RSC favourite brings month-long run to city centre stage
Norwich audiences will see a fresh cohort of young talent take centre stage when the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical opens at Norwich Theatre Royal on 6 August. The tour’s latest casting confirms that Felicity Brown, Petra Hutchings and Caroline Ravansari will join current company members Mollie Hutton and Sanna Kurihara in sharing the title role during the production’s month-long Norwich stint, which runs through to 6 September.
The multi award-winning adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story — now marking its 15th anniversary — continues to play in London at the Cambridge Theatre while touring the UK and Ireland. With a tally of more than 100 awards, the show remains one of the most decorated British musicals of recent years.
Who’s taking the lead — young and adult casts
Beyond the five actors sharing Matilda, the touring company is also welcoming new young performers including Sophia Aina, Dalia Al Nagar, Jett Austin-Richards and Rio Chigwedere, among others. Ahead of the Norwich dates, members of the young cast made a public appearance at Touchwood Mall in Solihull with a giant version of Miss Trunchbull’s chair.
The adult principals remain in place for the Norwich run, with Richard Hurst as Miss Trunchbull, Tessa Kadler as Miss Honey, Adam Stafford as Mr Wormwood and Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood.
- Title role shared by: Felicity Brown, Petra Hutchings, Caroline Ravansari, Mollie Hutton, Sanna Kurihara
- Adult principals: Richard Hurst (Miss Trunchbull), Tessa Kadler (Miss Honey), Adam Stafford (Mr Wormwood), Rebecca Thornhill (Mrs Wormwood)
- Creative team: book by Dennis Kelly; music and lyrics by Tim Minchin; design by Rob Howell; direction by Matthew Warchus
When and where
| Venue | Dates |
|---|---|
| Norwich Theatre Royal | 6 August – 6 September |
The Norwich dates form part of the show’s UK and Ireland tour schedule, giving local theatregoers a rare chance to see the large-scale production on their doorstep without travelling to London.
Why it matters for Norwich
Staging a high-profile musical of this scale for an extended period is a significant moment for the city’s performing arts calendar. Norwich Theatre Royal has a track record of hosting major touring productions; a month-long engagement such as this can draw visitors into the city centre over the summer holiday period and broaden access for families who prefer daytime or midweek performances. While detailed performance times and availability are managed by the theatre, the lengthy run increases opportunities for schools, youth groups and first-time attendees to experience live musical theatre in a familiar local venue.
As the production celebrates a milestone year, its creative pedigree remains intact. The show is written by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, features design by Rob Howell and is directed by Matthew Warchus. These elements — combined with the infusion of new young performers alongside seasoned adult leads — suggest Norwich audiences can expect the blend of inventiveness, humour and heart that has sustained the musical’s acclaim.
For residents planning summer cultural outings in the city, the arrival of Matilda The Musical provides a high-profile option across August and into early September, bringing celebrated West End standards to a local stage for an extended stay.
