Top 5 Matilda the Musical moments
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| By
Kevin Thomas
(Updated on Aug 27, 2025)
Matilda’s parents are glued to the television day in and day out, blissfully unaware of their daughter's extraordinary talents. Eventually, they enrol her in school and place her straight into the clutches of the infamous Trunchull, who believes that children are truly revolting and that Matilda is a ‘nasty little troublemaking goblin’. Little does she know that Matilda only makes trouble for those who deserve it, and the so-called ‘revolting’ children are about to start a revolution!
Matilda the Musical has been inspiring audiences for over a decade, and has since been adapted into a smash-hit film and is filled to the brim with timeless Tim Minchin classics. Bursting with energy, humour, and unforgettable songs, it’s a must-see for theatre lovers of all ages. Read on for 5 Matilda the Musical moments from the beloved adaptation of Roald Dahl’s timeless story!
Top 5 Matilda the Musical moments
1. When the children overthrow Miss Trunchbull
There’s nothing more satisfying than scaring a tyrannical monster into fleeing! Matilda leads the children to victory by using her special powers during ‘Chalk Writing’. By telepathically writing warning messages on the blackboard, she leads Miss Trunchbull to believe that she is being haunted by the ghost of Miss Honey’s father. Miss Trunchbull runs away, and the children openly revolt.
It is an epic underdog victory. Throughout her life, mean adults have told Matilda that she’s too big, too small, too this and too that! But, she’s able to prove them all wrong with a flick of the eyes (and some seriously smart thinking).
2. When Bruce eats the cake
Who could forget when the legendary Bruce Bogtrotter bravely devours an entire chocolate cake in one sitting during ‘Bruce’? A punishment imposed by Miss Trunchbull. At first, he seems happy to dig in, but then things take a nasty turn. It appears that Trunchbull has won this round, but the students cheer Bruce on, and he is able to eat every last crumb (followed by a gigantic burp).
This glorious moment of student rebellion against Trunchbull's viscous reign is one of the most heartwarming moments in Matilda. Bruce's resilience and iconic act represent all that the story is about.
3. When Miss Trunchbull showcases her Olympian strength
Miss Trunchbull's passion for hammer-throwing is well-known, and her Olympic past is evident in every intimidating step she takes and every song she sings.
Trunchbull sets her sights on poor Amanda Thripp and her pigtails. After calling Amanda’s mother a twit, she grabs Amanda by the pigtails and swings her multiple times, sending her flying through the sky. This moment perfectly captures Trunchbull's peculiar form of discipline. It is absurd, hilariously outrageous, and utterly unforgettable.
4. When Matilda superglues her dads’ hat
For Matilda, size is no barrier to making a big impact, especially when you have a brain like hers. Throughout the story, Matilda is treated with contempt by her parents. One day, she decides to bite back by putting superglue on the rim of her father's hat, leading to chaos.
This moment represents a pivotal point for Matilda. Despite her young age, glueing her father's hat shows that she's resourceful and has the ability to think outside the box.
5. When Matilda finally gets to live with Miss Honey
It's a happy ending for everyone involved (except for the Wormwoods and Miss Trunchbull). Matilda successfully overthrows Miss Trunchbull and finally finds herself on her way to the loving home she deserves.
Miss Honey becomes the new headmistress and inherits her father's house and wealth. This turn of events ensures that she will have security and stability. As for Matilda, her dreams of a happy ending are finally coming true.
Matilda the Musical tickets are available now and playing at the Cambridge Theatre.
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