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Recommended for ages 6+ Under 4s will not be admitted. All persons 16 of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult and cannot be seated alone in the auditorium. All patrons, regardless of age, must have their own ticket.
Performance Dates
16 September 2021 - 5 September 2027
Run time: 2hr 35min
Includes interval
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5,085 reviews
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Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl.
With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Winner of over 100 international awards, including 25 for Best Musical, Matilda is now the 10th longest running musical in West End history and has been delighting audiences of all ages for 15 years.
The little bit naughty smarty pants Matilda has been charming West End audiences for over 15 years. Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly’s multi-award-winning stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book is packed full of energy and mischief. Seeing the young and cunning Matilda stand up to her rubbish parents and scary head teacher, it’s an empowering tale of bravery, individuality, and doing what’s right. The record-breaking musical has become a beacon of British musical theatre, and it’s beloved by people of all ages.
With so many achievements, you may think it’s hard to find shows similar to Matilda The Musical that will meet those expectations. Thankfully, London is packed full of incredible shows, many of which are perfect if you loved Matilda.
With overlapping themes and comparable critical acclaim, the musical most like Matilda is Billy Elliot. Just like Matilda, Billy Elliot centres on a young child who is different and special.
Constantly told his passions are wrong, Billy stands up to authority and follows his dreams to become a ballet dancer. With the adults in his life constantly getting in the way, Billy fights for himself, and thus all others like him.
When Billy Elliot was first staged, it earned 10 Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards, compared to Matilda’s five Tony wins and seven Oliviers.
6 Jul, 2026 | By Carly Clements-Yu
Finding activities the whole family will love can be tricky. But there’s a surefire way to keep both you and your littles entertained. Introducing your children to the theatre can be daunting, but with loads of family-friendly shows in London, you can choose something that’ll suit both you and them.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly musicals or plays, child-focused shows perfect for younger tots, or something a bit different when it comes to family entertainment in London, the West End has it all.
So take a look at what’s on in the West End and check out some of the best London shows - you won’t be disappointed.
A great way to get kids into theatre is with a musical. Many of the family-friendly shows in London star children, making them more relatable. Song and dance breaks also keep their interest and provide them with something they can relive and recreate at home. Throw in the fact that a lot of the current family musicals in London are based on books and movies they know and love, you really can’t go wrong.
Don’t worry about your kids turning into revolting children. They might just sing about it, instead.
Roald Dahl’s David and Goliath-inspired story of one little girl who dares to defy the odds and change her life continues to wow audiences at the Cambridge Theatre. Matilda The Musical follows a similar premise to the book and the 1996 Matilda film.
Matilda Wormwood is a bright, enthusiastic, book-loving girl. She’s every parent’s dream child. Except for her parents. Neglected and punished for her love of learning, Matilda feels alone. Then she starts at Crunchem Hall, where she’s bullied by the evil head teacher Miss Trunchbull. She finally finds solace in her teacher, Miss Honey, who encourages Matilda to use her imaginative, inquisitive mind to conjure up stories that can become a reality.
Tim Minchin neatly adapts the Matilda story into a whimsical West End show, and it even made Olivier Awards history. Filled with heartwarming moments that children will love (can we ride on the swings?), there are a few humorous moments in there for adults too.
Still the pride of London, Disney’s The Lion King has been feeling the love at the Lyceum Theatre since 1999.
Based on the film of the same name, The Lion King follows the little lion cub Simba as he comes to terms with his place in the world and becomes King of the Pride Lands.
Packed full of Disney classics you know and love, including Circle Of Life and Hakuna Matata, it’s the perfect family-friendly musical that’ll entertain your kids and give you a hulking dose of nostalgia.
Along with the show’s signature music, touching moments, and displays of bravery, your kids will be wowed by the incredible puppets used to bring the animals of The Lion King to life. It’ll teach little audience members - perhaps it’s their first West End show? - about the animal kingdom and what it means to grow.
Britain's most beloved character has got his own show! The marmalade sandwich-loving bear has won the hearts of audiences and critics alike in Paddington The Musical.
Based on Michael Bond’s books and the award-winning films, Paddington The Musical is a must-see show for families.
When a small bear arrives from Peru, he wanders lost in London looking for a new home and stumbles into a family who welcomes them into their home in Windsor Gardens. Explore his new and unfamiliar life, Paddington causes mischief and chaos, resulting in one of the best family theatre shows in London.
With catchy songs written by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and dazzling dance numbers, this will be an easy win and the ultimate crowd pleaser. Book your tickets to see the bear that has stolen everyone’s hearts at the Savoy Theatre.
Consider yourself the best member of the family by taking your brood to see Oliver! in the West End.
