Last night was a special night for so many reasons. Not only did we get to experience the absolute knockout that is Matilda The Musical, right here at Milton Keynes Theatre for press night, but we were also treated to an exclusive preview of the set and backstage area before the performance.
Getting a glimpse behind the curtain, seeing the props, dressing and changing areas, and discovering some of the mechanics that bring this incredible production to life made the evening even more memorable.
I absolutely love live theatre. There is something incredibly special about watching a story unfold right in front of your eyes, and last night was a perfect reminder of just how magical it can be. But there was one thing in particular that really stood out for me: the children in this production. Some are still so young, yet they command the stage, capturing the audience's attention so completely that you find yourself hanging on every single word and movement. That takes an extraordinary amount of talent. And believe me, these young performers have it in abundance!
The Story
Based on the much-loved book by Roald Dahl, Matilda tells the story of a wonderfully bright, imaginative little girl who has an extraordinary love of books and a mind full of curiosity. Unfortunately, she finds herself growing up in a family who neither understand nor appreciate her, while attending a school ruled by the terrifying Miss Trunchbull.
But Matilda is no ordinary little girl. With her remarkable intelligence, quick wit and a rather unexpected special ability, she discovers that she might just have the power to change things. As she navigates the challenges around her, she finds friendship, courage and the confidence to stand up for what is right.
It's a story about finding your voice, standing up to bullies, celebrating individuality and never underestimating the power of a little imagination. Funny, mischievous and full of heart, it's a story that appeals to children and adults alike.
The stage adaptation has a book by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Resident Director Matthew Rowland helps bring this production to the stage, alongside a huge creative and technical team. There are simply too many people working behind the scenes to mention individually, but every single one deserves enormous credit for what is a truly spectacular production.
The Cast – An Extraordinary Group of Talent
Let's talk about the cast, because they really are something special.
The roles of Matilda and Bruce are shared between a rotating cast of young performers. Felicity Brown, Petra Hutchings, Mollie Hutton and Caroline Ravansari take on the role of Matilda, while Jett Austin-Richards, Isaac Cruickshank, John Johnson and Kobi Lau share the role of Bruce.
Last night's performance saw Mollie Hutton take to the stage as Matilda, with Kobi Lau playing Bruce, and what a pairing they were!
Mollie Hutton as Matilda was simply incredible. Her performance was faultless, and her solo moments brought out so many emotions. Watching someone so young command an entire theatre, hold the audience's attention and deliver a performance with such confidence and feeling was a real wow moment for me. There is something quite extraordinary about witnessing this level of talent at such a young age. Every expression, every line and every musical moment felt just right. She was an absolute star, and I could have watched her all evening.
Kobi Lau was equally brilliant as Bruce. His performance was full of character, charm and confidence, and he delivered the role to perfection. These young performers are an absolute credit to the production. You genuinely cannot fault them.
The supporting young cast were just as impressive. Rupert Dunne played Nigel, Polly Florence was Lavender, Aaron Zicman took on Tommy, Zienna Rose Sterling played Amanda and Cory Trimble was Eric. Each brought their own personality to the stage, and together they created a wonderfully energetic group of schoolchildren.
And then there's the rather terrifying Miss Trunchbull!
Played by Richard Hurst, this was an exceptional performance. Funny, frightening, intimidating and completely over the top in all the right ways, he brought this iconic character to life brilliantly. Miss Trunchbull is the kind of character you love to hate, a truly fearsome headteacher who rules Crunchem Hall with an iron fist and has absolutely no patience for children. Hurst perfectly balances the character's menacing presence with brilliantly timed comedy, making every appearance on stage a treat. You never quite know what she's going to do next, and that's all part of the fun!
Tessa Kadler played Miss Honey, and her voice was simply exceptional. She captured the gentle, caring and innocent nature of the character beautifully, providing a lovely contrast to the chaos surrounding her.
Adam Stafford as Mr Wormwood and Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood were another brilliant pairing. Their characters are brought to life with just the right amount of ridiculousness, comedy and larger-than-life personality. They were perfectly cast and added so much to the humour of the show.
The entire company worked together in perfect harmony, with the musical performances, choreography and interactions between the cast making this a wonderfully polished production. The conductor, Andrew Corcoran, also deserves a mention for bringing the musical elements together so seamlessly.
The Staging – A Production in Itself!
One of the real highlights of our evening was getting a look behind the scenes before the show began, and I honestly could have spent hours exploring!
We were shown the mechanics behind the staging, including how the desks move on and off the stage using automated systems. It's one of those things you watch during a performance without necessarily giving much thought to what happens behind it. But when you see the process for yourself, you suddenly appreciate just how much planning, precision and coordination goes into every single scene.
The backstage area was enormous, almost as big as the area you see from your seat, if not bigger! Everything was meticulously laid out, with props, set pieces and equipment all positioned ready for their moment. Timing is absolutely everything in a production like this, and seeing how much work goes into ensuring every item is in the right place at exactly the right time was fascinating.
And the set itself! At one point, I looked up and was completely blown away by the sheer scale of the hanging structure descending from the ceiling. The clever use of the space, the moving scenery and the attention to detail make the staging an incredible part of the experience.
It's a reminder that what we see on stage is only one part of a much bigger picture. There is an entire team working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the magic happen, and they deserve just as much applause.
A Must-See Show!
Matilda The Musical really does have everything. An unforgettable story, laugh-out-loud moments, fantastic music, incredible choreography, outstanding performances and staging that will leave you in awe.
But for me, it was the young cast who really stole the show. To see such young performers deliver with so much confidence, talent and stage presence was genuinely something special. They are an absolute credit to everyone involved in this production.
Last night was a reminder of why I love live theatre so much. There is nothing quite like sitting in an audience, completely absorbed in the story, watching something extraordinary unfold just a few metres in front of you.
This is live theatre at its absolute best. If you haven't booked your tickets yet, I really wouldn't leave it too late. Whether you're taking the children, enjoying a family night out or simply love a brilliant musical, Matilda is a show you need to experience.
And as for me? I already want to go again!
On now at
Milton Keynes Theatre
Matilda The Musical is showing at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 14 November 2026.
A little tip before you go: This is proving to be a very popular show, so allow yourself a little extra time to park and make your way to the theatre. There are currently some roadworks close by, and the footpath from the centre:mk car park to the theatre is temporarily closed. I'd recommend arriving a little earlier than usual. If you have time, why not make an evening of it and enjoy a drink or something to eat before the curtain goes up?
Main Image - Ensemble of Matilda The Musical (7) (c) Matt Crockett
