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| Author | Mia Blakeney |
The 66th BFI London Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday 5 October with the world premiere of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.
Film lovers gathered at the Royal Festival Hall as the film’s cast, including Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham and newcomer Alisha Weir (who plays Matilda) stepped onto the red carpet to open the festival. Alongside the actors were director Matthew Warchus, writer Dennis Kelly, and songwriter Tim Minchin.
Unlike many previous London Film Festival openers, children made up a large part of the premiere’s audience, proving the film’s popularity amongst families, which is likely to continue in the lead up to the Christmas holidays.
Adapted from the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical gives a brand new take on the children’s classic. The film brings to the big screen the story of an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
The film hits UK cinemas from 25 November, and is forecast to deliver 2.3m DCM admissions and be one of the biggest films in the run up to Christmas.
A few lucky DCMers were also in attendance at the opening night of the BFI London Film Festival, and gave their thoughts on Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical – no spoilers!
“I loved it! You could tell that there was so much time and effort put into making something special. Matilda is already an iconic British book and movie but this is something which I think will capture everyone. Stephen Graham was amazing and Emma Thompson was just incredible. I also, from watching No Time to Die, did not know Lashana Lynch had such an amazing voice!” Jamie Clarke, Agency Manager
Critics have also praised Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical ahead of it’s release in UK cinemas next month:
“ A frothy, whimsical delight that encompasses every expectation we were bound to have already placed on it. It’s intrinsically British enough that I half expect it to be soon absorbed into the Paddington cinematic universe.” Clarisse Loughrey, The Independent
“Like Dahl’s book, everything in this film, from tenderness to terror, is so exuberant.” Robbie Collin, Daily Telegraph
“Apart from the long-winded title there is nothing to criticise in what is the best family movie since Paddington 2.” Grant Rollings, The Su
Other films that have screened at London Film Festival include the poignant Women Talking, Bones and All, Allelujah and Living, many of which are set to be contenders in Awards Season 2023.
Find out more about Awards Season sponsorship with DCM Studios.
Limited tickets to the BFI London Film Festival are still available to book on the BFI website.
Find out more about cinema advertising over Christmas 2022, including in big films like Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.