Meet the Creator
Peterborough
Our Arrival & First Impressions
Our first impression of the Cambridge Theatre was how beautiful and welcoming it felt. Despite being right in the middle of busy London, it had a really special atmosphere as soon as we arrived. The theatre itself is full of character, and there was a real buzz of excitement from families and theatre lovers gathering before the show. The staff were friendly and helpful, and everything felt well organised. Seeing the iconic Matilda signage outside made the experience feel even more magical, especially as it was the moment my daughters realised what the surprise was!
Activities Breakdown
From the moment we arrived at the Cambridge Theatre, there was a real sense of excitement. The theatre itself is beautiful, and the iconic Matilda signage outside made for the perfect photo opportunity. Once inside, everything felt well organised, with friendly staff helping people find their seats.
The stage set was incredible and immediately caught our attention. Covered in books, letters and colourful details, it gave us plenty to look at before the performance even began. We also treated ourselves to Matilda-themed drinks, which the girls loved and made the experience feel even more special.
As for the show itself, it was fantastic. The cast were unbelievably talented, especially the children, and it was hard to believe just how much energy they brought to every scene. The songs were catchy, the choreography was impressive, and there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments mixed with more emotional scenes. Miss Trunchbull was every bit as terrifying and hilarious as we’d hoped, while Matilda completely stole the show.
If I had to find a negative, it would probably be the theatre prices for drinks and snacks, which were what you’d expect from a London theatre but still quite expensive. Some of the younger children in the audience around us also became a little restless during quieter moments, although this didn’t affect our enjoyment of the show.
Overall, we genuinely struggled to find faults. The performances, staging, music and atmosphere all came together to create a magical evening that exceeded our expectations.
- 1
The Surprise Reveal!
Without a doubt, the highlight of the entire trip was surprising the girls. Watching them realise where they were when we stopped beneath the Matilda sign was priceless. Their excitement and genuine shock made the spontaneous trip to London completely worth it. - 2
The Incredible Cast and Performances
The talent on stage was phenomenal. The young performers were especially impressive, bringing so much energy, confidence and emotion to every scene. Matilda and Miss Trunchbull were standout performances that had us completely captivated.
- 3
The Set Design and Theatre Atmosphere
The Set Design and Theatre Atmosphere
Food & Drink
The food and drink options were what you’d typically expect from a London theatre, with a selection of snacks, popcorn, sweets and themed drinks available to purchase. The girls loved the Matilda souvenir cups, which made a lovely keepsake from the evening and added to the excitement of the experience.
The biggest downside was definitely the price. The popcorn and souvenir drinks were quite expensive, and the cost soon adds up when you’re buying for a family. While we enjoyed the treats and the cups were a nice memento, it’s worth factoring refreshments into your budget if you’re planning a visit.
Money-Saving Tip
The Matilda cups were a lovely keepsake, but the drinks, popcorn and snacks soon added up. If you’re trying to keep costs down, I’d recommend eating beforehand and saving your pennies for a special treat rather than buying lots of refreshments at the theatre.
Pros & Cons Summary
What We Loved
Incredible performances from both the adult and child cast.- Catchy songs and impressive choreography.
- Stunning set design and theatre atmosphere.
- Friendly, helpful staff.
- A fantastic family experience that entertained both children and adults.
- Great location in the heart of London.
Could Be Better
Food, drinks and souvenirs were expensive.- Refreshment costs can quickly add up for families.
- Some younger audience members may struggle with the show's longer running time.
Overall Verdict & Ratings
We found the Cambridge Theatre to be clean, well maintained and easy to navigate. Public areas, seating and facilities were all kept to a high standard, and there was plenty of staff on hand if assistance was needed. We felt comfortable throughout our visit, with clear signage and a well-organised entry process helping everything run smoothly. As a family, we felt safe and welcomed from the moment we arrived until the end of the performance.
As this is a theatre production rather than a traditional attraction, there aren't any rides. The entertainment comes from the performance itself, and Matilda certainly didn't disappoint. The combination of live music, incredible singing, impressive choreography and plenty of humour kept us engaged from start to finish. The talented cast brought the story to life beautifully, creating a show that was entertaining for both children and adults. There was never a dull moment, and the audience was captivated throughout.
The theatre offered a good selection of drinks, snacks, sweets and popcorn, along with Matilda-themed souvenir cups that were a big hit with the girls. While the quality was good and everything was easy to purchase, the prices were definitely on the expensive side. As with most London theatres, refreshments can quickly add up, especially for families. The themed cups made a lovely keepsake from the evening, but I'd recommend factoring food and drink costs into your budget before visiting.
Despite visiting a busy London theatre, we were pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything ran. There was a buzz of excitement and plenty of people around, but queues moved quickly and staff were well organised. We didn't experience any significant waiting times when entering the theatre or finding our seats. During the interval, refreshment queues were understandably a little busier, but nothing that took away from our overall experience.
Matilda The Musical delivered plenty of fun and delight from start to finish. There were lots of laugh-out-loud moments, impressive musical numbers and plenty of surprises along the way. Watching my daughters' reactions throughout the performance was just as enjoyable as the show itself. The combination of humour, music, storytelling and incredible talent created a magical atmosphere that kept us entertained throughout and left us all smiling long after the final curtain call!
Matilda The Musical isn't the cheapest family day out, especially once travel, snacks and drinks are added into the mix. However, the quality of the production, the incredible talent on stage and the memories we made together meant we felt it was money well spent. The show exceeded our expectations and kept us entertained from beginning to end. While refreshments were expensive, the overall experience felt special enough to justify the cost, and it's something we'll remember for years to come.
The Final Verdict:
If you're looking for a family theatre experience that genuinely appeals to both children and adults, Matilda The Musical is hard to beat. From the incredible performances and unforgettable songs to the stunning set design and brilliant storytelling, we were captivated from start to finish. What made this visit even more special for us was the spontaneous nature of the trip. Booking tickets just a few hours before the show and surprising the girls with a whirlwind adventure to London turned a great theatre trip into a memory we'll treasure for years to come. Would I recommend it to friends and family? Absolutely. In fact, I already have! Would we visit again? Without hesitation. There are so many moments we'd love to experience all over again, and I have a feeling Matilda will remain a family favourite for a long time to come.
""Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty... and surprise your children with a last-minute trip to Matilda!""Stacie Dunn
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