Spotlight on 'Matilda The Musical' with star Neil McDermott

As part of a series celebrating some of the West End's longest-running shows, we speak to Neil McDermott who plays Mr Wormwood in Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin's Matilda The Musical.

For 14 years, the children (and adults) of Matilda The Musical have been delighting audiences with their story of an extremely special young girl who uses her intelligence, imagination, and bravery to stand up for what she believes in.

Based on Roald Dahl's children's story, Matilda The Musical has music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, a book by Dennis Kelly, and direction by Matthew Warchus.

Neil McDermott, who has a number of stage credits to his name including Pretty Woman, The Sound of Music, and Shrek The Musical, currently play's the musical's Mr Wormwood, Matilda's selfish and greedy father. He tells LondonTheatre.co.uk why this musical continues to delight audiences young and old, year after year.

Book Matilda The Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Why do you think Matilda The Musical has lasted for so long in the West End?

Well the short answer is because it’s such a good show. But what’s so good about it? Tim Minchin's work on the music is original, witty, clever, emotional and very catchy. The stage design is fantastic and the set-piece magic moments in the show are still surprising and spectacular. Roald Dahl's original story has wonderful, vivid characters that have been transformed to the stage brilliantly by the original team and all the teams that have followed.

What is the best audience reaction you have seen to the show?

I like when a single child giggles past the normal length of an audience laugh — which then reignites the whole audience. That always makes me smile.

What is your favourite moment in Matilda The Musical?

It's hard to pick one but "When I Grow Up" is rather special. In the song, the children are in a playground singing about what their lives might look like when they grow up. It is a dream for them. We have the kids [sitting on swings that fly out] into the audience. It is a very emotional moment, as the adults all remember being kids or watching our own kids sitting on swings in the park, and this song vocalises what might be going through their heads. Dreaming of growing up and being really happy. The song ends with Miss Honey also singing about growing up and that emotionally impacts the audience. It's pure genius.

What is a little-known secret about performing in this show?

The kids in our show will be delighted with this answer. They’ve nicknamed me Tesco. Shortened from Tesco McNeil Deal. I can’t really remember why. But not many people know that!

What do you hope audiences take away from the show?

I hope they feel inspired. I think the creativity in this show is at such a high level, so I hope it inspires people to try to be creative themselves. I also hope young people leave thinking it’s really cool to be really smart. Matilda is a unique character because she is different from all those around her, so I hope children who feel different at their schools come away feeling like it’s okay to be different. Matilda is also very brave and stands up for what she thinks is right. It would be lovely if children come away feeling empowered to be brave themselves.

Book Matilda The Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Neil McDermott in Matilda The Musical. (Photo by Ellie Kurttz)