Matilda: Bertie Carvel to reprise Miss Trunchbull

West End star Bertie Carvel is to make his Broadway debut when he reprises the role of 'Miss Trunchbull' in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, opening at the Shubert Theatre on 11 Apr 2013, following previews from 4 Mar 2013.

Bertie Carvel won the 2012 Olivier-Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as intimidating headmistress 'Miss Trunchbull' who refuses to recognise school girl Matilda's exceptional gifts. His other London credits include 'Coram Boy,' 'Life of Galileo,' and 'Never So Good,' 'Parade,' 'The Pride' and 'Rope.' In 2013, Carvel will be seen playing opposite Anne Hathaway as 'Bamatabois' in Tom Hooper's feature film adaptation of "Les Misérables."

Further casting is still to be announced.

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.

Matilda the Musical features a book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by the Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, and direction by Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus with choreography by Peter Darling.

The show premiered at The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the RSC, playing to sold-out audiences for twelve weeks from Nov 2010 to Jan 2011. The production transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in London's West End on 25 Oct 2011, where it is still playing. The musical regularly plays to sold out performances making it one of the hottest tickets in London.

The musical opened on the West End to excellent notices: "Hugely enjoyable and cracking ... fun" (londontheatre.co.uk); "The best new British musical since Billy Elliot" (The Telegraph); "It's an evening of unadulterated bliss." (The Guardian).

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

The children's novel Matilda, published in 1998, was written by popular British children's author Ronald Dahl. The book was was adapted into a screenplay in 1996 by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord, directed by Danny DeVito.