Adults playing kids in Matilda

I am just wandering if there is any meaning behind adults playing children in Matilda? I was never sure.

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Does there have to be a meaning behind everything? I just assumed the school taught kids kindergarden through high school or whatever they call it in the UK.

A variety of reasons both symbolic and realistic. Realistically, adults can perform 8 shows a week and endure the work that comes with it. They can also perform for long amounts of time without needing to be replaced. Matilda probably has to swap out the kids quite a bit. It's easier to teach a group of kids and a group of adults a number than two groups of kids. It also creates a bigger and more varied sound on stage. I imagine less kids cuts down on the chaos too. Matilda seems to need quite a few adult ensemble members...I'm sure the "older kids" play several other small roles.

Just for the record, two of the current Matildas are 8 years old.

But yes, your basic premise in principle is correct. Plus, I think the vocals of the group kids sounds a bit richer when you add the adult voices to the mix.

Childrens' voices are also a lot weaker, and thus the adults add weight and dicition to the vocal parts.