Matilda - The Musical

REVIEW: Matilda The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre – A show that never disappoints

★★★★★ – 5/5 Stars

There are some musicals you can watch time and time again and never tire of, and Matilda The Musical is definitely one of them. Fifteen years after it first opened, the Royal Shakespeare Company's production remains one of the best family musicals around, and this latest visit to Milton Keynes Theatre is every bit as good as I remembered.

Based on Roald Dahl's much-loved book, the story follows the exceptionally clever Matilda Wormwood, whose dreadful parents have little interest in her talents. Things don't get much better when she starts school under the terrifying Miss Trunchbull, but with the help of the lovely Miss Honey, Matilda discovers she has the power to change things.

Mollie Hutton was outstanding in the title role at the performance I attended. It's quite something to see someone so young carry such a big production with so much confidence. Her singing, acting and comic timing were excellent, and she really captured Matilda's cheeky but determined personality.

The role is shared equally throughout the run by four young performers: Felicity Brown, Petra Hutchings, Mollie Hutton and Caroline Ravansari.

Richard Hurst is superb as Miss Trunchbull, delivering a wonderfully over-the-top performance that's both hilarious and suitably terrifying. He certainly makes the most of one of musical theatre's great villainous characters.

Tessa Kadler brings real warmth to Miss Honey, with some lovely vocal moments, particularly during My House. Meanwhile, Adam Stafford and Rebecca Thornhill are excellent as Matilda's awful parents, Mr and Mrs Wormwood, providing plenty of laughs with their larger-than-life performances.

Kobi Lau also deserves a special mention as Bruce Bogtrotter, particularly during the famous chocolate cake scene, which remains one of the funniest moments in the show. The role of Bruce is shared equally by Jett Austin-Richards, Isaac Cruickshank, John Johnson and Kobi Lau.

The entire young cast is incredibly talented, and the standard of singing and dancing is remarkable. The big ensemble numbers are performed with so much energy and precision, particularly the fantastic Revolting Children, which is a real highlight.

Tim Minchin's music and lyrics are as clever as ever, with Naughty, School Song and When I Grow Up among the standout numbers. The latter, with its famous swings, is still one of my favourite moments in any musical. It's beautifully staged and surprisingly moving.

The staging throughout is excellent, with the clever use of alphabet blocks, imaginative scenery and some brilliant theatrical effects. The choreography is equally impressive, and everything moves along at a cracking pace.

What I particularly love about Matilda is that it's just as entertaining for adults as it is for children. There's plenty of humour that will go over younger heads, some genuinely touching moments and a great message about standing up for yourself.

Having seen the show before, I knew exactly what to expect, but it still managed to make me laugh, impress me with its staging and leave me thoroughly entertained.

Matilda really is one of those musicals that never disappoints. It's funny, clever, full of great songs and performed by an exceptionally talented cast. Whether you've seen it before or are discovering it for the first time, I'd thoroughly recommend catching it while it's in Milton Keynes.

An easy five stars from me.

Matilda The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 14 November 2026.