Sydney secures Australian premiere of Matilda The Musical

NSW has secured another musical and major events coup, with West End and Broadway favourite Matilda The Musical to make its Australian Premiere in Sydney in 2015.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) stage musical adaptation of the much-loved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl, Matilda, will play at the Lyric Theatre from August 2015.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said: “Matilda The Musical is one of the most highly acclaimed and sought after musicals currently in production.

“It has wowed audiences in New York and London and I am delighted we have been able to secure this award-winning production for Sydney.

“This will be a fantastic addition to the NSW Events Calendar and help generate tens of millions of dollars in economic activity by attracting interstate and international visitors to Sydney to see the show,” he said.

Featuring music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical from the UK’s RSC is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny.

NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, said Matilda The Musical will not only give audiences a fantastic experience, but is estimated to generate over $35 million in new money for NSW.

“More than 110,000 intrastate, interstate and international visitors expected to come to Sydney to see the production,” Mr Souris said.

“When it comes to securing and hosting major events in Australia, NSW is number one in Australia and our lead in securing major events – whether its sporting events, arts events or lifestyle events – is growing,” he said.

Matilda The Musical has received strong critical acclaim since originally premiering in the RSC’s theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010. In 2011 the production moved to the West End, and has been concurrently playing on Broadway since April 2013. Matilda The Musical won seven Olivier Awards in 2012, breaking all show records in the Olivier Awards’ 36 year history. The production has experienced similar popularity in the USA, winning four Tony Awards in 2013.

Matilda The Musical will be produced in Australia by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Michael Watt.