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RETURN OF THE MAT

Matilda squares up to Donald Trump in statue unveiled to celebrate 30th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s much-loved book

Donald Trump was revealed to be who Matilda would most likely stand up to if she was around today

The statue was created to mark the 30th anniversary of Roald Dahl's novel

A STATUE of Matilda Wormwood squaring up to President Donald Trump has been unveiled to mark the 30th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s much-loved book.

The striking effigy was sculpted after President Trump was revealed to be the person Matilda would most likely to be standing up to if she was around in 2018.

 The statue was created to mark the 30th anniversary of Roald Dahl's novel
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The statue was created to mark the 30th anniversary of Roald Dahl's novelCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

The installations celebrating the landmark anniversary can be seen for a few weeks in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, which was Roald Dahl’s home for 36 years.

Both statues are positioned in the fields outside the town’s library, which is referenced in the book where Matilda devours the classics of literature by the age of four and three months.

Bernie Hall, from The Roald Dahl Story Company, commented: “Matilda demonstrates that it’s possible for anyone, no matter how small and powerless they feel, to defeat the Turnchbulls in their own lives - a message that feels even more relevant today than it did 30 years ago.

"What’s more, asking the public to reimagine Matilda 30 years on and finding that she could be a UN ambassador, knighted by the Queen and still using her powers of telekinesis shows just how strongly Roald Dahl’s tiny heroine continues to resonate in our hearts and minds."

 The statue has been erected in Buckinghamshire, where Roald Dahl lived
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The statue has been erected in Buckinghamshire, where Roald Dahl livedCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
 The statue features Matilda standing up to the US president
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The statue features Matilda standing up to the US presidentCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

The statues of Matilda and Donald Trump are modern day interpretations by a team of artists including Drew Roper, a Birmingham based animation entrepreneur.

As well as revealing who Matilda would be standing up to in 2018, the study found that over half of the British public think that Matilda would still have her powers of telekenises, travelled the world and been knighted by the queen.

According to the British public, she’d also have an illustrious circle too – including friends like actress and activist, Emma Watson ans Duchess of Sussex and humanitarian, Meghan Markle.

In contrast, over a quarter of the the general public imagine Miss Trunchbull would now be a prison warden, with 17 per cent saying she would be a drill sergeant.

 Donald Trump would most likely be who Matilda stood up to if she was around today
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Donald Trump would most likely be who Matilda stood up to if she was around todayCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
 The statue can be seen for a few weeks in Great Missenden
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The statue can be seen for a few weeks in Great MissendenCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Bruce Bogtrotter – the boy who devoured a whole cake as instructed by Miss Trunchbull – was voted likely to become a Great British Bake Off contestant, closely followed by Michelin star chef and Masterchef presenter.

Susie Dent, Lexicographer and Matilda fan, commented: "Matilda has always been my favourite Road Dahl story. Its message of courage and persistence is timeless, and it’s one that my children have enjoyed as much as me.

"It’s not surprising to hear that Donald Trump has been voted the most likely successor to Miss Trunchbull – many clearly see in him some similar traits to the fictional headmistress.”


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