To celebrate the eagerly-anticipated release of Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical, we had the pleasure of chatting to some of the film’s stars and filmmakers to find out more about this magical new film.
Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a little girl with big curiosity, a sharp mind and a vivid imagination — and the worst parents in the world. While her parents (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough) content themselves with trashy TV and dodgy money-making schemes, she loves to lose herself in the pages of her beloved books. Where they are loud, selfish and unkind she is a quiet observer, thinking up small and cheeky acts of rebellion and revenge.
On meeting her inspirational teacher, Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), Matilda is encouraged and begins conjuring her own fantastical tales. Excited to attend Crunchem Hall, Matilda is surprised to find the school is an ominous and oppressive place led by the towering and villainous Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson).
RELATED: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Red Carpet Interviews
First, we chat to newcomer Alisha Weir and Andrea Riseborough about the film, why it feels different to the previous adaptation and why the time feels right to release it into the world; the magic of Dahl’s book and why it still feels so prevalent; Emma Thompson as the evil Miss. Trunchbull while still being the nicest person on set and their thoughts on a possible Matilda future.
Next, we speak to director Matthew Warchus and screenwriter Dennis Kelly about adapting the film from its theatre roots (both were part of the long run), expanding the world and expanding the characters, why the timing feels right for its cinema release and how the casting helped to redefine the script and film.
You can watch the full interviews below:
Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical opens in UK cinemas on November 25th.