Based on Charles Dickens’s classic novel Oliver Twist, Lionel Bart’s musical has delighted families for decades. Follow young orphan Oliver as he navigates the bustling streets of Victorian London, meeting a cast of colourful characters from the cheeky Artful Dodger to the menacing Bill Sikes.
Songs like Food, Glorious Food and Where Is Love? are guaranteed to stick in little ears long after the curtain falls. With plenty of child actors on stage, Oliver! is a perfect introduction for younger theatre fans who may even be inspired to perform themselves. While there are darker moments in Oliver’s journey, the show’s heartwarming message and big ensemble numbers make it an uplifting choice for a family theatre trip.
Make the school mums green with envy with a trip to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to see Wicked.
This reimagined prequel to The Wizard of Oz has been one of the top family-friendly musicals in London since 2006.
Telling the tale of Elphaba and how she became known as the Wicked Witch of the West, Stephen Schwartz’s musical is filled with all the enchanting magic you’d expect from a show about witches and wizardry. With flying monkeys, human-sized bubbles, and a mythical dragon atop the stage, there are plenty of wonders to keep your children’s attention.
And though this is a family-friendly musical, you may want to prepare your kids for the slightly darker moments in Wicked, such as when characters die (we’re not giving any spoilers here, you’ll have to see Wicked for yourself!). If you want to brush up on your Wicked musical knowledge before seeing the show, take a listen to all the songs beforehand. But if you’ve got a mini Glinda running around, or a smiley, happy Boq-to-be, then they’ll love Wicked.
What time is it? It’s time to educate your kids on the franchise that raised a generation. Another firm favourite for all the family is High School Musical.
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel Original Movie, and relive the unforgettable songs Breaking Free, We’re All in This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, and more in this upbeat stage adaptation that will get you all singing and dancing at home.
It really is the start of something new this October at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, so book your tickets for this limited run.
As well as family-friendly musicals, London has plenty of family-friendly plays, too.
Let your family be swept away to rural Japan and join two sisters on a wild adventure into a magical land. My Neighbour Totoro is an epic play based on the 1988 animated film of the same name. It’s full of mischief, fun, and giant puppets.
It won six Olivier Awards when it first opened, and its current run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre has a 4.9-star rating from our customers. It’s currently one of the best plays in London.
Everyone, no matter their age, loves a bit of physical comedy. That’s why The Play That Goes Wrong is the perfect family theatre show in London.
Join a hapless amateur dramatics group as they attempt to stage a murder mystery, only for things to go awry. From bungled lines to unfortunate falls, broken scenery to near-miss disasters, The Play That Goes Wrong is hilarious for all.
6 Jul, 2026 | By Carly Clements-Yu
Jon Robyns is one of the West End’s most dependable and dynamic leading men, known for bringing sincerity, vocal strength, and thoughtful nuance to some of musical theatre’s most demanding roles. His career has spanned nearly two decades across London’s major stages, where he has become especially admired for his versatility and his ability to inhabit characters with warmth, wit, and emotional depth.
Born in Kent and trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Robyns entered the industry with a strong foundation in both acting and vocal performance. His early love for musical theatre quickly evolved into a professional path, and his training equipped him with the clarity and stamina needed for the high calibre work that would define his career.
12 Dec, 2025 | By London Theatre Direct
From Great Gatsby to the greatest hammer throwing champion of all time, Jon Robyns joins the cast of Matilda the Musical! From 9 September Robyns will step into Agatha Trunchbull’s stockings to terrorise the students of Crunchem Hall. But who will join him?
Edie McCaig and Emilia Shefford will join current stars Suki Hillier and Mia Rogers in the role of Matilda. They will be joined by Sid Boyle, Ava Evangelista, Freya Fulford, John Johnson, Theo Kamande, Kanaho Kurihara, Albie Lambert, Kennedy-May Mcleary, Savannah McDowell, Mason Mingle, Lola Smith, Huxley Syers, Orla Vellacott, and Jihyun Yoon, who share the roles of Alice, Amanda, Bruce, Eric, Hortensia, Lavender, Nigel, and Tommy.
They join the existing young company: Alexander Beaumont, William Gurney, Chase King, Reuben Laming, Maxwell McGetrick, Theo Oh, Drew Reilly, Harry Relf, Isabella Rummery, Khit Thakin and Aisha Ugurhan.
15 Jul, 2025 | By Sian McBride
HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series promises to be the most faithful on-screen adaptation of the books to date - and it’s already conjuring up excitement with its spellbinding cast. Slated for release in 2027, the series will feature a new generation of witches and wizards, and features a host of West End heavyweights. From Olivier Award winners to stage prodigies, the casting reads like a who’s who of London’s theatre scene.
