Matilda The Musical – one of the most anticipated stage musicals that has wowed audiences on the West End and Broadway will make its Australian premiere in Sydney in 2015.
Featuring music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) stage musical adaptation of the much-loved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl, tells the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny.
Matilda The Musical has received strong critical acclaim since originally premiering in the RSC’s theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010. In 2011 the production moved to the West End, and has been concurrently playing on Broadway since April 2013.
It has won seven Olivier Awards in 2012, breaking all show records in the Olivier Awards’ 36 year history. The production has experienced similar popularity in the USA, winning four Tony Awards in 2013.
The score for Matilda The Musical was written by Australian Tim Minchin who was nominated for a Tony Award for his work in 2013, the first Australian ever to be nominated for the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) .
On the announcement, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said “Matilda The Musical is one of the most highly acclaimed and sought after musicals currently in production.”
“It has wowed audiences in New York and London and I am delighted we have been able to secure this award-winning production for Sydney.
As one of the world’s most acclaimed shows, Matilda The Musical was a production that both Sydney and Melbourne were keen to have staged in their respective cities. In recognition of Tim’s writing achievement, a plaque will be added to Sydney’s Circular Quay Writers’ Walk of Fame, following the tradition of adding Pamela Travers’ plaque during the Sydney season of Mary Poppins.
Matilda The Musical will be produced in Australia by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Michael Watt and will play at the Lyric Theatre from August 2015. Casting and ticketing details will be announced at a later date.
Image: The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda – photo by Manuel Harlan