According to a press statement, the structural work and extensive installation required for the show has taken longer than planned "and it is with regret that the Company has had to take the decision to delay the cast's move from the rehearsal rooms to the stage." Executive producer André Ptaszynski commented, "Every musical theatre production of this scale goes through similar challenges during this pre-opening period, but Matilda has a cast made up of three different teams of young actors and four young actresses in the title role. This means that, unlike other shows, we cannot extend everyone's working hours, take shortcuts and reduce the number of dress rehearsals to meet the date of the first preview. We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused to people who had booked for these early performances and we are working hard to ensure that the re-booking or refunding process is as quick and as easy as possible."

People who have booked for the cancelled preview performances are being contacted directly by the RSC and its ticketing partners and alternative performance dates offered.

For further details on the show, visit www.matildathemusical.com