Here’s where you’ve seen the stars of the new Hogwarts before they got their acceptance letters…
The formidable Deputy Headmistress will be played by none other than Janet McTeer, a towering presence in both stature and talent. McTeer won an Olivier and Tony Award for her role in A Doll’s House, and has been nominated for a further three Oliviers and two Oscars since! Most recently she could be seen in National Theatre’s Phaedra, and on TV, in the multi award-winning Ozark, and fan favourite Jessica Jones. With McTeer at the helm, McGonagall will be every bit as sharp, witty, and warm as fans remember.
Making the leap from one magical role to another, Arabella Stanton takes on Hermione Granger. She recently dazzled West End audiences in Matilda the Musical - one of the most decorated musicals in London theatre history, with seven Olivier Awards (tied with Hamilton, Sunset Boulevard, and Cabaret). Stanton is part of a growing tradition of young stars who prove they can lead a show and still crush their schoolwork. Hermione's brains and bravery are in good hands.
A surprising but inspired casting choice, John Lithgow brings warmth, wisdom, and a touch of mischief to Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow made his West End debut this year in Giant, playing Roald Dahl to great acclaim - and winning an Olivier Award in the process. Previously known for The Crown, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and the Oscar nominated Conclave, Lithgow blends gravitas and eccentricity like few can.
4 Jun, 2025 | By Sian McBride
The Cambridge Theatre, located in the heart of Seven Dials, is a renowned venue celebrated for its gorgeous Art Deco design and intimate atmosphere. With its plush seating and elegant carpeting, the Cambridge Theatre stands out as one of the most comfortable venues in the West End.
Home to one of the longest-running shows in West End history, Matilda the Musical, the theatre has truly become a little bit naughty over the years - in the best way possible!
With a seating capacity of 1231, the Cambridge Theatre is divided into three main sections: the Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle. Selecting the ideal seat can significantly enhance your theatre experience and is completely down to personal preference, so read on to find out the perfect seat to book for your next trip to the Cambridge Theatre.
The Upper Circle is a great option in terms of value for money. These seats offer great sightlines to the stage, with the front rows feeling closer to the action than in many other theatres. The middle seats in Rows C to F strike a balance between affordability and view quality.
It’s worth noting that the proscenium is framed by an Art Deco ceiling, which may slightly obstruct the view for some audience members in the Upper Circle. However, the auditorium is free from support pillars or obstructive rails, ensuring mostly clear sightlines (something that certainly can’t be said for all theatres!).
If you’re after a more premium experience, seats in Row B and C of the Dress Circle (such as C18) offer fantastic views of both the performance and the stunning theatre interior. With a great overall view of the stage, the well-racked seating of the Dress Circle ensures you have a good view, no matter how far back you are. That being said, if you’re after a more intimate experience, a seat in the Stalls is the way to go.
The Stalls offer the most immersive theatre experience, bringing you close to the heart of the performance. For optimal views, consider seats in the middle of Rows C to G, which provide a perfect vantage point without being too near the stage. Additionally, it’s worth noting that aisle seats in Rows L to P offer good views and extra legroom, often at a more affordable price point.
25 Feb, 2025 | By Vivienne Shaw
Looking for an inspirational musical that’s all about doing the right thing? Enter Matilda the Musical. Roald Dahl’s story of a courageous school girl who fights for justice - with a few telekinetic powers too - transformed the West End. There’s plenty of nostalgic joy in Matilda, from a Bruce Bogtrotter cake-eating scene to the terrifying Miss Trunchbull ruling over Crunchem Hall. The David versus Goliath tale broke Olivier Awards records and it’s been at the Cambridge Theatre since 2011. Impressive really, for a show that was originally commissioned for a 2010 Christmas run!
Matilda the Musical in London comes alive thanks to an infectious score by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly. It’s so popular in fact, there’s even a Matilda the Musical movie, starring some of the original West End cast members! But, if you’re looking for a family-friendly West End musical that’ll leave you smiling, Matilda’s the show for you. Discover all the songs in the musical and learn more about Matilda in London now.
All the Matilda the Musical songs add a spark to Matilda Wormwood’s story. She’s a young, gifted school kid who thirsts for knowledge, but her parents refuse to see her inner talents. Matilda Wormwood feels lost, but two adults help her: Miss Honey, her school teacher, and Mrs. Phelps, the librarian. Unfortunately, Matilda must face up to Miss Trunchbull, Crunchem Hall’s staunch headmistress who believes all children are maggots. Delightful!
