About Matilda Cast

Our Mission and Purpose

Matilda Cast serves as a dedicated resource for fans, theater enthusiasts, researchers, and families seeking detailed information about the performers who have brought Roald Dahl's beloved character to life across multiple mediums. Since the publication of Matilda in 1988, the story has been adapted into a successful 1996 film, an award-winning stage musical that premiered in 2010, and a 2022 Netflix musical film. Each adaptation has featured talented casts of actors, from young children taking on the challenging title role to established performers portraying the memorable supporting characters.

Our platform recognizes that finding comprehensive, accurate information about cast members across different productions can be challenging. Theater productions frequently rotate performers, especially in the title role, making it difficult for audiences to track who performed when and where. Film casts are better documented but lack the context of how stage interpretations differ from screen portrayals. We aim to bridge these information gaps by providing detailed cast histories, production timelines, and contextual information that helps visitors understand the full scope of Matilda's theatrical and cinematic legacy.

The site focuses on documenting major professional productions, including the original West End mounting at the Cambridge Theatre, the Broadway production at the Shubert Theatre, various touring companies, international stagings, and both film adaptations. We provide information about principal cast members, notable ensemble performers, and the creative teams that shaped each production. By offering this centralized resource, we support theater education, help families plan attendance at current productions, and preserve the history of one of the most successful theatrical adaptations of the 21st century.

The Scope of Matilda Productions

The reach of Matilda productions extends far beyond the original West End and Broadway mountings. Since 2010, the musical has been licensed for production in over 20 countries, with professional stagings in Australia, Canada, South Korea, the Philippines, South Africa, and throughout Europe. Each of these productions requires a full cast, meaning hundreds of performers have had the opportunity to interpret these characters professionally. Regional theaters and school programs have also embraced the material, with Music Theatre International licensing the show for community productions.

The casting requirements for Matilda are substantial and specific. Professional productions typically employ three to four young actresses to rotate in the title role, along with a large ensemble of child performers to portray Matilda's classmates. Adult roles include Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, Miss Honey, Miss Trunchbull, Mrs. Phelps the librarian, and various ensemble characters. The technical demands of the role—particularly the vocal requirements and physical choreography—mean that casting directors must find exceptionally talented young performers who can handle professional-level work while still attending school and maintaining normal childhood development.

According to data from theatrical licensing organizations and production companies, the musical has been performed more than 8,000 times across all professional productions worldwide between 2010 and 2024. The 1996 film, while having a single cast, has been viewed by an estimated 50 million people through theatrical release, home video, and television broadcasts. The 2022 Netflix film reached subscribers in 190 countries within its first month of release. This widespread exposure means that Matilda cast members, particularly those in prominent roles, have influenced how millions of people visualize and understand these characters.

The diversity of productions also reflects changing approaches to casting and representation in theater. While early productions largely featured white British casts reflecting the novel's setting, subsequent productions have embraced more diverse casting that maintains the story's core themes while allowing performers of various backgrounds to inhabit these roles. This evolution demonstrates how theatrical interpretation can honor source material while expanding access and representation in professional theater.

Resources and Information Standards

The information presented on Matilda Cast draws from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. We reference official production records from theater companies, published interviews with cast members and creative teams, theatrical databases like the Internet Broadway Database and Internet Movie Database, reviews from established theater critics, and official statements from rights holders including the Roald Dahl Story Company and Music Theatre International. By synthesizing information from these various sources, we provide visitors with reliable, well-contextualized details about cast members and productions.

Our coverage includes both historical documentation and current production information. For completed productions like the original Broadway run, we provide comprehensive cast lists and production histories. For ongoing productions and tours, we direct visitors to official sources where they can find up-to-date casting information and performance schedules. We recognize that cast information changes frequently in live theater, so we emphasize connecting users with authoritative, current sources rather than attempting to maintain real-time updates for every production worldwide.

Theater historians, students, journalists, and fans use our platform for research and reference. Parents planning to take children to see Matilda can learn about the production's history and what to expect from the performance. Young performers considering auditioning for productions can understand the requirements and see examples of actors who have successfully played these roles. Educators teaching about theatrical adaptation or Roald Dahl's work can access consolidated information about how the story has been interpreted across different mediums and time periods. By serving these diverse audiences, Matilda Cast contributes to broader appreciation and understanding of theatrical arts and literary adaptation.

We encourage visitors to explore our complete cast information on the main page and review our FAQ section for answers to specific questions about performers, auditions, and production details. As Matilda continues to be produced in theaters around the world and potentially adapted in new formats, we remain committed to documenting the talented individuals who bring this extraordinary story to life.