Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical will air on BBC this Christmas

The perfect festive viewing!

Author: Alex RossPublished 8 hours ago

With Christmas fast approaching, festive TV schedules are being finalised, with shows such as Call The Midwife, Outnumbered and Gavin and Stacey all getting hugely-antipcated Christmas specials this year.

In the run-up to Christmas, BBC bosses have now announced their exciting festive line-up, which includes the first showing of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical.

When is it on?

BBC bosses haven't yet announced a date or time for Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, but they have said it will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas.

Official TV Christmas listings are due out in the coming weeks.

What is it about?

The official synopsis is: '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 huge and villainous Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson).

'As well as kind Miss Honey, the bright lights among the meanness are story-loving librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Sindhu Vee), and Matilda’s newfound school friends. Filled with an overwhelming sense of justice, Matilda dares to take a stand for what is right and teach Trunchbull a lesson she won’t forget'.

Watch the trailer for Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical below:

When did it first come out?

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical arrived in UK cinemas on 25th November 2022.

Who is in the cast?

The film has a great cast, starring Emma Thompson as the iconic villain Miss Trunchbull along with Alisha Weir as Matilda, Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as Mr and Mrs Wormwood and Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey.

Where else can I watch it?

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is also available to watch on Netflix. The film was added to the streaming platform on Sunday 25th June 2023.

The film is set to leave Netflix on 24th December 2024.

Who wrote Matilda?

The original story is of course by children's author Roald Dahl who is known for many of his beloved children's books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and The BFG.

The screenplay of the 2022 film is by Dennis Kelly who wrote the musical's book. Another adaptation by Dennis was the National Theatre's 2017 adaptation of Pinocchio.

Who wrote the music in Matilda the Musical?

The music was written by Tim Minchin. Before he wrote the hit musical, Tim was known as a comedian and often did his stand up shows incorporating a piano. Since Matilda, Tim went on to write the music and lyrics for the musical adaptation of Groundhog Day.

Check out where to watch all of your festive favourites below:

Christmas movies to watch on Netflix...


The Christmas Chronicles


The Christmas Chronicles 2


Jingle Jangle


Klaus


This Time Next Year


Our Little Secret


Meet Me Next Christmas


Hot Frosty


The Merry Gentlemen


Falling for Christmas


Single All The Way


A Knight Before Christmas


Love Hard


The Princess Switch 1, 2 and 3


Christmas movies to watch on Disney+


A Christmas Carol


Frozen 1 and 2


Home Alone


Home Alone 2: Lost in New York


Home Alone 3


Home Alone 4


Home Sweet Home Alone


LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special


Mickey's Christmas Carol


Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas


Mickey’s Twice Upon A Christmas


The Nightmare Before Christmas


All of the Die Hard movies


Noelle


Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994)


The Santa Clause


The Santa Clause 2


The Santa Clause 3


Jingle All The Way


The Muppets Christmas Carol


Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas


Amazon Prime Video


The Holiday


Santa Clause: The Movie


Four Christmases

Available to rent or buy.

Scrooged


New Year's Eve

Available to rent or buy.

The Night Before

Available to rent or buy.

Christmas With The Coopers

Available to rent or buy.

Deck The Halls


Jack Frost

Available to rent or buy.

Dr Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas


It’s a Wonderful Life


Nativity 2, 3 and Nativity Rocks

Available to rent or buy.

NOW TV


Elf


The Polar Express


Love Actually


Christmas With The Kranks


Bad Santa 2


The Holiday


Office Christmas Party


Arthur Christmas


National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation


Now read:

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl will air on Christmas Day

Your ultimate guide of TV to binge this festive season

Here's which Christmas film you should watch based on your star sign

Want more entertainment news?

Read more of the latest entertainment news here.