Matilda the Musical is based on the beloved children’s book of the same name by Roald Dahl, about a clever little girl who discovers astonishing powers. With a book by acclaimed playwright Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics from comedian and singer-songwriter Tim Minchin, Matilda the Musical London is a real “Miracle” that is perfect for grown-ups and revolting children alike.
This Tony- and Olivier-winning show is now an international sensation and has had productions in North America, Australia, Africa, Asia and Europe. Over 141 actresses have played the titular role, and the production gets through a whopping 8,320 balloons, 105 metres of balloon elastic, 3,780 paper aeroplanes, and over 100 tubs of chocolate spread each year!
Matilda is all “grown up” this November, when the musical turns a miraculous 15 years old! Ahead of the West End show’s anniversary, we’ve put together a timeline of its history – study up and check it out below!
Commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Matilda officially opened at the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, following previews from 9 November. The show ended on 30 January 2011, and preparations were made to transfer it to London.
9 December 2010
The show begins its run in Stratford.
Commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Matilda officially opened at the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, following previews from 9 November. The show ended on 30 January 2011, and preparations were made to transfer it to London.
After a period of previews from October, Matilda the Musical officially opened at the Cambridge Theatre. There were minor delays due to structural and installation work at the theatre.
24 November 2011
Matilda officially opens in London.
After a period of previews from October, Matilda the Musical officially opened at the Cambridge Theatre. There were minor delays due to structural and installation work at the theatre.
Matilda was nominated for all 10 Olivier Award categories that it was eligible for, and won a record-breaking seven, including Best Actress in a Musical, shared between the four actresses playing Matilda. The girls made history as the youngest ever joint winners of the award!
5 April 2012
Matilda makes history at the Oliviers.
Matilda was nominated for all 10 Olivier Award categories that it was eligible for, and won a record-breaking seven, including Best Actress in a Musical, shared between the four actresses playing Matilda. The girls made history as the youngest ever joint winners of the award!
The Broadway transfer officially opened at the Shubert Theatre in NYC, following previews in March. Some minor changes were made to the show, but the bulk of the musical remained the same as the London production.
11 April 2013
A Broadway transfer.
The Broadway transfer officially opened at the Shubert Theatre in NYC, following previews in March. Some minor changes were made to the show, but the bulk of the musical remained the same as the London production.
The Broadway production was nominated for 12 Tonys at the 63rd annual awards and won five, including Best Scenic Design and Best Book of a Musical for playwright Dennis Kelly. The show also won awards at the prestigious Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2014.
June 9 2013
Success at the Tonys.
The Broadway production was nominated for 12 Tonys at the 63rd annual awards and won five, including Best Scenic Design and Best Book of a Musical for playwright Dennis Kelly. The show also won awards at the prestigious Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2014.
Matilda made its English-language Asian premiere in the Philippines – the first licensed production of the musical not produced by the RSC – and ran until December 2017.
10 November 2017
An Asian premiere in the Philippines.
Matilda made its English-language Asian premiere in the Philippines – the first licensed production of the musical not produced by the RSC – and ran until December 2017.
The Broadway production threw its final paper aeroplane after four years and 1,555 performances.
1 January 2017
The Broadway production closes.
The Broadway production threw its final paper aeroplane after four years and 1,555 performances.
The show embarked on its first major tour of the UK and Ireland, opening at Leicester Curve in March 2018 and closing at Norwich Theatre Royal in August 2019.
5 March 2018
A major UK and Ireland tour begins.
The show embarked on its first major tour of the UK and Ireland, opening at Leicester Curve in March 2018 and closing at Norwich Theatre Royal in August 2019.
The first non-English language production opened in South Korea and was co-produced by Seensee Company and the RSC. Other non-English productions followed in Japan and Madrid in 2023.
8 September 2018
A non-English production opens in Seoul.
The first non-English language production opened in South Korea and was co-produced by Seensee Company and the RSC. Other non-English productions followed in Japan and Madrid in 2023.
The West End production suspended performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the show resuming on 16 September 2021.
16 March 2020
The pandemic pauses the production.
The West End production suspended performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the show resuming on 16 September 2021.
Matilda celebrated its 10th anniversary with a pre-show speech by playwright Dennis Kelly and composer Tim Minchin. Many previous cast members were in attendance, including 42 previous Matildas!
12 November 2021
Happy 10th Birthday!
Matilda celebrated its 10th anniversary with a pre-show speech by playwright Dennis Kelly and composer Tim Minchin. Many previous cast members were in attendance, including 42 previous Matildas!
A film adaptation, starring Emma Thompson as Ms Trunchbull and directed by the musical’s director Matthew Warchus, was released in UK Cinemas ahead of a worldwide and Netflix release on 25 December 2022.
25 November 2022
Matilda hits cinema screens.
A film adaptation, starring Emma Thompson as Ms Trunchbull and directed by the musical’s director Matthew Warchus, was released in UK Cinemas ahead of a worldwide and Netflix release on 25 December 2022.
The London production celebrated its 5,000th performance with a chocolate cake shaped like the stage
April 2025
A cheeky 5000 performances!
The London production celebrated its 5,000th performance with a chocolate cake shaped like the stage
The show went on a second major UK and Ireland tour followed, again beginning in Leicester. The tour coincides with 15 years in London, and is scheduled to continue all the way through to January 2027, with final dates in Cardiff.
6 October 2025
A second tour for the UK and Ireland.
The show went on a second major UK and Ireland tour followed, again beginning in Leicester. The tour coincides with 15 years in London, and is scheduled to continue all the way through to January 2027, with final dates in Cardiff.
The show is all “grown up” and will celebrate 15 years on stage in London! We’re keeping a beady eye out for special anniversary shenanigans!
24 November 2026
Matilda turns 15!
The show is all “grown up” and will celebrate 15 years on stage in London! We’re keeping a beady eye out for special anniversary shenanigans!
Matilda the Musical Tickets
Now that you’ve swotted up on the history of this clever musical, you’re ready to join the class and become a part of the production’s future by booking tickets for Matilda in the West End today!
Our Cambridge Theatre seating plan has over 5,000 real user-uploaded reviews, including photos alongside reviews and ratings for legroom, view and comfort, so you can study hard before you book!
Have you already enjoyed the show? Well, now’s the time to be a little bit loud and share your thoughts on Matilda the Musical in London by leaving a comment below.
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