Matilda, the Musical – Character Breakdown
Miss Trunchbull– (Male/Female age range 30s-70s), Headmistress of Crunchem Hall, the tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school who despises children. Can be portrayed by a Male in female clothing/makeup/hair. Trunchbull is a cruel and sadistic person, but not a brute or brash – rather, sly and conniving, cunning and slinky. Above all, must be a strong actor with a good sense of physicality and characterization. Once a famous athlete, now described as a “gigantic Holy terror”.
Miss Honey– (Female age range 20s-40s), adored by every child in her care. Matilda’s kindhearted teacher. Sweet, honest, caring, and intelligent, Miss Honey is timid but willing to become brave and stand up to bullies in order to protect her students.
Mr. Wormwood– (Male age range 20s-60s), dealer in second hand cars, a crook. Wormwood is Matilda’s uncaring father and doting father of Michael. He is best described as – A slimy, greedy used-car salesman, unintentionally hilarious.
Mrs. Wormwood– (Female age range 20s-60s), mother of Michael and Matilda, self-absorbed and negligent, who is obsessed with amateur ballroom dancing.
Mrs. Phelps– (Female age range 20s-70s), encouraging local librarian who is Matilda’s confidant. No solos or Dance features.
Rudolpho– (Male age range 20s-60s), Mrs. Wormwood’s dance partner.
Michael Wormwood– (Male teens-20s), Matilda’s older brother. He is a deadpan comedic character, with various lines and “bits” throughout the show.
Doctor– (Male/Female age range 20s-60s), doctor at the hospital when Matilda is born.
Escapologist– (Male age range 20s-60s), Male figure in Matilda’s stories.
Acrobat– (Female age range 20s-60s) Female figure in Matilda’s stories.
Matilda Wormwood – (Female ages 8-pre-teen) Character is enigmatic, serious, intense. An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years. She has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched. Likable and charismatic, not annoying or pretentious. Honest and unassuming, but with a prankster streak and a strong sense of justice. Must be a very strong singer and actress, equally. Strong dancing skills preferred but not required.
Bruce– (age 8- early teens) Comic acting ability. Matilda’s classmate. He is subject to punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Bruce is a genuine, kind boy with a fondness for sweets.
Amanda(age 8- early teens) – Kind classmate of Matilda’s. Fond of pigtails of which Trunchbull is not a fan.
Lavender(age 8- early teens)– loud and kooky, likes to have fun.
Alice(age 8- early teens)– strong and bold actress, strong dance and vocal ability.
Hortensia–(age pre-teen – teens) One of the big kids at the school. Feisty actress, strong dance and vocal ability.
Eric(age 8- early teens)– Cute. Classmate of Matilda
Nigel(age 8- early teens)– Comedic relief, classmate of Matilda
Tommy(age 8- early teens)– Classmate of Matilda.
Ensemble Roles: Some roles will be cast after rehearsals begin. There are various roles available in various scenes:
Cook
Children’s Entertainer
Sergei
Parents
Doctors & Nurses
Henchmen
Big Kids