Much-loved theatre show Matilda the Musical is making its return to Manchester this Spring, and is now in search of some troublesome kids to star on the stage.
Set to hit the stage in spring 2026, the hit musical based off the Roald Dahl novel of the same name has now announced open auditions for the roles of Matilda and her classmates.
This might just be the only classroom your kids will ever beg to go to…
Auditions will be held in Manchester in February and March this year, with budding young stars asked to perform a short poem, speech or monologue, to sing something, and will be taught a dance from the show.
Matilda the Musical focuses on the life of an independent young girl who uses her magical powers to fix or hinder situations where she’s misunderstood by adults, all with a lively soundtrack of hit songs written by Tim Minchin.
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As well as acting, dancing and singing abilities, age is a big factor too, and as much as I’d love to sit on stage eating a giant chocolate cake, unfortunately it’s not my time to shine.
Performers must be aged between nine and 13 on 1 July 2025 with height restrictions of 4’10” for boys and 4’6″ for girls. Those auditioning for the lead role of Matilda must be under 4’3″ and aged between nine and 12 on 1 July 2025.
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Stomping their way through education. Credit: Manuel Harlan
These little stars have a few more rules to follow before they get to be ‘a little bit naughty’ as another requirement for boys is their voices must be unbroken.
All children who are interested in being part of the show, whatever the role, need to make sure they’re available for the full rehearsal and performance period with anyone cast needing to live within an hour of Manchester city centre.
There are lots of factors to consider and for anyone who needs some reassurance or who may be applying to a live show for the first time, there’s a handy video on the audition link that will prepare candidates.
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Matilda the Musical rehearsals will take place from July to August this year ahead of its return to the Palace Theatre Manchester from 26 March to 25 April 2026.
The cast of Matilda soaring and singing. Credit: Manuel Harlan
Any children aged between 9 and 13 on 1 July 2025 can apply for the open auditions HERE.
‘Matilda The Musical’ is on its way to Manchester for 2026 and although not everyone is eligible to apply for the casting call, everyone can see the show with tickets already on sale HERE.
New stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House to arrive in Manchester this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
A brand-new stage adaptation of a bestselling horror novel and TV series is coming to Manchester this Halloween.
Following the critically acclaimed Netflix hit series that introduced a new generation to the eerie masterpiece, author Shirley Jackson’s famous The Haunting of Hill House is being turned into a brand-new stage adaptation later this year, and will be taking to one of Manchester’s most iconic stages at the spookiest season of all.
Written by Olivier and BAFTA award-winner Stef Smith, and directed by Martin Constantine, the new production is set to conjure the iconic supernatural thriller on stage.
It will be making its world premiere with a UK tour this autumn, stopping off in several major towns and cities along the way.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, The Haunting of Hill House follows a group of daring investigators who take on the mystery of Hill House, before their curiosity quickly descends into fear.
A new stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House is coming to Manchester this Halloween / Credit: Supplied
“The Haunting of Hill House is one of the greatest supernatural novels of the last hundred years and to have the chance to adapt it for the stage is a true privilege,” explained writer Stef Smith, as the UK tour was announced this week.
“I find Shirley Jackson’s world intoxicating, thrilling and gut-wrenching.
“I believe there is something so deeply theatrical at the heart of Hill House. From the spooky, to the surreal, through heartache and hope. I hope that our cast of characters will take the audience along for a ride quite unlike anything else. Above all we will examine that the biggest horrors are usually human.”
The brand-new stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House will arrive in Manchester and take to the stage at Manchester Palace Theatre from Tuesday 27 October right through to Halloween itself (Saturday 31 October 2026).
The full cast and creative team for the new production is set to be announced shortly, so keep your eyes peeled.
Tickets go on pre-sale tomorrow at 10am, before general sale begins on Friday (20 February), again at 10am, and you book your place here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Theatre
Multi award-winning musical Back to the Future returns to Manchester next summer
Emily Sergeant
Nearly six years after making its world premiere here in Manchester, Back to The Future The Musical is returning to our city next summer.
The multi award-winning musical – based off the beloved 1985 film of the same name – held its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House back 2020, but unfortunately, as you can probably guess, its run was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, flash forward to 2027, the production is returning to ‘settle some unfinished business’.
Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, have announced that the musical will return to Manchester as part of its first-ever UK tour.
Directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando, alongside a multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team, Back to the Future The Musical has a book by Bob Gale, and new music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.
Multi award-winning musical Back to the Future is returning to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Additional hit songs from the film, including ‘The Power of Love’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’, are also included in the production, making it a real trip down memory lane for fans.
The show will run at Manchester Opera House from 13 July through to 21 August 2027, following its run in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre, where it’s currently in its fifth year, having broken box office records and being seen by more than 2.3 million people.
“Speaking for the entire creative team, we are beyond thrilled to be returning to the Manchester Opera House, which we consider the birthplace of Back to the Future The Musical and one of the UK’s best venues,” commented co-creator Bob Gale.
“No city has ever given us a better reception and the incredible audience response we received in 2020 helped shape the show creatively in myriad ways.”
Back to the Future The Musical will take to the Manchester Opera House stage from 13 July – 21 August 2027, and tickets officially go on general sale tomorrow (18 February) at 10am.
Thomas Melia -
7th January 2025 
