A REVOLTING afternoon was had by all yesterday as the stars of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi award-winning musical phenomenon arrived in force for the official launch of Matilda The Musical in Birmingham.

Kicking off our jam-packed timetable for the day, media guests from across the region were joined on stage by the stars of the show for a costumed photo-call with Matilda featuring one terrifying Headteacher plus a delicious chocolate cake worthy of Bruce Bogtrotter himself!

On leave from Crunchem Hall for the afternoon was the malevolent Miss Trunchbull, or ‘Trunch’ for short – played to perfection here by Craige Els, who will reprise his role on UK and Ireland Tour in 2018/19 after playing Miss Trunchbull for three years on the West End.

Representing ‘revolting children’ everywhere was Annalise Bradbury who proved every inch the little miracle as our Matilda for the morning. Annalise will share the role of Matilda with fellow young co-stars Lara Cohen, Poppy Jones and Nicola Turner on UK and Ireland tour.

After a spot of lunch and a chance for our cast to chat to local journalists, it was time to welcome patrons, friends and group bookers for the main event in our Patrick Studio…but not before tucking into one of our delicious themed-cupcakes on arrival!

Then it was time to meet our panel. Hosted by Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Birmingham Hippodrome, Fiona Allan, guests were treated to a fascinating panel discussion with special guests RSC Executive Director Catherine Mallyon plus UK and Ireland touring cast members Craige Els (Miss Trunchbull), Sebastien Torkia (Mr Wormwood) and Rebecca Thornhill (Mrs Wormwood) who were on hand to share some insights into life on tour, the show’s incredible journey from Stratford to Broadway and just what it takes for Craige to complete his ‘Trunchformation’ into the menacing headmistress we all love to hate!

And of course, no Hippodrome launch event would be complete without a few surprises! Bringing the afternoon’s festivities to a suitably thrilling climax was West End star of Matilda The Musical, Savannah Read, who blew audiences away with her awe-inspiring rendition of the hit number ‘Naughty’.

We’ve pulled together a revolting round-up of some of our favourite moments from the day for you to enjoy.

Read on for the full round-up and don’t forget to book your tickets – or it’s chokey for you!