Matilda the Musical

The story of Matilda the Musical

Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary young girl with a love of books and a gift for standing up to the unfair adults around her, including her neglectful parents and the tyrannical headmistress of her school. With the encouragement of a kind teacher, Matilda discovers her own inner strength and, in the story's most fantastical touches, a surprising power of her own.

Set in a heightened, slightly exaggerated version of the 1980s, the show captures the exaggerated, larger than life world of Roald Dahl's writing, where adults can be cartoonishly cruel and children's imaginations become a form of quiet rebellion.

The music and the makers

The score was written by Tim Minchin, a comedian and musician whose sharp, wordplay heavy lyrics and inventive melodies give the show its distinctive voice. Minchin's songs balance genuine wit with unexpected tenderness, moving from playground chants to soaring emotional ballads.

As a comedy built on a beloved children's book, the show leans into clever staging and lyrical playfulness, using Minchin's background in comedic songwriting to make even its darker moments land with humor and heart.

Matilda the Musical on Broadway

Matilda the Musical, which began life with the Royal Shakespeare Company before transferring internationally, opened on Broadway in 2013 to widespread acclaim, admired for its inventive staging and clever, literate score. It quickly won over both critics and family audiences.

Its appeal spans generations: children respond to Matilda's cleverness and courage, while adults appreciate the show's sly humor and craftsmanship. That dual appeal has helped it remain a favorite for family theatregoing since its Broadway debut.

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