MATILDA: THE MUSICAL: LONDON, UK
Matilda: The Musical
at The Cambridge Theatre in London, UK on 20/03/2026
words by Cat Wiltshire
The RSC's Matilda The Musical, London. Photo by Manuel Harlan
Fifteen years into its West End run at the Cambridge Theatre, Matilda The Musical shows no signs of losing its mischievous sparkle. Quite the opposite: this anarchic, big-hearted adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved story feels as fresh, funny and emotionally resonant as ever. With over 12 million audience members worldwide and more than 100 international awards to its name, including 25 for Best Musical, it’s easy to see why this production has become one of the longest-running and most cherished shows in London theatre history.
From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is plunged into a world of gleeful chaos. The opening number, a riot of pushy parents and “miracle” children, sets the tone perfectly. This is a show that revels in exaggeration, satire and unapologetic silliness. Yet beneath the high-energy spectacle lies a story of real emotional depth, a tale of a lonely, brilliant child who dares to challenge the unjust world around her.
Dennis Kelly’s script remains wonderfully faithful to Dahl’s original while introducing clever theatrical flourishes, including Matilda’s imaginative storytelling sequences. Importantly, the production leans less on the literal magic of her telekinetic powers and instead foregrounds her intelligence, resilience and moral courage. It’s a subtle but powerful shift, making Matilda not just extraordinary but inspiringly human.
The production design is a constant delight. Rob Howell’s set, with its oversized alphabet blocks and chalkboard motifs, captures the childlike wonder of the story, while remaining slick and sophisticated. Scenes flow seamlessly into one another, aided by inventive staging and Paul Kieve’s enchanting illusions, which draw audible gasps from the audience. Hugh Vanstone’s lighting adds further texture, shifting effortlessly from warm nostalgia to eerie tension.
The cast is, quite simply, exceptional. The adult performances strike a perfect balance between caricature and credibility. Neil McDermott and Tiffany Graves roles as The Wormwoods, Matilda’s appalling parents, are gloriously grotesque, delivering laugh after laugh with their absurd vanity and neglectful parenting. Their exaggerated antics never outstay their welcome, instead serving as a sharp comedic counterpoint to Matilda’s quiet strength.
Eve Norris as Miss Honey provides the emotional anchor of the piece. Gentle, kind and quietly courageous, she brings a tenderness that grounds the production’s more outrageous moments. Her relationship with Matilda is handled with genuine warmth, culminating in moments that are deeply moving without ever tipping into sentimentality.
Then there is Miss Trunchbull, a villain for the ages. Played by Jon Robins, towering, terrifying and utterly ridiculous, she dominates the stage with a mixture of brute force and dark humour. Whether barking orders, swinging children by their pigtails or banishing them to the dreaded “Chokey,” she is as hilarious as she is horrifying. Her eventual downfall is met with rapturous applause, a testament to just how effectively the character has been brought to life.
Of course, the true stars of Matilda are the children. The young performers are nothing short of astonishing, displaying a level of professionalism, energy and precision that would be impressive at any age. The role of Matilda itself, shared between several performers, remains a marvel of casting. On this occasion, Mia Rogers, the young actress in the title role, delivered a performance of remarkable nuance, capturing Matilda’s vulnerability, wit and quiet defiance with complete conviction.
Tim Minchin’s score continues to be one of the show’s greatest strengths. His songs are clever, catchy and emotionally rich, blending wordplay with genuine feeling. ‘Naughty’ is a triumphant anthem of rebellion, while ‘When I Grow Up,’ performed on swings that soar above the stage, is pure theatrical magic, nostalgic, joyful and tinged with bittersweet longing. Meanwhile, ‘Revolting Children’ brings the house down with its infectious energy and message of collective empowerment.
What sets Matilda The Musical apart, even after all these years, is its refusal to condescend to its audience. It doesn’t simply “work on two levels” for children and adults, it operates on one brilliantly unified level that embraces humour, darkness, imagination and heart in equal measure. Children are captivated by its spectacle and silliness, whilst adults are moved by its themes of resilience, kindness and standing up for what is right.
In an era where some long-running shows begin to feel tired, Matilda remains vibrantly alive. Its current cast brings renewed energy to an already beloved production, ensuring that each performance feels special. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning for another visit, it offers the same irresistible blend of laughter, wonder and emotional payoff.
Matilda The Musical is a celebration of the power of storytelling and of the extraordinary things that can happen when courage meets imagination. It’s a show that continues to enchant, uplift and inspire, proving that even after 15 years, its magic is as potent as ever.
The multi-award-winning production of Matilda The Musical is currently booking through to January 2027 at the Cambridge Theatre, with tickets on sale at www.matildathemusical.com, and if you book 12 weeks ahead, you can save up to 20% on off-peak performances. The age recommendation for the show is 6+.
Cat Wiltshire
★★★★★
