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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Iconic musical Annie is returning to the stage in Manchester next summer
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic musical productions of the 21st century will be heading out on a tour of the UK and Ireland next year.
And of course, an iconic musical will be taking to an iconic Manchester stage.
Renowned theatre producers Michael Harrison and David Ian are ‘delighted’ to announce that their smash-hit production of the musical Annie is being revived for 2026 and 2027, and will be embarking on a huge UK-wide tour, stopping off at some major cities in the process.
Unfamiliar with the musical Annie? Yet to see it on stage? Or haven’t been able to watch the beloved 1982 film of the same name? Let us fill you in.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage – but her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.
Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family.
➕ ATG+ PRESALE ➕
The smash hit West End production of ANNIE, the world’s favourite family musical, returns to Manchester for 2 weeks only.
Groups presale 👉 Today 12pm General sale 👉 Friday 12 Sep 10am
Based on the 1924 comic strip, Little Orphan Annie by Harold Grey – which, in turn, was inspired from the poem, Little Orphant Annie by James Whitcomb Riley – Annie the musical originally debuted on Broadway in 1977 where it ran for nearly six years, before eventually spawning numerous productions in countless other countries, as well as national tours.
Over the last four decades, Annie the musical has won seven Tony Awards, including for Best Musical, and a wide variety of other accolades.
The songs ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’ are among its most popular and well-known musical numbers.
Annie the musical will be taking to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage from Tuesday 9 – Saturday 20 June 2026, with the tour continuing right through to mid-March 2027, and even more locations yet to be announced.
Tickets for the show are officially now on sale, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Matt Crockett (Supplied)
Theatre
‘Pioneering’ immersive theatre productions to take place inside shipping containers across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A pioneering production company is bringing immersive theatre inside shipping containers to Greater Manchester.
DARKFIELD has announced their first shows in Greater Manchester for seven years, and will present their three most critically-acclaimed experiences at iconic venues across the region as part of an ‘exciting’ collaboration.
Keen audiences will be able to head to The Lowry, Aviva Studios, and HOME this month to see theatre like they’ve never seen it before.
Renowned for their trademark shipping containers popping up across the UK and internationally, bringing mysterious and exciting experiences across the country, DARKFIELD will present SÉANCE, FLIGHT and ARCADE so crowds can find themselves immersed in the supernatural, boarding a new airline, or navigating a war torn world.
Fresh from sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, BFI London Film Festival, and an extended residency at Shoreditch Town Hall, ARCADE will arrive at The Lowry – which is the company’s newest production.
‘Pioneering’ immersive theatre productions inside shipping containers will be happening across Greater Manchester / Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic | Fiona Rita Blyth
Aviva Studios will welcome one of DARKFIELD’s most popular and critically-acclaimed experiences, FLIGHT.
Over 30 minutes in total darkness, FLIGHT explores the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics, taking audience members through two worlds, two realities, and two possible outcomes to their journey.
And then over at HOME, the company’s first shipping container experience, SÉANCE, will be on show.
The interior of a 24ft container will be transformed into a Victorian séance room, and asks audiences to believe not only what is happening inside the container, but also in what might be conjured up into the room with them.
“We are delighted to be returning to Greater Manchester to present our shows in collaboration with three incredible venues,” commented DARKFIELD, ahead of their arrival in our region.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences across the region to experience the strange worlds we’ve created.”
Thomas Melia -
7th January 2025 
