Review: MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Invercargill Musical Theatre

A Musical Delight for the Whole Family

Matilda began as a beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, published in 1988, and was later adapted into a charming film in 1996—which I absolutely adored. More recently, it received a vibrant new life as a stage musical, debuting in 2010 with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly.

The story follows a brilliant young girl with a love for books and a gift for telekinesis. Despite being neglected by her family and sent to a school ruled by the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, Matilda finds strength in her imagination and the support of kind-hearted adults like Miss Honey and Mrs. Phelps, the town librarian.

This production hinges on the strength of its lead, and Rhiannon Hookey as Matilda delivered in spades. Performing in front of a large audience is no small feat—especially for a child—but she captivated the crowd from her very first entrance. Her performance, along with her fellow “worms and maggots,” was nothing short of delightful.

Travis Luke’s portrayal of Miss Trunchbull was a standout. Towering and theatrical, he balanced menace with humor, delivering biting one-liners with flair. While some of the character’s cruelty may feel jarring by today’s standards, the show handles it with a wink—especially with the cheeky reminder at the start of Act Two: “Don’t try this at home.”

Technically, the show was solid. The sound at the Civic was crisp and clear, and while there were a few slightly delayed lighting cues, they didn’t detract from the overall experience.

Visually, the production was a treat. The set was colorful, imaginative, and functional, with smooth scene transitions. Costumes were thoughtfully designed and added to the show’s charm.

Graham Pirie brought great comic timing to the role of Mr. Wormwood, Matilda’s scheming father, making him a loveable rogue. Ruth McSoriley also shone as Mrs. Phelps, delighting in Matilda’s storytelling with warmth and wonder.

Several scenes stood out as particularly memorable—the first day of school, the infamous pigtail toss, and the gymnasium sequence, which nearly brought the house down.