Character Descriptions

The hero of the show. She’s brilliant, resilient, creative, and kind, despite growing up in difficult circumstances. Her parents treat her poorly, but Matilda escapes into a world of books, which puts her reading level far above the other children in her class, and she develops a bit of magical power in an effort to defeat Trunchbull. Performer must embody both Matilda’s cleverness and her kindness.

A student at school with Matilda. He has the very first solo line of the entire show. He also has some featured moments as one of Matilda’s schoolmates, so it’s helpful if Eric is also an expressive actor.

A student at school with Matilda. She has a few solos and lines, but her most featured moment is when Trunchbull throws her through the air using her pigtails.

One of Matilda’s schoolmates. He has the bad luck to get caught after eating Trunchbull’s cake. Bruce goes through quite a transformation throughout the show and has some important solos. Keep in mind that just because Bruce eats the cake, it doesn’t mean he has to be physically larger than the other children – Bruce just needs to be an actor who can portray Bruce’s journey throughout the show.

Alice, Hortensia, and Tommy are classmates of Matilda who each sing solos, and Hortensia has a few lines. These roles are great for good singers and movers who may be newer to the stage.

Alice, Hortensia, and Tommy are classmates of Matilda who each sing solos. These roles are great for good singers and movers who may be newer to the stage.

Alice, Hortensia, and Tommy are classmates of Matilda who each sing solos. These roles are great for good singers and movers who may be newer to the stage.

One of the kids at school with Matilda. She is kind and bright (though not as brilliant as Matilda) and quickly decides that Matilda is her best friend. Must be able to portray Lavender’s likability and friendliness.

One of the kids at school with Matilda. He is enthusiastic, sweet, and always in a bit of a panic. Nigel has a few solos and some great featured moments in the show.

Matilda’s father. He is egotistical, rude, and not very bright, not to mention a liar. Though Mr. Wormwood is not a good person and he is mean to Matilda, his harebrained schemes can be hilariously funny, so cast a fantastic character actor in this role who can really land the comedy and isn’t afraid to play an unlikeable character. 

Matilda’s mother. Like her husband, she dislikes Matilda and does not understand why her daughter loves to read. Mrs. Wormwood is selfish, obsessed with her own appearance, and believes everything she sees on TV. Her dancing lessons with Rudolpho are the most important part of her day. Cast a great actress who can portray Mrs. Wormwood’s nastiness but also play up her ridiculousness and lean into the comedy.

Matilda’s brother. He is not very bright, though he is the apple of his father’s eye. This is a hilarious supporting role for a younger actor with comedic timing, as Michael’s contributions to the scene usually function as deadpan one-liners.

The kindly librarian who loves hearing Matilda’s stories.  This is a great featured role for a stronger actress.

A character of Matilda’s creation. Everything this character does is grand and exaggerated – he’s performing for the cheap seats! Cast a solid actor and mover in this fun featured role.

A product of Matilda’s imagination. Cast an actor in this featured role that can give their all!

A teacher at Matilda’s school. She is kind, is generous, and really cares about the children despite her own desperate circumstances. Cast an excellent actress and singer who can portray Miss Honey’s sweetness and her strength.

The quintessential terrifying tyrant. As headmistress, she runs her school like a dictator, making up arbitrary rules to suit her every whim and dreaming up creative punishments. The Trunchbull can be played by a male or female (though the character is female). It’s helpful if Trunchbull is physically larger than the actors playing children. Cast a fantastic character actor and singer who can command the stage and embody Trunchbull’s larger-than-life villainy.

Mrs. Wormwood’s self-obsessed dance teacher. This is a hilarious featured role for a comedic performer who moves well.

A customer swindled by Mr. Wormwood. Though he shows up looking for payback, Matilda has had quite enough of revenge, and Sergei lets the Wormwoods escape. This is a great featured role for an actor who can embody Sergei’s intimidating presence.

Ensemble roles include Little Kids, Big Kids (including Big Kid 1, Big Kid 2, and Big Kid 3), Kids, Mums, Dads, the Cook, and the Mechanic.