MATILDA the Musical is coming to Bradford Alhambra with its naughty tricks and revolting children.

The family show, based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel, has been a huge hit across the world. It centres on precocious child Matilda who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by family and school, and helps a teacher reclaim her life.

The show began with a 12-week trial run by the Royal Shakespeare Company at its Stratford-upon-Avon home in late 2010 before moving to the West End the following year, and in 2013 to Broadway. The musical won seven 2012 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, the most won by a single show.

When the show arrives at the Alhambra, Elliot Harper will play Miss Trunchbull, the ruthless teacher who makes life a misery for Matilda and her fellow pupils.

He will join a cast including Carly Thoms (Miss Honey) and Sebastien Torkia and Rebecca Thornhill (Mr and Mrs Wormwood) will who continue in their roles until the current UK tour finishes its run in August.

Elliot Harper’s West End theatre credits include Father Joe in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre, One Man Two Guvnors (National Theatre), Les Misérables (Queens Theatre) and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre).

Other theatre credits include Sweet Charity (Watermill), A Study In Scarlet (Southwark Playhouse), The Silver Tassie (Druid/Lincoln Center NY), Rope, Arsenic and Old Lace (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), The Big Sleep (The Mill At Sonning), As You Like It, Deathtrap, The Talented Mr Ripley and Travels with my Aunt (Queens Theatre, Hornchurch), and the UK touring productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and The Buddy Holly Story.

The role of Matilda is shared by Sophia Ally, Scarlett Cecil, Annalise Bradbury, Poppy Jones, Emma Moore and Nicola Turner. The other young performers in the UK and Ireland tour take turns as part of three teams playing characters like Bruce, Lavender and Amanda.

Matilda The Musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. It has been seen by eight million people worldwide, having toured to over 68 cities and played more than 6,000 performances in the West End, on Broadway and on tour cannot America, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Matilda is at the Alhambra from February 19 to March 23. Visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book tickets.