Show guide
Matilda the Musical
Matilda the Musical is the witty, big hearted adaptation of Roald Dahl's story about a brilliant young girl who refuses to be underestimated.
- Broadway premiere
- 2013
- Music by
- Tim Minchin
- Genre
- Comedy
- Setting
- 1980s
Matilda the Musical: quick answers
What is Matilda the Musical about?
- Matilda the Musical follows Matilda Wormwood, a brilliant young girl who loves books, as she stands up to her neglectful parents and the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull, discovers she has telekinetic powers, and helps her kind teacher Miss Honey reclaim her life.
When did Matilda the Musical open on Broadway?
- Matilda the Musical opened on Broadway on April 11, 2013, at the Shubert Theatre and closed on January 1, 2017, after 1,555 performances. It won five Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical.
What kind of musical is Matilda the Musical?
- Matilda is a book musical comedy with an original score by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly, adapted from Roald Dahl's 1988 novel. It was developed by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Where and when is Matilda the Musical set?
- Matilda the Musical is set in England, moving between the Wormwood family home, the local library, and Crunchem Hall, the school run by Miss Trunchbull.
Has Matilda the Musical played in London's West End?
- After a Royal Shakespeare Company tryout in Stratford-upon-Avon, Matilda opened at the Cambridge Theatre on November 24, 2011, and won seven Olivier Awards in 2012, including Best New Musical, at the time the most ever won by a single show.
Is there a Matilda the Musical movie?
- Roald Dahl's novel was first filmed as Matilda (1996), a non-musical film directed by Danny DeVito and starring Mara Wilson. The stage musical became Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022), directed by Matthew Warchus with Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull, and Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey, released on Netflix in the US on Christmas Day 2022.
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.
Matilda the Musical: frequently asked questions
When did Matilda the Musical open on Broadway?
Matilda the Musical opened on Broadway in 2013.
Who composed Matilda the Musical?
The music and lyrics are by Tim Minchin, known for his witty, wordplay driven songwriting.
What is Matilda the Musical about?
It follows a brilliant young girl who stands up to the unfair adults in her life, based on the Roald Dahl novel.
Can you name today's mystery Broadway show?
Play the Show Guesser