Matilda

Packed with high-energy dance numbers, and unforgettably catchy songs, Matilda is a joyous girl-power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by this story of a special little girl with an extraordinary imagination and extraordinary powers!

The daughter of unloving parents, Matilda finds refuge in library books. Things are no better at school, where Matilda also must face a tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who believes in school’s motto: “Bambinatum est Magitum,” or “Children are Maggots.” She finds companionship in her teacher, Miss Honey, though well-intentioned, is shy and fragile.

Brave little Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world, and in doing so, discovers her own remarkable powers. Matilda’s bravery teaches Miss Honey and her classmates an important lesson — that even though life can be hard, “nobody but me is gonna change my story” so “sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”

Matilda Wormwood

An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years. She has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched and is a fantastic storyteller. Matilda must be small, mature and ready to handle carrying the entire show.
A strong singer and actor with some dance required.

Matilda’s Classmates

Bruce Bogtrotter

Matilda’s classmate. Bruce leads the revolt in “Revolting Children”. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Bruce eats a slice of Miss Trunchbull’s chocolate cake, and is punished by having to eat a whole cake in class. Strong singer. Some dance required.

Lavender

Matilda’s classmate and self-proclaimed best friend. She is very smart, but not like Matilda. She is also a bit naughty herself, planting a newt in Miss Trunchbull’s water after the physical education class. Big personality. Singer, dancer & actor.

Amanda

Amanda is a classmate of Matilda’s. Despite Miss Trunchbull’s rules about pigtails, Amanda wears them because her mother says they look pretty. She pays the price by getting thrown across the playground by her pigtails by Miss Trunchbull. Strong dance and vocal ability.

Alice

Alice has some solo lines, so the actor playing Alice should have a nice singing voice and great stage presence. Strong and Bold. Strong dance and vocal ability

Hortensia

Feisty. Hortensia has some solo lines, so the actor playing Hortensia should have a nice singing voice and great stage presence. Strong dance and vocal ability.

Eric

Small. He struggles with physical education and has his ears pulled by Miss Trunchbull. Eric has the first solo line of the show. Strong dance and vocal ability.

Nigel

Spoken dialogue. He is enthusiastic, but has too high expectations of himself, which leads to disappointment. He seems to always be in a panic, and becomes worried easily. Strong dance and vocal ability.

Tommy

Tommy has some solo lines, so the actor playing Tommy should have a nice singing voice and great stage presence. Strong dance and vocal ability.

Adult Characters

MISS AGATHA TRUNCHBULL

The tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school who despises children.
Strong actor and imposing presence. Extremely good enunciation and vocal dexterity. This role is played by a male. No movement/dance required.

MISS HONEY

Matilda’s kind-hearted teacher. She is tired of living in fear under Miss Trunchbull. Warm and caring. Needs a sweet melodic and pure sounding voice. No movement/dance required.

MR HARRY WORMWOOD

Matilda’s uncaring father. A cruel, abusive and dishonest used-car salesman.
Physically should have a weaselly or ratty essence. Needs to be agile, with precise enunciation and have a firm rhythmic sense. No movement/dance required.

MRS ZINNIA WORMWOOD

Matilda’s self-absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer.
The number “Loud” is a hard sing, and requires a very strong tone. Should have strong dance ability, Latin style would be a particular advantage.

MICHAEL WORMWOOD

Matilda’s older brother. He is favoured by their parents but is actually not very bright. Must be able to fully participate in all ensemble vocal and dance numbers and also play the Wormwood’s monosyllabic son. Needs good deadpan comedy and the ability to find a character during a lot of stage time with few words.

MRS PHELPS

Mrs. Phelps runs the local library, where Matilda finds refuge. She is warm and loving to Matilda, and loves to listen to her stories. Mrs. Phelps gets deeply involved in Matilda’s stories, often crying or responding in frustration when Matilda stops. No Dance or vocal required.

RUDOLPHO

Mrs Wormwood’s ballroom dance partner. Should be genuinely fit and athletic. Should have a flare for character comedy, and have great vocal and dance stamina for the number ‘Loud’
Vocal Range: Tenor

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Roald Dahl’s

Matilda

Book: Dennis Kelly

Music & Lyrics: Tim Minchin