Technical Issues Delay Start of Previews for RSC's Matilda the Musical

The first five previews have been cancelled for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s forthcoming production of Matilda the Musical due to technical issues surrounding the installation of the show at the Cambridge Theatre. Rather than the previously announced start date of October 18, the show will give its first performance on October 25 and open on November 24, directed by Matthew Warchus.

“The structural work and extensive installation required for the show has taken longer than planned,” the RSC said in a statement, “and it is with regret that the Company has had to take the decision to delay the cast’s move from the rehearsal rooms to the stage.” Executive Producer André Ptaszynski added that the show involves rotating teams of young actors who must juggle limited rehearsal time.

Adapted from the popular 1988 Roald Dahl children’s novel, Matilda stars Bertie Carvel as Miss Trunchbull, Paul Kaye as Mr. Wormwood, Josie Walker as Mrs. Wormwood and Lauren Ward as Miss Honey. The show features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly.

Matilda follows an intelligent young girl with extraordinary powers who rebels against her nasty parents and the child-hating headmistress of her boarding school. The production played at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010. The Stratford creative team, all of whom are returning for the London production, includes set design by Rob Howell, choreography by Peter Darling, musical supervision and orchestrations by Christopher Nightingale, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Simon Baker and special effects by Paul Kieve.