Matilda Cast Reunites at Royal Albert Hall
Danny DeVito hosted a live-narrated 30th anniversary screening of the 1996 film, joined onstage by former cast members.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Children’s Theater
Danny DeVito hosted a live-narrated 30th anniversary screening of Matilda at London's Royal Albert Hall on Friday, October 30. Former cast members Mara Wilson, Pam Ferris, Kiami Davael, Jacqueline Steiger and Kira Spencer Hesser joined DeVito onstage as a surprise.
Why it matters
The event marks three decades since the film's July 1996 release and brings together its cast for a live audience of approximately 5,000 people. It also revisits the film's production, which unfolded during a difficult period for star Mara Wilson's family.
The screening drew approximately 5,000 attendees to the Royal Albert Hall, marking 30 years since the film's July 1996 release. The source does not provide box office, streaming, or other commercial performance figures for the anniversary event.
The players
Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito is an actor and director who portrayed Harry Wormwood and directed the 1996 film Matilda, and hosted the anniversary screening.
Mara Wilson
Mara Wilson is an actress who played the title character Matilda Wormwood and joined the surprise onstage reunion at the anniversary screening.
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is a major concert venue in London that hosted the 30th anniversary screening of Matilda.
The details
DeVito announced the surprise cast appearance during a pre-film talk by composer David Newman, and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performed Newman's score live alongside the film. Wilson played the title character Matilda Wormwood, while DeVito portrayed Harry Wormwood and directed the film, which is based on Roald Dahl's children's book.
Timeline
July 1996: Matilda is released.
Friday, October 30, 2026: The 30th anniversary live-narrated screening takes place at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Legacy Screenings
The 30th anniversary event follows the 1996 release of Matilda, extending the film's life through a live-performance format that pairs the original picture with a full orchestra rather than a standard theatrical or home-viewing presentation.
The source does not report whether the anniversary screening will be repeated or released in any format. Readers seeking to see the live-narrated presentation will need to watch for future announcements from the event's organizers.
The takeaway
Revisiting beloved family films through live performance can connect longtime fans with the original cast and creative team decades after release. Watching for future live screenings is one way audiences can experience these works with a full orchestral accompaniment.
Further reading
Explore more about live family-friendly productions in the Children’s Theater section.
