What’s in Grace’s Satchel?
A Little Bit Naughty, A Lot Matilda…
Stop everything. Grab your best bow and straighten your bookish fringe, because Matilda The Musical is back on the road — and she’s heading straight to Brum for a summer stint that’s set to knock Miss Trunchbull’s socks off. (Don’t worry, she wears boots.)
The Royal Shakespeare Company has just spilled the cast list for the new UK tour of this anarchic, award-hoovering wonder, and guess what? It’s turning 15. That’s right — 15 years of rebellious genius, chocolate cake, and children who read for fun. Imagine.
From Wednesday 1 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, Matilda The Musical will be landing at Birmingham Hippodrome, ready to twist and shout (and spell d-i-c-t-a-t-o-r) all over the Midlands.
Sharing the role of the mighty Matilda are a fierce foursome: Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger (honestly, what a name) and Sanna Kurihara — pint-sized powerhouses, all of them.
Stepping into the fearsome shoes of hammer-throwing headmistress Miss Trunchbull is Richard Hurst (he’s terrifying in the best way), joined by Tessa Kadler as sweet Miss Honey, Adam Stafford as the garishly clueless Mr Wormwood, and the fabulous Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood — part mum, part disco ball.
Backing them up? A bursting ensemble of talent, including (deep breath): Scotty Armstrong, Sam Holden, Portia Jefferies, Caiomhe Judd, Brooke Kelly, Ryan Lay, Cassandra Lee, Samuel Leon, Jordan Maisuria-Wake, Nicole Manumbre, Lizzie Nance, Esther Niles, Jordan Ricketts, Josh Singleton, Bradley Trevethan, Ella Tweed, Ben Tyler and Karen Walker.
And that’s not all — the mini revolters are in full force too, with a joyful jumble of young stars like Rudy Bragg, Sylvie Grace, Dottie Jones, Takunda Khumalo, and Pixie Pettigrew
And just when you thought it couldn’t get more magical, in waltzed Tim Minchin himself — the curly-haired musical wizard behind the songs — to say hello to the rehearsal room. No word yet on whether he brought cake.
Still going strong in the West End, still defying gravity (sorry, wrong show), and still making audiences roar with laughter and wipe a sneaky tear, Matilda The Musical is a lesson in pure theatrical joy.
Dates: 1 July – 2 August 2026
Booking: www.birminghamhippodrome.com or ring 0121 689 3000
Verdict: Naughty? Yes. Brilliant? Absolutely.
See you in the library (or the front row).
— Grace x
