Tim Minchin named among 20 most influential figures in theatre

The annual Stage 100 list has been revealed, with Tim Minchin among newcomers on the industry guide. Tim Minchin has entered the list at number 20, above industry heavyweights including James Corden, Danny Boyle, Trevor Nunn and Mike Leigh. 2011 has seen Minchin become not only the first comedian to write a West End musical - but also to present a night at the BBC Proms. It is surely thanks to his triumphant music and lyrics to the RSC's 'Matilda' that he has made this prestigious list, along with ‘Matilda’ director Matthew Warchus, who enters at number 19. Minchin’s Matilda The Musical transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in London in November. In his review of the production, The Daily Telegraph’s Charles Spencer commented that Minchin and dramatist Dennis Kelly “suddenly look like the brightest prospects for British musical theatre since Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice broke through”.