Photos: Tim Minchin Stops By MATILDA THE MUSICAL At Mayflower Theatre

Mayflower Theatre has shared photos of Tim Minchin making a surprise visit to Southampton for the press night of MATILDA THE MUSICAL on April 30, 2026. Cast and audience members were unaware that Minchin, who wrote the music and lyrics for the musical, would be in attendance.

The Royal Shakespeare Company production, based on the book by Roald Dahl, is currently playing at Mayflower Theatre as part of its UK and Ireland tour through May 17, 2026. The show has previously played an extended run in the West End at the Cambridge Theatre and has been seen by more than 12 million people across over 100 cities worldwide.

The musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Minchin, and is directed by Matthew Warchus. The production features design by Rob Howell, choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker, and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.

Minchin said, “It was a joy to see the brilliant cast and crew who are touring our production of Matilda the Musical last night in Southampton. I made a last-minute decision to head to Mayflower Theatre to catch up with everyone and was absolutely thrilled with the show. I’m so glad that audiences in Southampton get the chance to enjoy it in their own City.”

The cast includes Madison Davis, Mollie Hutton, Olivia Ironmonger, and Sanna Kurihara sharing the title role. Richard Hurst plays Miss Trunchbull, Tessa Kadler plays Miss Honey, Adam Stafford plays Mr. Wormwood, and Rebecca Thornhill plays Mrs. Wormwood.

They are joined by Scotty Armstrong, Sam Holden, Portia Jefferies, Caiomhe Judd, Brooke Kelly, Ryan Lay, Cassandra Lee, Samuel Leon, Jordan Maisuria-Wake, Nicole Manumbre, Lizzie Nance, Esther Niles, Jordan Ricketts, Josh Singleton, Bradley Trevethan, Ella Tweed, Ben Tyler, and Karen Walker.

The young performers include Rudy Bragg, Jacob Connor-Ashton, Charlie Cox, Sylvie Grace, Rose Jammeh, Dottie Jones, Takunda Khumalo, Sana Lennon, Oisin-Luca Pegg, Millie-May Mankowska, Tate Masuku, Leo Maurice, Carter-J Murphy, Jaxon James Nolan, Cole Nicholson, Pixie Pettigrew, Brodie Robson, Haiden Sihapanya, and Felix Schmitt.