Newcastle is set for a burst of musical theatre brilliance as Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. arrives at Hunter Theatre for a strictly limited school holiday season this July.
The production brings one of the world’s most beloved family musicals to the city, promising a lively mix of humour, heart and high-energy performance.
Featuring Tim Minchin’s iconic score, dynamic choreography and unforgettable characters, the show follows the story of a young girl whose courage and imagination change her world.
Since its premiere with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Matilda The Musical has become a global phenomenon, earning more than 100 international awards and captivating audiences across London’s West End, Broadway and stages around the world.
The JR. adaptation retains all the spirit of the original, delivering a family-friendly version designed to inspire younger audiences while entertaining theatre lovers of all ages.
A standout feature of the Newcastle season is its cast of 106 local young performers, bringing together some of the region’s most talented emerging artists.
The large-scale community production is expected to be one of the biggest family theatre events in the city during the July school holidays.
The story’s enduring popularity lies in its universal themes of resilience, courage and the belief that even the smallest voice can make a difference.
With beloved numbers including Naughty, When I Grow Up and Revolting Children, the production blends spectacle and storytelling in a way that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Whether experiencing the story for the first time or revisiting a modern classic, the Newcastle season offers families a rare chance to see a globally celebrated musical brought to life locally on stage.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. will be performed at Hunter Theatre, Newcastle, from 10–18 July 2026, with shows at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are on sale now via trybooking.com.
