Review: Matilda The Musical at Sunderland Empire
A mischievous, musical celebration of an extraordinary little girl with a mind as mighty as her courage
In true RSC fashion, the role of Matilda is shared equally by four remarkable young performers: Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger and Sanna Kurihar. On this particular evening, Sanna Kurihar took centre stage and quite rightly stole the show. Her performance was confident, sharp and brimming with the intelligence and quiet defiance that defines Matilda. She commanded the stage with a maturity beyond her years, delivering both humour and heart in equal measure.
The role of Bruce is also shared equally between Oisin-Luca Pegg, Carter-J Murphy, Brodie Robson and Takunda Khumalo. Takunda excelled, bringing tremendous energy to the role. His singing ability was fantastic, filling the theatre with warmth and confidence – a standout moment in an already impressive ensemble performance.
At the heart of the show is its linguistic inventiveness and genuine mischief. This is no ordinary musical. Its rebellious spirit and clever wordplay make it wildly entertaining for adults, while its bold humour and child-led empowerment speak directly to younger audiences. It’s this spirited defiance that makes the production so appealing and enduring.
Richard Hurst’s Miss Trunchbull is gloriously wicked yet hilariously absurd, drawing constant chuckles from the audience. His larger-than-life portrayal balanced menace with comedy perfectly. In beautiful contrast, Tessa Kalder’s Miss Honey radiated warmth and vocal splendour, her gentle presence providing the emotional anchor of the story.
Mr and Mrs Wormwood were a riot, their outrageous insults and exaggerated vanity had my daughter giggling throughout. The humour lands brilliantly across generations, proving this is a show that truly appeals to both adults and children.
The music and lyrics by Tim Minchin are nothing short of lyrical masterpieces. Witty, clever and emotionally resonant, the songs draw you in completely. From the defiant anthems to the tender ballads, each number feels purposeful and memorable.
The choreography – performed with astonishing precision by the whole cast was outstanding. The When I Grow Up swing scene was particularly magical. Watching the cast soar across the stage genuinely made me feel like a child again, full of wonder and possibility.
With outstanding set design and lighting that perfectly complement the storytelling, this production is a theatrical triumph. Bold, mischievous and full of heart, Matilda the Musical at Sunderland Empire is a joyous celebration of imagination, resilience and the power of being a little bit naughty.
