Honey, Matilda learns to stand up for what’s right. And when she discovers she has telekinetic powers, she realizes she can change her own destiny—and maybe help others along the way.
A Smash Hit on Stage and Screen
Matilda the Musical has earned critical acclaim not only for its storytelling, but for its innovative stage design, high-energy choreography, and memorable songs. Standout numbers like:
- “Naughty” – a rebellious anthem about writing your own story
- “When I Grow Up” – a touching look at childhood hopes and dreams
- “Revolting Children” – a rousing celebration of empowerment
These songs have become iconic in musical theatre and beloved by fans around the globe.
The production has earned seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, and five Tony Awards, cementing its status as one of the most successful musicals of the 21st century. In 2022, a film adaptation of the musical was released on Netflix, introducing a new generation to Matilda’s magical world with a stellar cast and cinematic flair.
Why Matilda Still Matters
Matilda the Musical is more than a stage show—it’s a celebration of what it means to be bold, curious, and kind in a world that doesn’t always reward those traits. Matilda reminds us that intelligence is powerful, standing up for others matters, and even the smallest person can change the world.
As Tim Minchin put it in one of the show’s most moving lines:
“Even if you’re little, you can do a lot.”
Whether you’re a theatre lover, a longtime fan of Roald Dahl, or discovering the magic for the first time, Matilda the Musical is a story that sings to the soul—and encourages us all to be just a little bit naughty.
