Matilda The Musical reached a milestone this month, celebrating 15 years of performances in London’s West End after beginning as a Christmas production in Stratford-upon-Avon. The show, adapted from Roald Dahl’s children’s novel with book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, has become the 10th longest-running musical in West End history.
The production has achieved significant international reach since premiering at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2010 before transferring to the West End the following year. It has been witnessed by more than 12 million audience members across more than 100 cities globally, with more than 10,000 performances staged to date. The musical has accumulated over 100 international awards throughout its run, including 25 recognitions for best musical.
Minchin and Kelly both expressed surprise at the scale of the show’s success. Kelly recalled the reaction during early performances, noting the immediate audience response exceeded their expectations. Minchin described how the magnitude of their achievement became apparent during preview screenings in Stratford, after which the creative team recognized potential for a West End transfer. He attributed the show’s continued popularity to its thematic elements, including messages about standing up for what is right, the value of reading and stories, family bonds, and empowerment.
O’Hanlon from the Royal Shakespeare Company noted that the original production team could not have anticipated the show’s longevity and global impact. She described the rapid escalation in demand, recounting how ticket discounts were initially offered during preview performances due to available seating, while later tickets were resold at premium prices.
The musical is currently touring the United Kingdom and Ireland while maintaining its London run. Tickets for West End performances remain available until January 2027.
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