The Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) stage musical adaptation of the much-loved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl, Matilda, will play at the Lyric Theatre from August 2015.
“Matilda The Musical is one of the most highly acclaimed and sought after musicals currently in production,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“It has wowed audiences in New York and London and I am delighted we have been able to secure this award-winning production for Sydney.
“This will be a fantastic addition to the NSW Events Calendar and help generate tens of millions of dollars in economic activity by attracting interstate and international visitors to Sydney to see the show.”
As one of the world’s most acclaimed shows, Matilda The Musical was a production that both Sydney and Melbourne were keen to have staged in their respective cities.
Featuring music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical from the UK’s RSC is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny.
NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, said Matilda The Musical will not only give audiences a fantastic experience, but is estimated to generate over $35 million in new money for NSW.
“More than 110,000 intrastate, interstate and international visitors expected to come to Sydney to see the production,” Mr Souris said.
“As the home of first run musicals, major events, and as the live performance capital of Australia, Matilda The Musical will certainly feel at home in Sydney for its Australian premiere.
“The NSW Government, through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW secured this Australian premiere for Sydney and is a major coup for our State.
“Great musicals have a clear appeal to visitors from intrastate, interstate and overseas. Securing the Australian premiere for Sydney will provide visitors another great reason to experience and enjoy this great city.
“When it comes to securing and hosting major events in Australia, NSW is number one in Australia and our lead in securing major events – whether its sporting events, arts events or lifestyle events – is growing,” Mr Souris said.
Matilda The Musical has received strong critical acclaim since originally premiering in the RSC’s theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010. In 2011 the production moved to the West End, and has been concurrently playing on Broadway since April 2013. Matilda The Musical won seven Olivier Awards in 2012, breaking all show records in the Olivier Awards’ 36 year history. The production has experienced similar popularity in the USA, winning four Tony Awards in 2013.
The score for Matilda The Musical was written by Australian Tim Minchin who was nominated for a Tony Award for his work in 2013, the first Australian ever to be nominated for the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) .
“In recognition of Tim’s writing achievement, a plaque will be added to Sydney's Circular Quay Writers' Walk of Fame. It follows the tradition of adding Pamela Travers' plaque during the Sydney season of ‘Mary Poppins’,” Mr Souris said.
Matilda The Musical joins a number of other blockbuster live performance events on the Sydney and NSW Events Calendar, including The Lion King, playing now at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre; the exclusive Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s Madama Butterfly, which opens at The Royal Botanic Gardens on 21 March 2014; and the World Premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical, which opens at the Sydney Lyric in April 2014 for its worldwide premiere.
Matilda The Musical will be produced in Australia by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Michael Watt.
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