Now Matilda becomes the Dahl-ing of New York

Matilda the Musical is working its magic in New York — by sticking firmly to its British roots.

Director Matthew Warchus has resisted the temptation to “Americanise” the Royal Shakespeare Company adaptation of the children’s novel by Roald Dahl.

He told the Standard: “I didn’t see how changing the setting for Matilda would enhance the story. It seemed like a neurotic thing to do.”

His faith is paying off, as the Broadway production plays to preview audiences of 99.4 per cent capacity at Times Square’s Shubert Theatre. Advance bookings prior to its official April 11 opening top £10 million, say sources.

Warchus said his creative team had carried out research which showed that the story of a child prodigy with magical powers would work just as well in the US as at the Cambridge Theatre in London.

“After we first performed Matilda at Stratford, we were encouraged by the number of Americans who saw it and we did asked their opinion. We made a best guess that it stands a chance of making similar connections with the US audience as it did there.”

Bertie Carvel, receiving acclaim as he reprises his London role as headmistress Miss Trunchbull, said: “We are using what we learned in Stratford and London and audiences are enraptured. They seem to get the same jokes and be moved the same ways as in London. It confirms the special relationship.”

RSC executive director Catherine Mallyon said: “The first preview’s audience was so exuberant and demonstrative. We’re so proud at the reaction.”

Matilda — written by Dennis Kelly and with music by Tim Minchin — is now expected to be the front-runner at New York theatre’s Tony Awards, taking place on June 9.