Roald Dahl’s story of a child hero is revamped for stage in a multi-award winning musical phenomenon.

Decked out with awards and enough five star reviews to light up the night sky, Matilda the Musical is taking the world by storm; next stop Sydney.

The original musical, based on the children’s novel by Roald Dahl, has translated the decidedly twisted schoolyard exploits to the stage with resounding international success. Matilda has already collected four Tony Awards including Best Book Award for script writer Dennis Kelly, the Drama Desk Outstanding Lyrics Award for the songs by Tim Minchin, as well as a handful of Best Musical Awards from various critics. The musical also has the honour of being the most lauded production by the UK’s respected Olivier Awards, with seven of the coveted gongs to its name.

Minchin, an Australian ex-pat living in Los Angeles, says he is proud to be contributing to the Australian theatre scene. “I don’t want to be someone who left, I want to be someone who’s putting something back,” said Minchin in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald.

Dahl is known for creating children’s books with a difference, and he was never one to talk down to kids. This ideal has been preserved in the shift from page to stage, with critics proclaiming that the musical transcends age boundaries, managing to be both moving and amusing.

While musical theatre is far from dead, box office takings internationally have been in decline for some years. With the overwhelmingly positive reception in London, and more than 20,000 patrons attending performances each week, it is hoped and predicted that the production will revive the musical scene and bring a new generation to the theatres. 

The press reception for the musical has also been unanimously positive. America’s Time Magazine hailed it as the best new musical since The Lion King

“It would be easy to call it the best British musical since Billy Elliot, but that, I’m afraid, would be underselling it. You have to go back to The Lion King to find a show with as much invention, spirit and genre-redefining verve” – Time review.

Matilda comes to Sydney’s Lyric Theatre next July, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.

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