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

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?

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical will air at 5.45pm on Boxing Day.

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 was also available to watch on Netflix. The film was added to the streaming platform on Sunday 25th June 2023, but it was removed 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:

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