With an all-star cast and a critically acclaimed soundtrack, Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the new movie you'll want to watch on repeat.
Based on a classic book, with music from by one of Australia's most talented creative forces, and featuring a spectacular cast, it's easy to see why the world has been counting down the days to the release of this new musical movie.
But before you and the family head into the cinemas to watch it, here's everything you need to know about Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical and why it needs to shoot straight to the top of your must-watch list.
It all started with a beloved book and a fan favourite movie.
For many of us, the 1996 fantasy comedy film Matilda, starring Mara Wilson in the title role, defined our childhoods and family lives. Based on the beloved 1988 Roald Dahl novel of the same name, the film, which starred and was directed by comedy powerhouse Danny DeVito, was both a critical hit and a fan favorite upon its release.
Take a look at the trailer for Matilda The Musical. Post continues below.
The hit Broadway musical the movie is based on was created by Australia’s very own Tim Minchin.
Just like the novel and film before it, Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical tells the story of a young girl named Matilda Wormwood, whose cruel family does not understand her but who also changes her life through her love of books and her handy gift of telekinesis.
The story of Matilda is beautifully brought to life on stage and now on screen with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly.
Matilda The Musical made its Broadway premiere on in 2013 at the Shubert Theatre and was an instant hit, achieving widespread critical acclaim and high box-office numbers. The musical then went on to win seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. At this time, this made it the most awards ever won by a single show.
The show then went on to win five Tony Awards in 3013, including the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for Dennis Kelly.
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical takes the beloved stage show to new heights.
In the film, Alisha Weir brings the magical Matilda Wormwood to life, as a young girl with kindness and creativity who unfortunately has grown up under the care of the worst parents in the world.
The Wormwoods (played by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough) make a living through gifting and dodgy money-making schemes while their one true love is watching endless of hours of trashy TV shows.
When Matilda is finally allowed to attend school, she dreams of a beautiful place filled with lessons, books, and friends, but the reality of Crunchem Hall is a very different concept.
Instead, she finds the school to be an ominous and oppressive place ruled over by the villainous Miss Trunchbull, played by Oscar-winner Emma Thompson.
Miss Trunchbull has always been a favoured villain on stage and screen and in this adaption Emma Thompson clearly relishes in bringing the evil teacher to life, and her performance is captivating (along with being just a little terrifying).
On meeting her inspirational teacher, Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), Matilda is encouraged and begins conjuring her own fantastical tales. Excited to attend, Matilda is surprised to find the school is an ominous and oppressive place led by the huge and villainous Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson).
Yet, thanks to the kindness of her teacher Miss Honey (played by Captain Marvel star Lashana Lynch) and a story-loving librarian named Mrs. Phelps (Sindhu Vee) Matilda finds the courage to stand up for her school and her new friends and teach Miss Trunchbull a lesson once and for all.
Directed by Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus with screenwriter Dennis Kelly adapting the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production for the big screen and original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is a perfectly crafted film that makes you feel as if you've been transported to a Broadway stage.
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical features a beautiful soundtrack and impressive dance numbers that are going viral.
Matilda's musical numbers are truly intoxicating, and after listening to hits such as Naughty, Revolting Children and When I Grow Up not only will you find yourself playing the soundtrack at home on repeat, but you might also tempted to dance in the cinema; such is the power of Tim Minchin's work.
At the same time, the movie's impressively choreographed dance sequences are already a hit with fans, with the moves going viral on TikTok following the release of the trailer.
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical brings the wonderful and warm nostalgia of the beloved book and movie together in a fresh and fun way, allowing the whole to fall in love with this magical story all over again.
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical will premiere in cinemas from 8 December.
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