Matilda welcomes new principals from 8 Sep 2015

The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical will welcome new principal adult cast members from 8 September 2015 at the Shubert Theatre.

Broadway alums Amy Spanger, Allison Case, Rick Holmes and Natalie Venetia Belcon will assume the roles of Mrs Wormwood, Miss Honey, Mr Wormwood and Mrs Phelps, respectively.

Lesli Margherita, Alison Luff, Matt Harrington and Karen Aldridge will play their final performances in those roles on 6 September 2015.

The current cast also includes two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber (Miss Trunchbull) and the role of Matilda is currently being shared by Mattea Conforti, Rileigh McDonald, Mimi Ryder and Alexandra Vlachos.

Matilda the Musical officially opened at the Shubert Theatre on 11 April 2013, following previews from 4 March 2013. It is currently booking through to 27 March 2016.

Matilda the Musical features a book by Dennis Kelly, and music & lyrics by Tim Minchin, and is directed by Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus, with choreography by Peter Darling.

Synopsis: "Matilda the Musical tells the story of a very bright and rebellious little girl, with special powers. Matilda's parents, Mr and Mrs Wormwood, have no time for her and treat her as a nuisance. She spends most of her time reading books from the library astonishingly quickly, whilst they watch the telly and Mr Wormwood sells dodgy used cars. At school things are no better as despite the care and support of her teacher, the lovely Miss Honey, Matilda has to contend with the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull who rules the school with cruelty and fear. Matilda fights against the injustices at home and at school. Eventually she decides the grown-ups should be taught a lesson and in the process discovers her supernatural powers."

The musical opened on Broadway to excellent reviews: Even more glorious than we were promised (NY Times); Glorious Matilda has it all (NYP); Another blockbuster (NY1); Dazzlingly inventive musical (Hollywood Reporter). It received four Tony Awards, and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for each of the four girls who originated the title role.

Matilda the Musical features scenic design by Rob Howell, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.

The show is being produced on Broadway by The Royal Shakespeare Company and New York's Dodger Properties.

Amy Spanger's Broadway credits include 'Elf,' 'Rock of Ages,' 'The Wedding Singer,' 'Urinetown,' 'Kiss Me Kate,' 'Chicago,' and 'Sunset Boulevard.'

Allison Case has appeared on Broadway in 'Mamma Mia!,' 'Hair,' and 'Hands on a Hardbody.'

Rick Holmes' Broadway credits include 'The Visit,' 'Peter and the Starcatcher,' 'The Pillowman,' 'Monty Python's Spamalot,' 'Major Barbara,' 'The Deep Blue Sea,' 'Cabaret,' 'The Government Inspector,' 'Timon of Athens,' and 'Saint Joan.'

Natalie Venetia Belcon has previously appeared on the Great White Way in 'Avenue Q' and 'Rent.'

- by Tom Millward