Minchin's Matilda musical for the RSC

Tim Minchin is writing a musical version of Roald Dahl’s novel Matilda for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The Australian comedian is adapting the tale of a rebellious girl with psychokinetic powers with Matthew Warchus, director of West End shows Art and The Lord of the Rings.

Michin told The Guardian: ‘This is the level I want to work at – with people who go, “No, it’s not good enough, Tim.” It's so invigorating. This is the most important thing I've ever done.’

He added that the new project would help him use his musical talent without the ‘ball and chain’ of having to be funny, adding: ‘The comedy's taken off to a different level, where it's a bit scary. You know – big rooms, lots of screaming people at the stage door… If this keeps going, it's going to be life-changing. And then this door opens, leading to musical theatre.’

Coincidentally, Michin previously failed to secure the rights for a children's theatre production of the novel in his native Perth. ‘It’s the only time I’ve ever got off my arse and thought, “That should be a musical”,’ he said.

Published: 30 Sep 2009