4 min readFind out what Laura from the Visit Bristol team thought of Matilda the Musical, the RSC's beloved adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic story, currently at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday 27th June 2026.
If you're looking for a night out in Bristol that's joyful, mischievous and genuinely moving, Matilda the Musical delivers on every level. The RSC's multi-award-winning production, based on Roald Dahl's beloved novel with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly, has enchanted audiences for fifteen years already and honestly, it's easy to understand why.
Matilda The Musical Company (photo by Manuel Harlan)
A show full of magic and mischief
Roald Dahl's story of a small girl with extraordinary intelligence and even more extraordinary powers gets the full musical theatre treatment here, and wow, what a show. From the very first number the energy in the auditorium is electric, and it never lets up.
Standout performances
The title role of Matilda is shared equally across the run by four remarkable young performers, Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger and Sanna Kurihara. The role of Bruce is shared by Oisin-Luca Pegg, Carter-J Murphy, Brodie Robson and Takunda Khumalo. On the evening I attended, Sanna Kurihara played Matilda and Brodie Robson played Bruce, and both were outstanding. The ensemble of children are all full of infectious energy and perform Tim Minchin's fiendishly funny and heartfelt songs with real panache.
The adult cast are equally brilliant. Miss Trunchbull, played by Richard Hurst is a villain of pure theatrical chaos magnificently, gloriously over-the-top, while Tessa Kadler's Miss Honey is a gentle, heartfelt counterpoint who earns every tear by the final act.
Sanna Kurihara as Matilda (photo by Manuel Harlan)
Songs that will stay with you for days
Tim Minchin's songs are a real highlight. From the high-energy "Revolting Children" to the touching "When I Grow Up", they're catchy, clever and land every time. You'll almost certainly leave the theatre with at least one of them stuck in your head.
Funny, fierce and full of heart
This is a show for children and adults in equal measure, and the auditorium was filled with both adults and children which made the energy in the theatre extra special, I could hear some kids singing along. Unlike some family-friendly productions, it never talks down to children either. It's funny, occasionally dark in the best Dahl tradition, and ultimately deeply life-affirming. By the time the finale arrived, the standing ovation felt entirely well-deserved.
Whether you know the story from the book, the film, or not at all, I urge you to see this production for yourself while you can. It's a genuinely special night at the theatre.
Matilda The Musical Company (photo by Manuel Harlan)
Tickets & visitor information
Tickets are still available for most shows, although limited so be quick!
Matilda the Musical is at Bristol Hippodrome. Book your tickets here.
The Bristol Hippodrome are currently offering buy one and get one under 16s half price on selected seats added to the evening performances on Friday 5, Saturday 6, Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June!
Performance times: Tue - Sat at 19:30, Wed, Sat and Sun at 14:30
Running time is 2 hours 35 minutes incl. interval
Age guidance: Suitable for ages 6+. Check the booking page for accessibility performances including Audio Described, British Sign Language interpreted and Captioned performances.
Find out what else is on at Bristol Hippodrome.
Plan your visit
Bristol Hippodrome sits right in the heart of the city, so it's easy to make a full evening of your trip. If you're heading out for dinner beforehand, there are plenty of great options within a short walk, check out our pre-theatre dining ideas here.
Visiting from outside Bristol? The Hippodrome is well served by bus and is a 20 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads train station. There's also a multi-storey car park at Trenchard Street nearby if you're driving. Find out more about travel to and around Bristol here.
If you're making a longer break of it, Bristol has a fantastic range of places to stay, including excellent family-friendly options, explore hotels and accommodation on Visit Bristol.
