ROALD Dahl favourite Matilda will be going on tour throughout UK and Ireland in 2018 and 19, including a run in Manchester.

The Royal Shakespeare Company production which features the music of Tim Minchin will be at the Palace Theatre from September 18 to November 24, 2018.

The stage version of Matilda has already scooped 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical.

The West End production continues at the Cambridge Theatre while tours are also underway in Australia, New Zealand and North America.

Dennis Kelly, who adapted Roald Dahl's book for the stage, said: “It’s been a long time coming but I’m delighted that we get to take Matilda around the UK and to Ireland.

"We have some fantastic theatres in this country and in Ireland, supported by smart, engaged audiences and we can’t wait to bring this crazy, messy, anarchic explosion of a show to them.”

Tim Minchin added: “I - like millions of others - feel like Dahl is in my blood, because I grew up with his books.

"So to have contributed to a piece of work that brings one of his most famous stories to life is one of my life's great joys.

"I’m utterly thrilled that audiences in cities all across the UK and Ireland will now share and be part of Matilda’s story.”

Catherine Mallyon, executive director for the Royal Shakespeare Company, said: “We are thrilled our home-grown miracle, which started life after a seven year gestation in Stratford-upon-Avon, has grown into a bit of a global phenomenon.

"Following Matilda’s successful run on Broadway, our current tours around North America, Australia and New Zealand, and continuing into our sixth year at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End, it is fantastic that we can share Matilda with audiences around the UK and in Ireland.

"In collaboration with our touring partners we will also deliver a programme of ground-breaking interactive education projects to enable young people to emulate Matilda, sharing the extraordinary power of story-telling and the boundless creativity of their imaginations.”

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

The New York production of Matilda The Musical opened in April 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre and was celebrated on 10 'top 10' lists for 2013, including TIME Magazine’s number one Show of the Year.

The show has been seen by more than 6.5 million people worldwide. Having swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and winning four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway, Matilda The Musical has now played in 50 cities worldwide.

The production will be accompanied by a new education programme to engage with young people, inspired by Matilda.

From a travelling library of stories led by Mrs Phelps, to whole school takeovers, the Royal Shakespeare Company aims to reach more than 15,000 children.

Tickets for Manchester will go on-sale to the public on Wednesday, April 26 following a priority booking period between April 19 and 25.

Call 0844 871 3019 or visit atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester