The Royal Shakespeare Company, in partnership with Mayflower Theatre, is extending the reach of Matilda the Musical beyond the stage and into classrooms through a nationally coordinated learning programme, Change My Story.
The programme which is a national initiative is running alongside the UK tour. It is designed to address inequalities in access to arts and culture by engaging 100 schools in areas identified as underserved and/or with higher-than-average levels of students eligible for Free School Meals.
Mayflower Theatre’s contribution to the programme will see eight local schools and a total of 637 students and teachers actively participate. Participating schools include St Patrick’s Catholic Primary, Mount Pleasant Primary, St Mark’s C of E School, Bidbury Junior School, Miltoncross Academy, Boorley Park Primary, Bannister Primary and Tanners Brook Primary.
The programme in Southampton also included a minimum of one class from each of the schools to attend the final dress rehearsal ahead of the show opening to the public. This will provide the students – many of whom will not have attended the theatre before – to have a unique experience, providing insight into what goes into bringing such a huge show to regional audiences.
Other elements of the structured programme include a creative writing challenge set by the show’s writer Dennis Kelly, cast school visits and guidance and support for the local schools to produce their own version of Matilda The Musical.
The programme is delivered through two tiers. The first enables students to stage their own version of Matilda The Musical. Teachers will collaborate with an RSC Director, Musical Director and Movement Director, supported by a specially adapted script and musical score. This approach ensures that schools, regardless of prior experience or resource, can deliver high-quality performances in their own settings. Additional in-school visits from RSC practitioners will further enhance the creative process, supporting students to refine and realise their productions.
The second tier is a creative writing challenge devised by Dennis Kelly, inviting students to write a ‘missing scene’ from the musical. Following dedicated teacher development and the use of RSC resources, students will be supported to develop original written responses. These will be brought to life by RSC actors through live readings, providing a powerful opportunity for students to hear their work performed and to experience the value of their creative voice.
At its core, the Change My Story programme reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that high-quality live theatre is accessible to all young people, regardless of background. The programme will support 300 teachers nationwide to work directly with RSC artists and Associate Learning Practitioners, equipping them with the tools, skills and confidence to deliver meaningful creative experiences within their own school communities. Through this model, the impact of a major touring production is amplified far beyond the theatre auditorium, embedding arts engagement into everyday learning environments.
Collectively, this programme represents a scalable and inclusive approach to cultural engagement, breaking down barriers to participation, nurturing creativity, and ensuring that the transformative power of live theatre can be experienced by young people in every community.
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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