Tim Minchin made a surprise visit to Southampton for the press night of Matilda The Musical at Mayflower Theatre on 30 April 2026.
Cast and audience members were not aware that Tim Minchin, who wrote the music and lyrics for the musical, would be making a surprise appearance.
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s internationally renowned musical, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, is at Mayflower Theatre until 17 May 2026. The show has continually played to packed houses in the West End at the Cambridge Theatre and has been seen by 12 million people across over 100 cities around the world, and this year marks 15 years on stage.
This anarchic production, about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination, has won over 100 global awards, including 25 for Best Musical. A film adaptation made by the core creative team received its World Premiere at the London Film Festival in October 2022 and can now be watched on Netflix.
Composer and lyricist Tim Minchin said: ‘It was a joy to see the brilliant cast and crew who are touring our production of Matilda the Musical last night in Southampton.
“I made a last-minute decision to head to Mayflower Theatre to catch up with everyone and was absolutely thrilled with the show. I’m so glad that audiences in Southampton get the chance to enjoy it in their own City.”
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.
The cast is made up of Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger and Sanna Kuriharawho share the title role of Matilda. Richard Hurst plays Miss Trunchbull, Tessa Kadler plays Miss Honey, Adam Stafford plays Mr Wormwood and Rebecca Thornhill plays Mrs Wormwood.
They are joined by 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.
The other young performers are: Rudy Bragg, Jacob Connor-Ashton, Charlie Cox, Sylvie Grace, Rose Jammeh, Dottie Jones, Takunda Khumalo, Sana Lennon, Oisin-Luca Pegg, Millie-May Mankowska, Tate Masuku, Leo Maurice, Carter-J Murphy, Jaxon James Nolan, Cole Nicholson, Pixie Pettigrew, Brodie Robson, Haiden Sihapanya and Felix Schmitt.
Tickets for Matilda the Musical (Wednesday 29 April – Sunday 17 May 2026) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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