Matilda The Musical

Last updated on 29 December 2024

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Matilda, by Roald Dahl

Growing up, Roald Dahl was a staple in our house. We had this spectacular anthology of the stories, and listened to the audio cassette tapes on road trips around New Zealand. There wasn’t a story we didn’t know, or a character we didn’t recognise.

From Roald Dahl’s story-creating genius came the wonderful tale of Matilda, and in 1996 the film-people of the world brought Matilda to our screens. The lovely Mara Williams played the spectacular protagonist, and once again children around the world were drawn into the story.

Fast-forward a few years: Matilda comes to the theatre In musical form. Ah, yes please!

It was the Australian Production of Matilda The Musical that came to the Civic here in Auckland, and it was brilliant.

A little genius is coming to Auckland.

Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl.

With the book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. – Auckland Live

While the musical is only based on Roald Dahl’s Matilda, they did an incredible job. The story was just as fantastically written, the songs were magical and the acting was superb. The set was a dream – each wing decorated with blocks of lettings, some spelling out MATILDA. They used the block element with letters all through the show, with the addition of suburb lighting and effects. And all those books!

There are 4 girls who play Matilda over the course of the show, but on the night we saw it (opening night) Matilda was played by Izellah Connelly, and she was spectacular. So much talent in one little girl! In fact, all the children in the show were amazing and they will all go far in the theatre world. Another quick shout out to James Millar, who played Miss Trunchball – incredible performance. Also Cle Morgan, who played Mrs Phelps the librarian – definitely the funniest character in the show.

Are you planning on heading along? Perhaps you’ve seen the show elsewhere?