'Matilda: The Musical' at Dubai Opera is a spectacle to watch

Matilda: The Musical, the multi-award-winning production from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has arrived in Dubai (first time in the GCC), all the way from West End, London.

Cast members shared their excitement and insights into the production. Gemma Scholes, who plays Miss Honey, expressed her thrill at performing in Dubai and the stunning Dubai Opera venue.

The cast explained that the Dubai version of Matilda has some script tweaks while remaining English-speaking. They also discussed their characters, with Mr. Wormwood (played by Matthew Rowland) being a crook, and Mrs. Wormwood (played by Emily Squibb) being a vain and not-so-nice mother to Matilda, the extraordinary little girl who is armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, prepared to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Three different Matildas rotate in the production, and this dynamic keeps the cast on their toes, offering a fresh and unique experience for each show.

James Wolstenholme, who plays Head Teacher Trunchbull, described his excitement about the Dubai Opera venue and how he's sometimes jealous of the character Bruce, who gets to eat an entire chocolate cake during a scene.

We caught up with the cast members who expressed their enthusiasm for performing in Dubai, their feelings, experiences, and what makes this production unique as well as a must-see show for all theatre enthusiasts. Excerpts from the interview:

James Wolstenholme:

How do you feel about Matilda coming to Dubai?

It’s very exciting. Dubai Opera is an amazing venue, and I’m thrilled to be here. The auditorium and stage are incredible.

In one particular scene, you have to make a child eat an entire chocolate cake. How is that experience?

It’s great fun. I’m a bit jealous, to be honest. The character Bruce gets to eat the chocolate cake and ends the scene covered in it. I always feel a little envious because I’d love to eat the cake too. The cake is made with Nutella, and it looks and smells delicious.

Gemma Scholes:

Welcome to Dubai! How do you feel about performing at Dubai Opera?

Very excited. Dubai is somewhere I’ve not been to before, so it’s a massive bucket list item for me. The theatre itself, Dubai Opera, is just so grand. When we first entered, it was a big “wow” moment. To be able to bring the show here is really exciting.

Matilda has various adaptations around the world. Could you tell us about the version you’ll be performing in Dubai?

Yes, the version we have now is a slightly updated one. There are some tweaks to the script compared to the London production. I started with the London production in 2018, so I had a few years there. It’s slightly different but all in English. We hope the show can resonate with the audience, even if English isn’t their first language.

Were you always interested in theatre? How did you land the role of Miss Honey in Matilda?

I graduated in 2016 after professional training and did a couple of shows. One finished in London in 2017, and I was lucky to transition straight into Matilda. The audition process was quite long, maybe about 12 auditions. I felt very fortunate to go from one show in London to another. I’ve been with Matilda since 2018. I love the show; otherwise, I wouldn’t still be doing it.

What’s your favourite part about playing Miss Honey?

My favourite part is when she shows her strength at the end of the show. Throughout the performance, you can feel that strength building up within her. As an actor, I enjoy that moment when she finally bursts out in the song My House to express pure emotion. It’s a powerful moment in the character’s journey.

You have a great voice. Did you receive any special training?

Thank you! I trained at Bird College in London, which provided comprehensive training in singing, dancing, and acting. Even after training, you continue to learn and grow professionally. I hope my voice continues to develop over time.

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