The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical has arrived in Birmingham to a rapturous welcome as it kick starts it's run at Birmingham Hippodrome.

The West End and Broadway phenomenon runs until Saturday 8 September as part of its UK and Ireland Tour and will be accompanied by a specially devised education programme, Change My Story, for schools.

The multi-award winning show had its world premiere at the RSC’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011 where it continues to play today.

To mark the show’s official arrival at Birmingham Hippodrome, Lara Cohen, who shares the role of Matilda, took time away from Crunchem Hall to pose alongside Birmingham’s very own ‘Bullring Bull’; an iconic symbol of the city much-loved by residents and visitors alike.

Winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, the Matilda The Musical UK and Ireland Tour opened to rave reviews on the 15 March 2018 at Leicester Curve. The adult cast sees Craige Els reprise the role of Miss Trunchbull, having played her in the West End between 2014 and 2017. He will be joined by Carly Thoms as Miss Honey, and Sebastien Torkia and Rebecca Thornhill as Mr and Mrs Wormwood. The title role of Matilda will be shared by Annalise Bradbury, Lara Cohen, Poppy Jones and Nicola Turner.

Matilda The Musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

For more information, or to book tickets, head online to birminghamhippodrome.com.

LISTEN: Hear the soundtrack, performed by the Original London Cast, below: