Angelica Scott (one of the four performers) and Deborah Tracey (Mrs Phelps) in RSC's Matilda The Musical. Photo by Ellie KurttzMatilda finds refuge in her local library after teaching herself how to read and later hopes to find solace at school. Yet, the headmistress, the terrible Miss Trunchbull, soon destroys those expectations. Matilda will eventually find support and change her life after teaming up with her classmates, and most importantly, with Miss Honey, a kind and caring teacher who has her own traumas to heal and much love to spread.
Matilda The Musical, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, is an explosion of energy, colours, creativity and talent. The acting is amazing across the board, the voices and dancing are beyond words and the talent of the kids undeniable. Every detail one’s eye could catch works perfectly, leaving the audience absorbed by what happens on stage. Well, not just on stage, as the creatives of this production utilised all the potential they had, with actors appearing on balconies, among the audience, and even on swings soaring above the first rows. Director Matthew Warchus guides the production brilliantly, and Hugh Vanstone’s lighting design does more than accompany the action; it creates a beautiful tale of its own.
Tiffany Graves, in her role as Mrs Wormwood, demonstrates her talent from beginning to end, nailing the dance contest scene with her brilliant moves, voice and acting. She is perfectly paired with Neil McDermott, whose portrayal of the hyperactive, money-driven Mr. Wormwood is incredible. McDermott’s liveliness, way of speaking, and physicality impress from the start, but what comes as a pleasant surprise is the more emotional farewell scene between him and Matilda. Kieran Hill who embodies Miss Trunchbull probably has one of the audience’s favourite parts. This role naturally attracts attention, but Hill’s acting is spot-on, with no unnecessary exaggerations or overdramatic elements.
Matilda is a story that might be associated with fun and lively imagery but at the same time has a dark side too and this production beautifully captures that. The way Matilda’s eerie stories are shown on stage while she narrates them to Mrs Phelps, the librarian, are clever and atmospheric, working as a peek into a traumatised kid’s inner world but are artfully counterbalanced by Deborah Tracey’s (Mrs Phelps) organic way to brighten the atmosphere by bringing laughs in the room.
A minor concern I had while watching the show was whether the casting could be more diverse. I also caught myself wondering how some aspects of the story read today, especially when it comes to young audiences. For example, the ‘looks versus books’ dichotomy could be a dangerous territory when shown as a strict binary. However, this more critical point doesn’t take away from the production’s ability to tell this story or from the rest of the empowering and heartwarming elements it offers.
Matilda is magical. Same as this show. I remember myself as a kid staring at a box of cereal and trying to telekinetically move it after watching the 1996 Matilda movie. After putting all my focus, energy, thought and heart into it… I of course failed! Now much older and with no intention to trigger superpowers, Matilda The Musical brought back that magical effect and proved to be a memorable experience for anyone to enjoy, no matter their age.
Matilda The Musical is currently playing at the Cambridge Theatre until 24 May 2026.