During the Matilda musical, you’ll discover how she saves the day, proving that tiny minds can dream up the biggest things. Listen out for famous songs, including “Naughty,” “When I Grow Up,” “Revolting Children”, and a cleverly concocted “School Song”. The alphabet never sounded so fun!
All parents think their child’s the best, right? Wrong. In this witty ensemble number, lots of parents share how excited they are to meet their “special little guy” and “angel sent down from the sky”. Halfway through the song, audiences meet Mrs Wormwood as she gives birth to Matilda, but they’re less than thrilled. Mr Wormwood expresses his anger that Matilda isn’t a boy! Perhaps not the miracle they dreamed of…
In her early years, Matilda doesn’t go to school. She’s not taught anything. Instead, she fills her time by soaking up literary adventures - some very advanced for her young mind. Matilda lets out her pent-up frustration in “Naughty” and realises that she is the one who will change her story. Watch out for Matilda mixing peroxide into Mr Wormwood’s hair dye here. Matilda will start school in due course, much to her parents’ dismay.
Matilda Wormwood and her new friend, Lavender Brown, face the imposingly high Crunchem Hall gates for the first time. As they walk into the building, they’re met by taller, braver, scarier students who’ll teach them how to survive. Listen to the lyrics closely, they spell out the alphabet!
From the moment Matilda shoots her hand up in class, Miss Honey realises she’s someone special. In this solo, Miss Honey tries to muster all her strength to face the formidable Miss Trunchbull. Many West End actresses have played Miss Honey over the years, including Lauren Ward, Lauren Byrne and Gina Beck. Discover the Matilda the Musical London cast.
Look, it’s easy to boo Miss Trunchbull in Matilda. But her songs are definitely earworms! In “The Hammer”, this scary headmistress show off her former hammer-throwing championship prowess. She’s teaching Miss Honey that good discipline will put these children in line.
Matilda’s thriving at school. It’s a place to learn, discover, grow and be challenged intellectually. Unfortunately, all that stops at home when she’s with her parents. In “Loud”, Mrs Wormwood teaches her daughter in her special way. Instead of being book smart, you should sell the way you look! Watch out for “Loud” becoming a big dance number. It’s flashy!
Away from the bustling Wormwood house, Miss Honey lives a quiet life. She’s passionate about her children, so much so, she vows to advocate for Matilda Wormwood. In “This Little Girl”, audiences learn about Miss Honey’s past and self-esteem struggles. We promise things are looking up and there are sunnier days ahead!
Oh no! Who’s eaten Miss Trunchbull’s chocolate cake? Everyone knows to stay away. Bruce Bogtrotter confesses to his sweet-treat-stealing. So how does Miss Trunchbull make him apologise? By eating the whole thing, of course. There’s lots of glitz and jazz hands in “Bruce” up until the final bite… or should we say burp.
23 Jul, 2024 | By Sophie Thomas
From the magical to the tyrannical, there’s a bit of everything in these Matilda The Musical characters! The beloved Roald Dahl story was transformed into the multi-award-winning stage show by Tim Minchin in 2010. Since then, it has charmed children and adults all over the world. But do you know much about the Matilda The Musical characters? We’re here to introduce you to Matilda and the people in her life.
She's a nuisance. Well, to her parents, at least. The book-obsessed little girl is nothing like her family, and they don’t know what to do with her. Neither does school. With a monstrous head teacher who terrifies pupils and teachers alike, Matilda needs a safe place.
Despite what her family thinks, Matilda is special. While standing up for other pupils and hitting back at those who’ve wronged her, she develops magical abilities that might be the solution to everyone’s problems. The lead character has some of the biggest Matilda The Musical songs, including 'Naughty'.
Young actresses covet the role of Matilda. Four young performers are cast to play the role to ensure the demanding performance is manageable. When it opened in the West End in 2011, the four original actors collectively won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and the current Matildas are just as talented!
8 Jul, 2024 | By Carly Clements-Yu
Since the fear-inducing institution first opened its (iron gated) doors back in 2011, Crunchem Hall has seen countless naughty students pass through the corridors. But who is currently causing trouble for Trunchball in Matilda the Musical? Meet the Matilda the Musical cast below!
22 May, 2024 | By Sian McBride
As the evenings draw in, few things feel more comforting than settling down with a warm drink and a favourite book. Yet carving out a couple of uninterrupted hours to read can be tough in today’s fast-paced world, and often what we crave most is the chance to share those stories with others.
That’s where stage adaptations shine. They bring beloved tales to life in a way that’s immersive, communal, and free from the usual distractions. In the theatre, you can lose yourself completely in the story—without guilt, without limits, and with the joy of experiencing it alongside others.
24 Oct, 2023 | By Sian McBride
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