Birmingham Hippodrome – until 2nd August 2026
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Bringing Roald Dahl’s much-loved story to Birmingham Hippodrome, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s touring production of Matilda The Musical celebrates 15 years of delighting audiences of all ages, combining unforgettable songs with an uplifting message about courage, kindness and believing in yourself. It’s easy to see why the show has won over 100 awards worldwide, including an impressive 25 Best Musical awards.
At the heart of the story is Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinary young girl whose love of books and remarkable intelligence set her apart from her neglectful parents and the fearsome Miss Trunchbull. While many audience members will already know the story, this production still feels fresh and inventive, balancing laugh-out-loud comedy with genuinely touching moments.
The role of Matilda is shared by four talented young performers- Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger and Sanna Kurihara. At this performance, Sanna Kurihara took centre stage. She delivered an exceptional performance, capturing Matilda’s intelligence and quiet determination with real maturity. It’s an incredibly demanding role, but she clearly took it all in her stride. The role of Bruce Bogtrotter is shared by Oisin-Luca Pegg, Carter-J Murphy, Brodie Robson and Takunda Khumalo. Bruce was played by Oisin-Luca Pegg for this performance. He stole the show on several occasions, especially during the infamous chocolate cake eating scene, and again as the opening notes of the song Revolting Children rang out, when Bruce suddenly appeared clutching a microphone.
Richard Hurst is deliciously intimidating as Miss Trunchbull. Towering over the cast with commanding presence, he embraces the character’s revolting nature, drawing huge laughs while never losing the menace that makes the role such an unforgettable villain. Tessa Kadler brings a warmth to Miss Honey, creating a compassionate presence that provides the emotional heart of the production. Esther Niles also shines as Mrs Phelps, the kind librarian who revels in listening to Matilda’s stories.
Adam Stafford and Rebecca Thornhill throw themselves wholeheartedly into the exaggerated comedy as Mr and Mrs Wormwood, delivering brilliantly over-the-top performances that perfectly capture Roald Dahl’s eccentric world. Although his stage time is relatively short, special mention must go to Ryan Lay as Mrs Wormwood’s flamboyant dance partner Rudolpho. His high-kicking, flashy dance routine with Mrs Wormwood showcased the pair’s impeccable comic timing, providing some of the evening’s biggest laughs. The ensemble are equally impressive, maintaining boundless energy throughout while moving seamlessly between lively musical numbers and slick scene changes with remarkable precision.
Tim Minchin’s catchy score, under the musical direction of Andrew Corcoran, is undoubtedly one of the musical’s greatest strengths. From the empowering spirit of Naughty to the gloriously chaotic The Smell of Rebellion, every song blends infectious humour with genuine emotion. Peter Darling’s inventive choreography keeps the production constantly moving, while Rob Howell’s imaginative set design transforms the stage into a vibrant playground of letters, books and school desks. Every element works together to create a visually inventive world that captures the wonder of childhood while allowing the story itself to remain the clear focus. Dennis Kelly’s witty and heartfelt book and direction by Matthew Warchus ensures the production maintains a brisk pace, keeping the audience captivated throughout. What makes Matilda The Musical so enduring is its ability to speak to every generation. Children will delight in its cheeky humour, colourful characters and energetic musical numbers, while adults will appreciate the sharp wit and darker humour.
More than fifteen years after its premiere, the production continues to enchant audiences. Magical, mischievous and magnificent, Matilda The Musical is a theatrical triumph fully deserving of the prolonged standing ovation it received.