Matilda the Musical

Acknowledgement

The Cast, Crew and Creative Team would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we perform Matilda. This land has a rich history of unique cultural and creative expression, including music, art, dance and storytelling. We perform on the land of the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation people and we pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Cast

View the full cast of Matilda the Musical by clicking the button below:

Synopsis

Act 1

As a chorus of children boast about being their parents’ miracles, the ballroom dancing obsessed Mrs Wormwood gives birth to a baby girl called Matilda. Seemingly unable and unwilling to accept her as a girl, Mr Wormwood, a sleazy used car salesman, attempts to swap the child for a better one. Five years later, Matilda—an avid reader—lives unhappily with her parents and her older, gormless brother Michael. In response to being mocked by her father Matilda plays a prank on him, leaving Mr Wormwood with bright green hair.

At the local library Matilda tells Mrs Phelps a story about a world-famous acrobat and escapologist whose love knows no bounds. The next day is Matilda’s first day at school. Her teacher Miss Honey is impressed by Matilda, so she recommends that Matilda is moved to the top class. However, the child-hating, disciplinarian headmistress Miss Trunchbull lectures her on the importance of following rules.

At the Wormwood’s house, Mr Wormwood takes his day’s frustration out on Matilda, prompting her to prank him again. At school, Matilda learns of Miss Trunchbull’s cruel punishments, including Chokey; a tiny cupboard lined with sharp objects. Meanwhile, Miss Honey decides to visit the Wormwoods to express her recommendation that Matilda be put in an advanced class. It soon becomes apparent that Mrs Wormwood does not care about her daughter and she mocks Miss Honey.

Matilda tells Mrs Phelps more about the events in the lives of the acrobat and the escapologist. At school Trunchbull punishes Bruce for stealing a slice of her cake by forcing him to eat the entire cake in front of the class, who bravely support him.

Act 2

The children gather and sing about their hopes for when they grow up. Matilda resolves to end Miss Trunchbull’s cruelty. She tell Mrs Phelps more of the story of the acrobat and the escapologist.

Mr Wormwood returns home from work pleased because he has sold his worn-out cars to the wealthy Russians. Matilda is annoyed at her father’s deceit and scolds him, which angers him and he locks her in her bedroom. That night, Matilda continues the now tense and dramatic story of the acrobat and the escapologist.

The next day, Miss Trunchbull forces Miss Honey’s class to undergo a gruelling physical education lesson. Miss Trunchbull discovers a newt in her jug; she accuses one of the boys and she starts to punish him. Matilda scolds Miss Trunchbull for being a bully. Miss Trunchbull verbally abuses Matilda, but Matilda discovers she can move objects with her mind. She tips over a cup of water and the newt lands on Miss Trunchbull, and climbs up her leg, before running away.

Matilda demonstrates her powers to Miss Honey, who is surprised and invites Matilda to her house for tea. On the way Matilda admits that her father is not proud of her and calls her names. Miss Honey tells Matilda of her cruel and abusive aunt, but despite her hard life, Miss Honey finds beauty in her meagre living conditions. As Miss Honey tells her story, Matilda becomes aware of more of her powers.

Back at school, Miss Trunchbull forces the children to take a spelling test. If children fail to spell a single word she will send them to Chokey. The class work together to prove Miss Honey is a terrific teacher, but Trunchbull still has something up her sleeve.

Matilda uses her powers to write on the blackboard and scares Miss Trunchbull into permanent retreat.

Days later, the Wormwoods arrive at the library in a panic, telling Matilda that she must leave with them because they are fleeing to Spain. The wealthy Russians Mr Wormwood was dealing with are the Russian Mafia, who are unhappy about being sold broken cars. Miss Honey asks if Matilda can stay with her, but the Mafia arrive before a decision can be made. On her request, Mr Wormwood agrees to let Matilda live with Miss Honey.

Director’s Notes

Roald Dahl wrote Matilda during the Cold War, and at a time when new media was turning our attention away from books, and novels. He conceived Matilda as a metaphor for the power of imagination. He highlights the issues inherent in totalitarianism and his perceptions of life under Soviet rule.

The 1980s and 90s are also heavily featured in this story, and the creative team capitalised on this aesthetic to inspire their interpretation. The English conservative leaders of the 80s were not represented by towering behemoths, but by a new wave of feminism that saw women being empowered by their strengths and overcoming the assertion that a great leader is embodied by masculine traits. Thus, Agatha Trunchbull aligns more closely with Margaret Thatcher or Grace Jones. The gaudy 80s and 90s pastiche surrounds Matilda, as excess is lauded.

2022 is not so different to 1986 as Russia attempts to dominate, obsessions over accumulating wealth and objects have not yet subsided, and the feminist movement makes some incredible strides. Matilda is a wonderful vehicle for exploring self-belief and empowerment and will hopefully inspire us all to stand up for what’s right.

As an artist, I believe it is important to acknowledge the challenges the Arts Sector has faced over the last two years. However, the arts are alive in all of us and this production is a wonderful example of the student’s capacity for greatness. I am brand new to Haileybury and have been welcomed with open arms. The Arts is a place for us all to live and thrive. Life is hard, and the arts are a wonderful place to feel and explore. Whether you’re dealing with a Wormwood, getting out from under a Trunchbull, or evading the Chokey, there is a place here in the arts for all people.

We make several design choices along the way that will hopefully surprise and delight. We wanted the world of Matilda: The Musical to appear imaginative, surreal and delightful. The choreography, performance style, design and music all come together to transport you to a place of childish-wonder.

Nicholas Waxman, Creative director

Special Thanks

Masquerade Costumes, Tessa Kerekes, Candice Naude, Phillipa Bell, Jane Marshall, Rachelle Rae, Taarani Charrett Dunlop (OH 19) for assisting with radio mics, Stewart Bell, Paul Rogers, John Wells, Ang Gikas, Ben Stewart, Sara McPherson, Judy Ford, Chantelle Sanderson, Jack Earle, Peatman Family, Front of House Team, Ushers and Haileybury Marketing Team.