In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions.
This week we’re hearing from Sebastien Torkia and Annette McLaughlin who play Mr and Mrs Wormwood in The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical playing at the Cambridge Theatre.
The multi Olivier Award-winning musical is based on Roald Dahl’s famous book which follows the adventures of a young girl named Matilda Wormwood, a child with an incredible talent for learning. Despite having hideous, uncaring parents who have no care in the world for their daughter or her education, Matilda excels and even discovers she has an incredibly magical talent. Whenever her parents are mean to her, Matilda teaches them a lesson, but can she do the same to her terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchball?
This show is brilliant for the family as it promises moment of anarchy, laughter and inspiration. Find out more about Sebastien and Annette in our interview below!
Sebastien Torkin as Mr Wormwood. Photo by Manuel Harlan.
1. My role is…
Sebastien: I play Matilda’s dad, Mr Wormwood
Annette: Mrs Wormwood
2. My favourite thing about my roles are…
Sebastien: It’s always great fun playing a bad guy, but there’s a lot of comedy in this one, so that’s even better
Annette: Getting to work with the most extraordinary young performers.
3. My least favourite thing about my role is…
Sebastien: How can I answer that? I get to fool around on stage every night and ride a scooter! I guess my least favourite thing is that I don’t get to be one of the kids in the song Revolting
Annette: Having to wear 4 pairs of tights at the top of the show.
4. The show is perfect for families to enjoy because…
Sebastien: Adults will enjoy it just as much as the children, and there’s no way you won’t all leave the theatre with a spring in your step.
Annette: The WHOLE family will love it. I personally guarantee this.
5. Something people don’t know about me is…
Sebastien: I speak three languages
Annette: I’m a pretty good footballer.
Matilda The Musical. Photo by Manuel Harlan.
6. My earliest memories of theatre are…
Sebastien: I think the first West End show I saw was Starlight Express and I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing was possible in a theatre. It was so exciting.
Annette: Watching 42nd Street at Drury Lane. Then dancing all the way home.
7. I always knew/didn’t know I wanted to work in theatre…
Sebastien: I knew from an early age that I wanted to perform, but I guess I didn’t realise how much I’d love theatre until my first long show, Grease, where I was part of an incredible company of like-minded people, who all felt they were part of something special, and part of a big new family too
Annette: I knew from quite a young age I wanted to perform. I’ve been very fortunate to do it for a living all this time.
8. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Sebastien: Never be afraid of asking for help
Annette: Know your worth, and don’t worry about what others think.
‘When I Grow Up’. Photo by Manuel Harlan.
9. In my spare time I like to…
Sebastien: Goodness….so many things! I love visiting new places, but that takes time and the list never seems to end, haha. I love catching up and spending time with friends when I have a spare moment though
Annette: Grow vegetables in my allotment. I’m so rock and roll!
10. If I could have a superpower for a day, I would choose…
Sebastien: That’s a tough one….I wish I could fly, so that I could travel the world
Annette: I’d quite like to move things with my eyes like Matilda. I reckon I’d get the watering done much quicker at said allotment.
If you’re looking for a show that you can enjoy with the whole family or want to a surprise your kids to a brilliant show that will beat the post-summer holiday blues, Matilda The Musical is sure to provide all the laughs, smiles and inspiration for all, no matter the age. Book your tickets to see this iconic West End show now.