A Triumph of Wit, Wonder, and Young Talent

Venue: Cambridge Theatre, London
Production: Matilda the Musical by the Royal Shakespeare Company
Director: Matthew Warchus
Music and Lyrics: Tim Minchin
Book: Dennis Kelly

Few productions manage to capture both the mischievous spirit of childhood and the moral weight of empowerment quite as deftly as Matilda the Musical. Now a staple of the West End since its 2011 debut, the show continues to astonish audiences with its blend of intelligence, heart, and theatrical invention.

At the Cambridge Theatre, the current production radiates the same effervescent energy that first made it an instant classic. Under Matthew Warchus’s direction and Tim Minchin’s razor-sharp score, Matilda remains a joyous, defiant celebration of imagination — one that speaks as strongly to adults as it does to children.

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Performance and Production

From the opening number, “Miracle,” the ensemble of young performers dazzles with precision and spirit. Their timing, choreography, and collective energy are nothing short of electric. The title role, performed on rotation by a talented cast of young leads, remains the emotional anchor of the show — balancing intellect, vulnerability, and courage in a performance far beyond their years.

Mr. Wormwood and Miss Trunchbull provide the perfect counterbalance: broad comedic villains whose exaggerated absurdity never overshadows the show’s warmth. The production design — with its towering alphabet blocks, chalkboard motifs, and kaleidoscope lighting — continues to be one of the West End’s most visually distinctive.

Musically, the production feels as fresh as ever. “Naughty” and “When I Grow Up” still draw audible sighs of recognition from audiences; Minchin’s lyrics remain both cheeky and profound, a rare feat in contemporary musical theatre.

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The Workshop Experience: Learning from the Best

A particularly enchanting aspect of our visit was the exclusive children’s acting workshop, held prior to the matinee performance. Led by a member of the show’s creative team — the director responsible for the choreography of the “Alphabet Song” sequence — this 30-minute session provided young participants with a rare glimpse into the artistry behind the production.

Children were introduced to the fundamentals of stage movement, timing, and ensemble work, all through the lens of Matilda’s signature “Alphabet Song” — a cleverly choreographed number that embodies the show’s playful use of language and imagination.

Under the creative director’s expert guidance, participants were taught how meaning, rhythm, and emotion are interwoven through both lyrics and movement. The workshop encouraged confidence and collaboration, offering each child a brief but meaningful sense of what it means to perform on a West End stage.

At the end of the session, the children performed their rendition of the “Alphabet Song” for parents and guardians. The result was pure delight — a charming fusion of enthusiasm, pride, and creative expression. Watching the young performers beam as they took their final pose offered a touching reminder of Matilda’s central message: that knowledge, courage, and creativity can empower even the smallest among us.

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A Family Experience Beyond the Curtain

The inclusion of this interactive workshop enhances Matilda the Musical not just as a performance but as a complete family experience. It bridges the gap between audience and artistry, transforming spectators into participants and inspiring a new generation of theatre lovers.

For parents, the opportunity to see their children perform moments later — still buzzing with excitement — added a deeply personal layer to the day. For the children, it was an unforgettable encounter with professional theatre-making at its most joyful and instructive.

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Verdict

Matilda the Musical remains one of the West End’s most consistently brilliant productions: witty, subversive, and full of heart. The addition of the children’s acting workshop underscores its broader mission — to nurture creativity, confidence, and the love of storytelling.

It is rare to find a show that entertains, educates, and inspires in equal measure. Matilda manages all three with enviable ease. Whether you are a lifelong theatre enthusiast or a family seeking an afternoon of magic and meaning, Matilda continues to deliver a masterclass in modern musical theatre.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A triumph of imagination, intellect, and pure theatrical joy.