Matilda the Musical to transfer to Broadway

Matilda is currently played by four different actresses, who take turns in the role

Matilda the Musical will transfer to Broadway next year, the Royal Shakespeare Company has confirmed.

The award-winning-show, which featured music by comedian Tim Minchin, is based on Roald Dahl's children's book, about a girl with magical powers.

Auditions for the New York production are scheduled to start next month.

The show, which opened in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010, transferred to London's West End last year, where it continues to sell out.

Written by playwright Dennis Kelly and directed by Tony-award-winner Matthew Warchus, it has received aslew of five-star reviewsfor both the original staging and the West End transfer.

Earlier this month the production won four Whatsonstage.com awards, including best new musical.

Critics and audiences have heaped praise on the show's intricate, tongue-twisting lyrics and barely contained sense of anarchy.

The lead role is played by four young actresses, who alternate throughout the week - while Bertie Carvel, who plays child-tossing tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull, has been the show's breakout star.