Review, Matilda The Musical, At The Manchester Palace Theatre

Last night I nipped into Manchester to watch Matilda The Musical, the smash hit inspired by the beloved Roald Dahl book. Having seen it before, I already knew this was a show I loved. But returning to it at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, I was curious to see if the magic would still feel the same. There are some shows you just know are special, aren’t there?

I arrived feeling quietly confident, and the atmosphere confirmed it, that shared sense of excited anticipation rippling through the audience. And you know what? Matilda The Musical didn’t just live up to my memories; it completely reignited that love and then some.

About Matilda The Musical

Matilda The Musical was created by the Royal Shakespeare Company and is based on the iconic children’s novel by Roald Dahl. Many families will also know the much-loved film adaptation, Matilda.

The stage show brings these familiar elements together while adding its own unique theatrical magic. With music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, it first premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon before transferring to London’s West End. It quickly became a global sensation.

Since then, Matilda has toured internationally. Also collecting countless awards along the way and earned its reputation as one of the most beloved family musicals of all time.

My Review of Matilda The Musical

Matilda herself was perfection. She played the role in an almost deadpan way. With hardly an ounce of cuteness, which somehow made her even more endearing. Instead, she used her incredible acting ability to make you truly feel the character and the quiet emptiness in her heart. Yet it was deeply touching to see how fiercely she still protected her dreadful family from the outside world.

I found myself, once again, especially looking forward to the library scenes, where she told the story of The Escapologist in such a theatrical and captivating way; these moments were pure magic and just as special on a second viewing.

And then, of course, we have the villain we all love to hate. Richard Hurst as Miss Trunchbull was absolutely outstanding. The perfect balance of terrifying and hilarious, bringing a larger-than-life energy to the role that had the audience laughing out loud. The performance cleverly softened the darker edges of the story, making the character both monstrous and strangely delightful. I don’t think a villain has ever made me smile quite so much.

The entire cast was exceptional. Behind that incredibly talented mini squad stood a group of adult performers who played their roles magnificently, adding depth, humour, and heart to every scene.

Music, Staging & Overall Feel

The score is simply stunning. Even now, as I sit tapping away at the keyboard, listening to it, the beauty of the music stands entirely on its own. If anything, I appreciated it even more this time around.

The set, while simple, is absolutely beautiful. It felt magical, warm, and exactly what you hope for from such an acclaimed production. On reflection, that simplicity is part of what makes it so effective.

The young cast is nothing short of extraordinary. They don’t rely on cuteness or impressive vocals alone, though both are certainly present! But also captivate you with their genuinely impressive acting talent. Their performances are confident and utterly engaging, drawing you in from the very beginning and holding your attention right through to the final curtain.

Is Matilda Worth Seeing?

There’s always a risk with a show centred on children, and performed by children, that it could tip into something overly saccharine. But not here. Matilda strikes a perfect balance: just the right amount of charm without ever overpowering the story, paired with a delicious streak of tongue-in-cheek humour.

In short, the Matilda UK Tour is wonderful. Even on a return visit, it had me holding my breath, close to tears one moment and laughing out loud the next.

Where Can You See Matilda The Musical

Matilda The Musical is running at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until 25th April, and it’s absolutely not to be missed. And then at….

• Bristol Hippodrome, Tue 2 Jun – Sat 27 Jun 2026
• Milton Keynes Theatre, Wed 28 Oct – Sat 14 Nov 2026
• Theatre Royal Glasgow, Wed 18 Nov – Sat 5 Dec 2026

And in the words of the mighty Matilda…

“Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”

Please note, I was gifted the tickets, but a review was optional. Also, see where to eat and park near the Palace Theatre.