Matilda The Musical - UK and Ireland Tour Review

Review by Jen at Edinburgh Playhouse

Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.

Growing up at an all-girls’ school, Matilda the Musical was a cult phenomenon with myself and my peers. Performances of Quiet or Naughty overran the school’s talent shows and singing competitions, and World Book Days featured more Matildas than anything else. We were enraptured by her quiet defiance, insatiable desire to learn and her absolute refusal to be anything but herself. The story and its accompanying music spoke to us in a way that it still seems to speak to young people 15 years later; I attended the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production at Edinburgh Playhouse on March 5th, and it is clear that nothing has changed. The auditorium was filled with families and young people brimming with excitement and appreciation for Matilda’s story, and it is obvious how important the tale of a young girl standing up for what is ‘right’ feels to us. Performed on World Book Day, it seems appropriate to celebrate the power of reading and researching, whimsy and imagination, and the need to think for yourself in a world that tries to tell you all the answers.

Madison Davis as Matilda. Photo by Manuel Harlan.

Matilda the Musical tells the classic Roald Dahl story of a young genius, unwanted and ridiculed by her family, learning to stand up for herself and those she loves and ultimately finding her place in the world with people who care about and admire her. Tim Minchin’s score is effervescent, literally fizzing with energy through its witty lyrics and superb orchestration, and Dennis Kelly’s script is the perfect counterpart. It is hilarious, mesmerising and tenderly devastating all at once. It is this combination, along with strikingly colourful set design from Rob Howell, genius direction from Matthew Warchus and dynamic choreography from Peter Darling, that has earned Matilda the Musical its reputation as one of the biggest triumphs in modern musical theatre.

The RSC’s touring production at the Edinburgh Playhouse was nothing short of flawless. Its cast were all perfectly suited to their roles, delivering a performance which was slick, nuanced and sparkled with energy. Adam Stafford is wonderful as Mr Wormwood, Matilda’s crass yet affable father. He holds the audience in the palm of his hand, particularly at the beginning of Act Two, when he arrives onstage during the interval for one of the best comedy numbers of the show, Telly. Between poking fun at the audience in a stand-up routine, throwing books into the bin with a series of puns that have both children and adults giggling, and somehow getting everyone in the audience to sing along in his Vaudeville-style performance, Stafford is genuinely hilarious. His counterpart, Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood, is equally as raucous. Their fiery chemistry is palpable as their relationship swings between argumentative to affectionate, never losing its crassness and gaudy flamboyance. 

In direct contrast is Miss Honey, played by Tessa Kadler. Starting as a self-professed ‘pathetic’ teacher, Miss Honey learns how to stand up for what is right through her determination to give Matilda a better life. Kadler portrays this journey beautifully, carrying a quiet stoicism throughout the show with both her acting and powerfully plaintive singing voice. Her connection with Matilda is tangible, and as they cartwheel offstage together at the end of the play, it is impossible not to feel moved by this tender and symbiotic relationship. A less tender figure, Richard Hurst as the play’s bully, Miss Trunchbull, was fantastic, a nightmarish pantomime dame who terrified and delighted the audience in equal measure. I must also commend Ryan Lay’s superb performance as the delightfully flamboyant Rudolpho, Mrs Wormwood’s ‘Italian’ dance partner. Scotty Armstrong also shines as the ridiculous Sergei, a Russian Mafia boss wronged by Matilda’s father, who she ultimately placates by, of course, speaking perfect Russian from her exploration of Dostoyevsky. Moments like this are what gives Matilda the Musical its irresistible charm; the show is farcical, almost pantomime in places, and yet there is a beating heart of truth to it, of respect for curiosity, imagination and individuality.

Tessa Kadler as Miss Honey and Madison Davis. Photo by Manuel Harlan.

I have to, of course, mention the children who make this musical what it is. Without their youthful whimsy and excitement, Matilda the Musical would not be what it is today. The ensemble performed with a steadiness beyond their years, working as a team to allow every member to shine. Carter-J Murphy, exudes charisma as the roguish Bruce, demonstrating a comedic timing and ability to work the audience which many adult performers struggle to achieve. He absolutely shines in Revolting Children, bringing the play to its climax with powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. His role is shared by Oisin-Luca Pegg, Brodie Robson and Takunda Khumalo. The role of Matilda, too, is shared between four actors: Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger and Sanna Kurihara. I saw Madison Davis, who brought a beautiful, nuanced quality to her role as Matilda. Equal parts defiant, wise, tranquil and audacious, Madison Davis delivers an astonishing performance. Together, these young performers work together to bring Matilda to life with playfulness, mischief and poignancy.
Matilda the Musical is a shining example of what musical theatre should be, a beacon of hope for rebelling, for questioning the status quo, and for being yourself. It is defiant, hilarious and full of heart, and cannot be recommended enough.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Matilda the Musical plays at the Edinburgh Playhouse until March 22nd. For tickets visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/matilda-the-musical/edinburgh-playhouse/

The tour continues throughout 2026 and into January 2027. Visit https://tour.matildathemusical.com/ for full tour dates and venues.

Richard Hurst as Miss Trunchball. Photo by Manuel Harlan.