If the show’s lyrics are to be believed, Matilda The Musical‘s children might well be revolting, but they’re also incredibly popular, as proved by the show extending its run at the Cambridge theatre until December 2014.
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s hit adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved novel has been playing in London since October 2011 and was a success at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home before making the trip south. The new extension announced today will take it past its third London birthday.
Telling the story of a young girl whose parents are less than affectionate and whose headmistress, the ever-intimidating Trunchbull, is the polar opposite of a kind, nurturing force, Matilda The Musical won a record-setting seven Olivier Awards when it first opened in London, including the coveted title of Best Musical.
The production, which features music and lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin and a book by acclaimed playwright Dennis Kelly, currently stars a quintet of young actresses who share the title role of the girl who discovers she has special powers and decides to teach the adults a lesson. They perform alongside a cast including West End leading man Alex Gaumond as the tyrannical Trunchbull and Haley Flaherty as Miss Honey.