When is Matilda the Musical coming to Netflix? How to watch it in 2023

Critics have given it 5 stars!

a still from Matilda the Musical showing Emma Thompson shouting at Alisha Weir in a school playground
(Image credit: Future/Netflix)

Many fans of Roald Dahl's classic tale want to know when Matilda the Musical is coming to Netflix and how they can watch it in 2023.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda is an inspirational tale of an extraordinary girl who discovers her superpower and summons the remarkable courage, against all odds, to help others change their stories, whilst also taking charge of her own destiny. Standing up for what’s right, she’s met with miraculous results. And who can forget the Matilda Chocolate cake scene with Bruce Bogtrotter?!

The new adaptation features an all-star cast (including 2023 BAFTA nominated actress Emma Thompson), plus stunning locations which has prompted curiousity as to where Matilda the Musical was filmed. Fans of the book and original movie, and indeed a new generation of kids are sure to be delighted by the musical edition. So if you haven't seen it yet we've shared when Matilda the Musical is coming to Netflix - and for those who can't possibly wait - how to watch the new Matilda in the UK in 2023.

When is Matilda the Musical coming to Netflix in the UK?

Viewers in the UK will have to wait until Summer 2023 when Matilda the Musical arrives on Netflix. The film was released on Netflix in other territories on 25 December 2022, but Brits have a longer wait due to it's UK cinema release.

Sony Pictures and Netflix teamed up for the all new musical adaptation, though the deal included an exclusive theatrical release for Sony in the UK, which has meant delays in Matilda the Musical arriving on British Netflix. Those that live in the US and other countries such as Spain, Argentina and France are all currently able to stream Matilda the Musical on their territory's Netflix.

How can I watch Matilda in 2023?

Matilda the Musical was released exclusively in cinemas in the UK on 25 November 2022. This means if you want to watch Matilda in 2022, you'll need to pop to your local cinema.

Popular chains such as Odeon, Cineworld, Vue, Showcase, Everyman and Picturehouse are all screening Matilda the Musical throughout January.  Just be sure to check out your local cinema's showtimes to find the screening that suits you.

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Whilst Matilda the Musical may not currently be on UK Netflix, there is a very pleasing alternative. The 1996 film version, starring Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson is available to stream on Netflix. It's definitely worth a viewing too, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it 91% on it's Tomatometer.

Matilda the Musical: Cast

  • Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull
  • Alisha Weir as Matilda
  • Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey
  • Stephen Graham as Mr. Wormwood
  • Andrea Riseborough as Mrs Wormwood
  • Sindhu Vee as Mrs. Phelps.
  • Charlie Hodson-Prior as Bruce Bogtrotter
  • Meesha Garbett as Hortensia
  • Rei Yamauchi Fulker as Lavender
  • Winter Jarrett Glasspool as Amanda Thripp
  • Andrei Shen as Eric
  • Ashton Robertson as Nigel.

Directed by Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus, Matilda the Musical is produced by Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan for Working Title, Jon Finn (Billy Elliot) and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company. Screenwriter Dennis Kelly adapts the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production for the big screen, with original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

Cast of Matilda the Musical kids dancing in school uniforms

(Image credit: Sony Pictures)

What is Matilda the Musical about? Plot details

For anyone who hasn't read the book or seen the 1996 movie, the new musical follows 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).

Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical movie

Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical movie.

(Image credit: Sony Pictures)

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. 

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Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)

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