Matilda the Musical’s Dennis Kelly: ‘The most important thing is that our child actors have a great time’

Dennis Kelly, co-creator of Matilda the Musical, has offered a reflective perspective on the enduring success of the show and the importance of nurturing the young performers central to its productions. The musical, commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and first staged in 2010, has become a landmark of 21st-century theatre, with a continuous West End presence and extensive international tours.

Kelly, who had no childhood attachment to Roald Dahl’s novel but approached the adaptation as a seasoned playwright, found the project was shaped by more personal undercurrents than he initially recognized. Now a father, he revisited the musical through the eyes of his daughter, which brought fresh insights into the narrative layers and emotional truth embedded within the work.

Originally known for his adult-focused writing, including the BBC series Pulling, Kelly’s venture into children’s theatre was underpinned by his earlier experience with youth theatre and plays addressing bullying in schools. This background informed his collaboration with director Matthew Warchus and composer Tim Minchin in crafting a show that balances humor and social commentary while remaining accessible to younger audiences.

The story of Matilda, a brilliant and resilient child overcoming oppressive adults, resonates with universal themes of empowerment and justice. Yet Kelly notes that the subplot involving a couple longing for a child, which he contributed, reveals a more autobiographical element reflecting his own desires and experiences at the time of writing.

Since its premiere in Stratford-upon-Avon and subsequent transfer to London’s Cambridge Theatre, Matilda the Musical has maintained popularity across multiple continents. The Irish tour, scheduled for September through October at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, continues this legacy, bringing the vibrant production to new audiences.

A key aspect of the show’s ongoing operation is its commitment to the welfare of child actors, who comprise half the cast and perform demanding roles that require careful management. The production employs multiple children to alternate in lead roles, a practice that has occasionally clashed with traditional theatrical norms, particularly on Broadway, where star culture is prominent.

Kelly emphasizes that safeguarding young performers is paramount, with protocols in place to protect their wellbeing and ensure they enjoy their time on stage. This approach involves educating adult cast members to prioritize the children’s experience and foster a joyful environment, which is believed to enhance the authenticity and energy of the performance.

The decision to feature multiple actors in principal child roles also serves to diffuse the spotlight, allowing each young performer to share the responsibilities and pressures of leading parts. This model challenges conventional theatrical celebrity but aligns with the show’s ethos of support and inclusivity.

Kelly’s recent experience watching the show with his daughter highlighted the emotional layers in the production and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Dahl’s story. The musical continues to captivate audiences with its blend of exuberance, wit, and heartfelt storytelling, qualities sustained by a dedicated creative team mindful of both artistic excellence and ethical production values.

As Matilda the Musical embarks on its forthcoming Irish run, Kelly’s reflections underscore the importance of balancing commercial success with a compassionate approach to the young talent essential to the show’s spirit. This philosophy has helped ensure that Matilda remains not only a theatrical phenomenon but also a nurturing space for child actors to thrive.