Stratford’s Matilda celebrates 15 years as West End success story

Minchin said the scale of the show’s success became apparent when he and Kelly watched an early preview in Stratford.

“We saw it on stage at the first preview in Stratford and we thought, ‘Ah, hold on a minute’,” he said.

“We thought at that point that we might have a real crack at getting to the West End – but the bonus 15 and a half years. It’s mad.”

He attributed part of the show’s enduring popularity to its message.

“It says to kids, stand up for what’s right. Be brave, reading and stories are freedom, your family is where you find it, love conquers all, little girls are powerful. It’s hard to feel cynical about it.”