Pictures: Roald Dahl's Matilda turned into hit musical

Scene from Matilda where headteacher stands on desk with downcast pupils around her — Image caption,
A new musical based on the Roald Dahl story Matilda has impressed audiences in London's West End. It's gone down well with critics (the people whose job it is to review new shows and say if they think they're any good).

Two male actors performing a slapstick routine

It has already been named best musical at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. Reviewers described it as "a fabulous family fizzer" and "hilarious, moving and magical".

Ensemble of children hold up their hands at the end of a musical number

Another critic said: "It is the best new British musical since Billy Elliot." The songs in the show are written by an Australian comedian called Tim Minchin and the script is by a playwright called Dennis Kelly.

Male actor dressed as headteacher looks at nervous female actress playing schoolteacher.

Two of the characters in Matilda are Mrs Trunchball (left) and Miss Honey (right). But Mrs Trunchball is played by a man! Actor Bertie Carvel said it's "outrageous and brilliant" to play a part like that. "It's what I love about acting", he added.

Nervous schoolgirl performs a song with classmates looking on.

Roald Dahl's story is about Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinary child whose parents and cruel headmistress don't realise she has supernatural talents. A lot of the action is set in a school classroom.

Four children singing whilst on giant swings

The show has a large number of young performers. Because it's on in the West End of London nearly every night of the week, the role of Matilda is shared by four different actresses, who take turns for different performances.

Roald Dahl's story was made into a film in 1996, and another version was made for ��ý Radio 4. This new musical version was first a success in Stratford-upon-Avon. It's now transferred to the West End, one of the most famous places in the world for theatre shows.

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