Currently training at Sandra Singer Stage School, Scarlett Cecil has spent the last year touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical in the titular role. Scarlett enjoyed visiting new places and venues on the tour, and both opening and press nights were just some of her highlights from the run. Taking time to speak with us, Scarlett chats about her previous screen work, starting her theatre career and touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical.

You’ve recently finished touring as Matilda in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical, how did the tour go?

It went really well, and it was nice to see all the venues that we went to as most of them I’d never been to. It’s a great way to see different parts of the country.

Do you remember how you felt when finding out you’d booked the role?

I was over the moon and so excited to start rehearsals and prepare for my first show.

Did you watch the film to get any inspiration?

I had already watched the film many times before I had even got offered to audition. It gave me an understanding of Matilda’s character.

How often did you typically perform a week?

I performed three to four times a week.

What was it like sharing the role with the other Matildas?

It was really interesting to see how all the other Matildas did the show because all of us are unique in our own way and we’re all really close friends.

Did you have a favourite scene to perform?

I quite enjoyed doing the Naughty scene because it’s when the audience really get to see Matilda perform solo in the first part of the show.

What’s it like on opening and press nights?

I like to do press nights because they’re always really good crowds and I also like to do opening nights because it’s a nice feeling to open a new venue.

How did it feel doing the Matilda pose for the first time to a live audience?

I felt very proud because I had got through my first ever show and I was blown away by the crowd’s reaction at the end of the show.

Was this your first time touring and how did you prepare for it?

This was my first time touring, and I wasn’t feeling anything else but excited, so it wasn’t a massive shock being away from home.

How was it performing in Gypsy as Baby June?

It was a really fun experience, and it gave me an idea of what it was like to do musical theatre. It also prepared me for auditioning for the part of Matilda.

Have you always had an interest in theatre and which shows have you seen?

When I was younger, I was more interested in filming, but when I went to watch the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical in the West End, my dream was to be in it.

When did your theatre career begin?

My theatre career began when I was age four, when I started training at Singer Stage School and started doing showcases every year with the school. This led to me getting a part in Gypsy Musical and then the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical.

We understand you were in The Rise and Fall of the Krays and BBC’s Six Wives with Lucy Worsley, can you tell us about these?

In The Rise and Fall of the Krays, I played a kidnapped child; this was the first job I had ever got, so it was very new to me. For Six Wives with Lucy Worsley, I played young Princess Mary where I got to dress in a Tudor costume, which was filmed at a stately and a big contrast to my first job.

How long have you played piano and do you play other instruments?

I have played the piano for three years now.

What are your plans now the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical tour has ended?

I’m hoping to do some more filming because I have been touring for a very long time.

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