REVIEW: MATILDA @ THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

🎭 Matilda The Musical

📍  The Lyric, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2TR

🗓 Tuesday 14th January 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FABULOUSLY FLAWLESS WITH EPIC BURP

With flawless performances and slick, imaginative stagecraft The RSC’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL sparkles brightly in the dreary January evening. From the opening moments to the standing ovation, it is one of the most exciting productions I have seen in a long time.

It is revolting and in the best possible way, capturing the very essence of Roald Dahl’s book but without adhering slavishly to it. Dennis Kelly’s incisive book and Tim Minchin’s witty lyrics and music bring Matilda, her unappreciative, shallow family and the monstrous spite of Miss Trunchbull to life. The snappy interplay between Rob Howell’s awe inspiring, versatile set and the sharp choreography by Peter Darling is nothing less than breathtaking. The dynamics of the show rely on every cast member always being on top of their game and tonight’s cast rise effortlessly to the challenge. There is no margin of error for a miss step between set moves, dancing or the singing and as I said, it is flawless.

Foremost amongst the astounding talent in the show are all the children, they are amazing. Everyone one of them a skilled professional. There are four teams who share the roles of Matilda and Bruce equally. Tonight’s pair are Oisin-Luca Pegg and Olivia Ironmonger who are both incredible. I imagine Bruce devouring a large cake and the consequent epic burp will be the cause of much giggling on the homeward journey tonight.

When Olivia first appears on stage a child behind me breathes, “Matilda” in total recognition. She is indeed the very embodiment of the character, from fiercely intelligent book lover to resolute rebel in the face of injustice. Her cry of, “That’s not right!” resonates around the auditorium. It is a joy to see such stage presence in a young actor. That she would be Trunchbull’s nemesis was never in doubt!

Richard Hurst’s portrayal of Miss Trunchbull is a masterclass in how to be quietly very nasty indeed bringing delicious shivers of dislike amongst his audience. Coldly cruel and surprisingly adept at a cabaret version of “Phys Ed”. We thoroughly enjoy every moment that a naughty child wins a point.

In contrast, the warmth emanating from the lovely, not very brave, Miss Honey, Tessa Kadler, is like a reassuring hug in the uncertain world of the children. We are all routing for her as she drags her courage up from her feet for the sake of her class. The perfect counterpoint to Trunchbull’s miserable regime.

This musical is imbued with Dahl’s characters, many bearing a striking resemblance to Quentin Blake’s illustrations. All their emotions are there from pathos to delight. The ignorance of Matilda’s parents, the ridiculously bendy Rudolpho, the empathetic Mrs Phelps, the tragic Acrobat and Escapologist through to the gormless teen brother and cartoon Russian villains. Whether you are a fan of Roald Dahl or not, I’m confident anyone would love this mischievous production, honed to perfection and dazzling its audiences.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL continues performances at Theatre Royal Plymouth until Saturday 7th February. Click here for tickets.

Rosie Sharman-Ward

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Matilda The Musical was gifted by Theatre Royal Plymouth who invited me to watch the show on behalf of Pink Prince Theatre in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Scotty Armstrong as Children's Entertainer; Jordan Ricketts as Doctor; Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood; Adam Stafford as Mr Wormwood; Ryan Lay as Rudolpho; Samuel Leon as Michael Wormwood; Esther Niles as Mrs Phelps; Tessa Kadler as Miss Honey; Lizzie Nance as Acrobat; Ben Tyler as Escapologist; Richard Hurst as Miss Trunchbull; Portia Jefferies as Alice; Nicole Manumbre as Hortensia; Olivia Ironmonger as Matilda; Oisin-Luca Pegg as Bruce; Sana Lennon as Lavender; Jacob Connor-Ashton as Nigel; Sylvie Grace as Amanda; Jaxon Nolan as Eric; Rudy Bragg as Tommy

Ensemble: Ella Tweed; Bradley Trevethan; Jordan Maisuria-Wake; Cassandra Lee

Swings: Sam Holden; Caoimhe Judd; Brooke Kelly; Josh Singleton; Karen Walker

Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton; Olivia Ironmonger and Sanna Kurihara perform the role of Matilda in rotation and Oisin-Luca Pegg, Carter-J Murphy, Brodie Robson and Takunda Khumalo share the role of Bruce

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 35 minutes, including interval

AGE GUIDELINE:

6 +

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