While Melbourne is busy gorging on the popular Matilda cake, the rambunctious bookworm is making her way back to the city!
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s award-winning production of Matilda The Musical will return to Australia, opening at the Princess Theatre in October 2027 before travelling to Sydney and Brisbane.
More than a decade after Australian audiences first fell for the show, the musical will bring Roald Dahl’s fiercely imaginative heroine back to the stage in a production that has become a global theatrical phenomenon.
Based on Dahl’s beloved novel, Matilda The Musical follows a brilliant young girl who refuses to accept injustice as her fate. Armed with an extraordinary imagination, an unbreakable spirit and a love of stories, Matilda discovers that even the smallest voice can make a very big difference.
A global musical phenomenon
Since premiering more than 15 years ago, the RSC production has become one of the defining musicals of its generation. It has won 101 international awards, including 25 for Best Musical, and delighted more than 13 million people across 100-plus cities worldwide.
In London’s West End, the production is now in its 15th year and ranks among the longest-running musicals in West End history.
Its Australian return comes after a hugely successful national tour. The original 2015–17 Australian production played to sold-out houses for more than two years, welcoming more than one million theatregoers and becoming the most awarded musical in Australian theatrical history.
In 2016, it made Helpmann Awards history by taking home a record 13 awards, sweeping every musical category.
Why Matilda still resonates
For Melbourne audiences, one of the show’s biggest draws will be the return of Australian composer and lyricist Tim Minchin’s witty, mischievous and deeply moving score.
Minchin said he was thrilled to see the production return home. “I am so, so excited that Matilda is touring Australia again.” “The 2015-17 tour was absolutely brilliant—a genuinely world-class production to rival the West End version”, he said.
The production’s enduring appeal lies in its refusal to talk down to children while giving adults plenty to rediscover, too.
RSC co-artistic directors Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans said Matilda’s resilience continues to resonate with new generations. “Even if you’re little you can do a lot,”
Australian producer Louise Withers said the show’s return offers both a reunion and a new beginning. “The beauty of Matilda is that every generation discovers something different within it. Children see possibility, adults rediscover wonder, and families share an unforgettable experience together.”
She said the production’s themes continue to be important for the youth. “Its themes of courage, resilience, kindness and standing up for what’s right feel just as meaningful today as ever.”
The creative team behind the magic
Written by Dennis Kelly, Matilda The Musical features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and was developed and directed by Matthew Warchus.
The production features designs by Rob Howell, choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations and additional music by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and illusions by Paul Kieve.
Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Linda Bewick will produce the 2027 Australian tour in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Key details
- What: Matilda The Musical
- Where: Princess Theatre, Melbourne
- When: From October 2027
- Tickets: Join the waitlist now for priority ticket information, on-sale announcements and production news
