The Palace is playing host to the Roald Dahl classic Matilda: The Musical, and what a joy it is to see such a beloved story brought to life with such energy, heart, and sheer talent.
I’ve always been a massive fan of musicals that shine a spotlight on the next generation of performers, and this production delivered that in abundance. From start to finish, it was nothing short of exceptional in that department.
Every single child on that stage looked destined for the West End, and rightly so. It’s rare to see such a young cast perform with this level of confidence, polish, and consistency. The energy they brought was relentless, yet never chaotic—every movement felt intentional, every line delivered with clarity and purpose. I have genuinely never seen a group of children so young put on such a high-energy and accomplished performance. Their enthusiasm was infectious, lifting the entire production and keeping the audience completely engaged throughout.
What made the show even more special was how seamlessly this young cast blended with the experienced adult performers. The older cast brought a level of professionalism and stage presence that perfectly complemented the youthful exuberance of the children. Together, they created a balanced and dynamic ensemble that made for a truly magical evening. It never felt like one group overshadowed the other—instead, it was a perfect mix of talent working in harmony.
At the heart of it all was Mollie Hutton in the title role, and her performance was nothing short of extraordinary. I can honestly say I have never seen someone so young command a stage in the way she did. From the moment she appeared, she held the audience in the palm of her hand. There was a point during the performance where I found myself glancing around the theatre, almost in disbelief, thinking, “This girl is so young, and yet she has the entire Palace Theatre on strings.” Her acting was nuanced, her singing powerful and controlled, and her stage presence far beyond her years. The ovation she received at the end was richly deserved, though it still somehow felt like it didn’t fully capture just how remarkable her performance truly was.
She was supported by an equally impressive group of young performers, each bringing their own charm and personality to the stage. A particularly standout performance came from Carter-J Murphy as Bruce Bogtrotter. Taking on such an iconic role is no small task, but he did it with confidence, delivering a performance that was both entertaining and memorable. His cake scene was one of the evenings highlights.
The children’s sense of wonder and playfulness was brilliantly contrasted by the darker, more imposing presence of Miss Trunchbull, played by Richard Hurst. Hurst was perfectly cast in the role, bringing a commanding and intimidating energy that made the character both fearsome and oddly captivating. His performance struck just the right balance between menace and theatricality, making him a formidable counterpart to the children’s spirited performances. The interplay between the young cast and Hurst’s Trunchbull was one of the production’s strongest elements, helping to bring the story vividly to life.
What truly stood out about this production was its consistency. There wasn’t an ounce of the show that missed the mark. From the choreography to the staging, from the lighting to the musical direction, every element worked together seamlessly to create a polished and engaging performance. The pacing was spot-on, and the show never seemed to slow down.
Ultimately, this production of Matilda: The Musical was a celebration of talent, hard work, and the magic of live theatre. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a cast, no matter how young, is given the opportunity to shine and supported by a strong creative team. If these children don’t make it big in this industry, I will be whole out of ideas on what you need to make it because they truly are stars in the making.
Matilda is here for only a limited time so make sure to grab your tickets at:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/matilda-the-musical/palace-theatre-manchester/
