The Matilda Effect
A funny, ideas-rich new play responding to the challenges faced by women scientists now and then. Touring November 2026.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
The Matilda Effect is a play performable in spaces in schools and other education settings around London and the South East of England. Touring in November 2026, the performance lasts 50 minutes and will be followed by a post-show discussion. The provider can also provide workshops and other enrichment activities.
About the play
In The Matilda Effect, we meet three women, all called Matilda. We visit three time zones: then, now, and still developing. And we encounter a giant amount of mansplaining. Matilda is a climate pioneer. Mattie is a geneticist. Tilly is an engineer. But every time one of them gets close to the Big Idea, or the Big Prize, Tom, Dick and Harry are there, standing in front of her.
The ‘Matilda Effect’ is named after the American writer and women’s rights activist Matilda Joslyn Gage (1826 – 1898). The play is a witty, playful and powerful expression of the frustration felt and experienced by many female scientists. It is rooted in the writer’s extensive research and based on actual stories both historical and – sadly – contemporary.
The Matilda Effect doesn’t shy away from the particular challenges women face in forging careers in traditionally male-dominated sectors but, with its rich seam of historic evidence of actual and brilliant but overlooked female achievement, it is encouraging and affirmative.
This is the world premiere tour of The Matilda Effect, following successful R&D in Spring 2025.
Booking details
London and the South East.
From £500.
Details
- School subject
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- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Physics
- Curriculum links
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- Biology: Material cycles and energy
- Physics: Energy
- Engineering
- Design and technology
- Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics
- Physics: Energy transfer
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
- Sciences - Forces and energy
- Technology & design - Control
- Technology & design - Manufacturing
- Group size
- Whole class, Whole year group
- Duration
- 1 to 2 hours
- Dates
- 9 November 2026 – 21 November 2026
- Cost
- Cost applies
- Location
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In-school
- London
- South East
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 5 - Encounters with employers and employees
- 7 - Encounters with further and higher education
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
