When Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical hit the big screen in 2022, audiences were dazzled not only by the unforgettable songs and choreography, but also by the vivid world-building that brought Crunchem Hall and its characters to life. Wigs were a key ingredient in that transformation, helping define personalities and adding theatrical flair to every scene.
In this edition of our Showcase Series, we explore how wigs shaped the look of Matilda the Musical (2022).
Matilda – Natural, Innocent, and Relatable
Matilda’s look is deliberately understated — simple, natural hair to reflect her intelligence, humility, and resilience.
- Subtle wig and hairpiece work ensured consistency for long filming schedules.
- The style highlights Matilda’s contrast with the exaggerated adults around her.
- Lightweight, breathable wigs are often chosen for younger performers to ensure comfort during active choreography.
Miss Trunchbull – Severe, Structured, and Unforgettable
Played brilliantly by Emma Thompson, Miss Trunchbull’s look is one of the most iconic in the film
- Her slicked-back, tightly controlled wig reinforces her authoritarian personality.
- Strong, sculpted shapes made her appear larger-than-life and slightly grotesque.
- Synthetic lace-front wigs gave stylists the flexibility to create bold looks that still held firm under hot lights and physical performances.
Fun fact: villains’ wigs in musical adaptations are often exaggerated to visually separate them from the rest of the cast.
Miss Honey – Soft, Gentle, and Compassionate
Miss Honey’s style provides a visual counterpoint to Trunchbull’s severity.
- Her wig is natural, soft, and flowing, symbolising kindness and warmth.
- Subtle styling ensured her look felt timeless, approachable, and grounded.
- For film, lace-front wigs allowed a natural hairline to hold up to cinematic close-ups.
Ensemble & Schoolchildren – Energy in Every Strand
From Matilda’s classmates to the chorus of townsfolk, wigs helped define the ensemble’s personalities.
- Many child actors had hairpieces or light wig enhancements to maintain continuity across long filming schedules.
- Teachers and parents were styled with bolder shapes, reflecting their quirks and eccentricities.
- Carnival characters were given extreme wigs, bulk fibres and wefts were used to create unique character-specific wigs for a diverse cast.
Why Wigs Matter in Musical Adaptations
Stage-to-screen adaptations like Matilda rely on wigs to balance theatricality with cinematic realism. On film, every detail matters: wigs must look flawless up close while still reflecting the exaggerated energy of a stage musical.
Final Thoughts
The wigs in Matilda the Musical (2022) helped bring Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life in a fresh, vibrant way. From Trunchbull’s imposing silhouette to Miss Honey’s gentle softness, every style reinforced character and story.
At How’s Your Head Wigs, we’re proud to support professional stylists with the high-quality wigs, fibres, and accessories they need to create magic on both stage and screen.
Browse some of the wigs used in Matilda and discover how you can bring your own storytelling to life, one wig at a time.