Matilda The Musical
this weekend in London
Available Performances
Roald Dahl's rebellious schoolgirl takes on cruel adults in a witty, big-hearted musical about courage and imagination.
⭐4.7
Amy Kendrew ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Charmaine Tanti ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jill T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paul ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Church ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SAVVAS PAPAGRIGORIADIS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
T Sheeran ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Janine Schwienbacher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maria Dolors Rovira Jané ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laura ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Juan di leo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
XAVIER SEDES ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laura Brom ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elaine Farrugia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Things to Know Before You Go
Updated: Thu 16 Jul, 18:00 London time
Is there a Saturday matinee for Matilda The Musical this weekend?
Yes — Sat 18 Jul 14:00 (tickets available).
What time does the Matilda The Musical Sunday show start this weekend?
Sun 19 Jul 14:00
What's the cheapest Matilda The Musical performance this weekend?
From £25 (Fri & Sat).
The Trunchbull — genuinely frightening for a six- or seven-year-old?
Genuinely a bit. The character is traditionally played by a tall male actor in formidable padding (Bertie Carvel set the template in 2010), and the staging plays the threat for real — children hurled by their pigtails, a chokey that swings open from the back wall. Most six-year-olds raised on Dahl-adjacent material handle it; very sensitive children sometimes wobble at the first hammer-throw. The Trunchbull is also extremely funny, which most kids work out by her second appearance.
Tim Minchin's lyrics fly past — will children actually catch the wordplay?
They catch more than you think and less than the adult next to them, which is broadly by design. The ensemble numbers (especially 'School Song', built around the alphabet) move at speed and the Cambridge's acoustic is clear but not forgiving — sit forward in the centre stalls from around row F back and the gags land. The slower songs ('Naughty', 'Quiet', 'When I Grow Up') are crystalline and unmissable from anywhere in the house.
'When I Grow Up' and the big set-pieces — where are the seats?
The swings in 'When I Grow Up' arc out over the front stalls. From row K-ish back in the centre stalls you get the full geometry without the cast disappearing above your sightline. The chocolate-cake scene and the 'Telly' number read more cleanly from the dress circle, so the connoisseur's compromise is rear stalls or front dress circle — the part of the house that does best by both halves of the show.
Is Matilda The Musical suitable for children?
Yes, Matilda The Musical is designed as a family show and is generally recommended for children aged six and above. Very young children may find some scenes, such as the louder moments with Miss Trunchbull, a little intense, so it is worth considering your child’s tolerance for noise and mild peril.
Do I need to know the book or film to enjoy Matilda?
No, the musical tells the story clearly in its own right. Fans of the book or film will recognise many familiar moments and characters, but the stage version adds new songs, jokes and details that make it feel fresh even if you know the story well.
How long does Matilda The Musical run?
The running time is around 2 hours 35 minutes, including an interval. The structure is well paced for families, with frequent musical numbers and visual set-pieces that help keep younger audience members engaged.
Is Matilda The Musical only for children?
Not at all. While children tend to identify strongly with Matilda and her classmates, the show is full of sly jokes, emotional moments and musical references that speak directly to adults. Many theatregoers see it without children and enjoy it as a witty, heartfelt musical in its own right.
Where is Matilda The Musical performed in London?
Matilda The Musical is performed at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End. The theatre is close to Seven Dials and Covent Garden, making it easy to combine the show with a pre-theatre meal or a stroll through central London.
What should I expect from the music and choreography?
Expect clever, rhythmically playful songs and choreography that makes full use of the child ensemble. The numbers are energetic and character-driven, ranging from quiet moments with Matilda to full-company routines that fill the stage with movement.
About this show
Step into Roald Dahl’s world of mischievous magic as Matilda The Musical brings his beloved story to life on the Cambridge Theatre stage. This Royal Shakespeare Company production combines Dennis Kelly’s sharp, witty book with Tim Minchin’s inventive songs to follow Matilda, a brilliant girl who refuses to accept the limits set by the adults around her. Inventive staging, tongue-in-cheek humour and a heartfelt message about courage make this a rare family show that speaks to children and grown-ups alike. With its school desks that dance, spelling-bee anthems and a villainous headmistress you will love to hate, Matilda has become a modern West End favourite for families and theatre fans who enjoy stories with a rebellious streak.
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