The power of imagination — onstage and off | Suki Hillier

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "The Power of Imagination — Onstage and Off" | TED Talks Daily

Episode Date: July 17, 2026
Speaker: Suki Hillier (with host Elise Hu and TED curator Chloe Shasha Brooks)
Main Theme: Exploring how imagination fuels acting, empathy, and connection—on stage and in life—through the experiences of young actress Suki Hillier, known for playing Matilda in London’s West End.

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Overview

This episode centers on the transformative power of imagination, as lived and articulated by 11-year-old actress Suki Hillier. Drawing from her year-long run as Matilda in London’s West End, Suki shares both practical and emotional journeys of entering a role, revealing profound insights into childlike wonder, courage, and the arts. The episode also features TED curator Chloe Shasha Brooks, who discusses what children teach us about play, empathy, and connection.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Suki Hillier: Stepping Into Matilda’s World

• Early Love for Matilda

  • Suki first encountered Matilda at age three through the 1996 film, sparking a long-held fascination with the character:

    “I would sit very still, staring at objects around the house and trying to make them wobble.” [04:54]

• Persistence Through Challenge

  • The demanding audition process spanned over a year and two full cycles due to illness and rejection, culminating in joy and relief upon landing the part:

    “I had to go through six rounds of auditions twice… The waiting—four whole weeks of not knowing. It felt like four years… I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I did both at the same time.” [05:19–05:49]

• Finding the Character Within

  • Suki describes a pivotal realization during rehearsal:

    “I had stopped trying to find Matilda because I realized she’d been inside me the whole time. She was the girl I’d been dreaming about since I was three. I didn’t become her; I just finally let her out.” [06:34–06:57]

• Building a World on Stage

  • Suki paints a vivid picture of the set and cast, immersing listeners in Matilda’s universe and explaining how every line, action, and set piece is internalized through repeated practice and empathy:

    “The theatre itself is a world of its own… There’s a library where I can dive into my books and find wonderful Mrs. Phelps waiting for me… and somewhere lurking in the shadows is a terrifying Miss Trunchbull.” [06:59–07:24]

• Emotion, Resistance, and Joy in Performance

  • She details the physical sensations and emotional stakes during performances:

    “Every night before the show starts, I stand backstage getting ready. In my mind, I think about Matilda’s life… I breathe in, I breathe out. And then I step onto the stage. And when I’m in the light, I am her.” [07:28–07:58]

    • When her heart pounds, she channels Matilda's anger and courage.

• Memorable Onstage Blunder

  • Suki recounts a night when her hair got tangled in Miss Honey’s necklace, demonstrating adaptability and composure:

    “At that moment, Ms. Trunchbull ran in. We were supposed to spring apart, except we couldn’t because my hair was completely tangled into a necklace. One second, two seconds, five seconds of stage time feels rather long, let me tell you. But nobody panicked. We stayed calm. We stayed in the scene. Quietly, very quietly, we untangled ourselves. I lost some hair, and Ms. Honey lost a necklace. But we carried on. The audience never noticed a thing.” [08:10–08:52]

• The True Magic of Theater: Shared Imagination

  • Suki reflects on connection:

    “The stage and life are not so different because imagination isn’t about escaping the real world. It is a way of building one. And when our imaginations work together, every character on that stage comes alive—the cast, the crew, and every single person in the audience all join in. That is when the real magic happens.” [08:54–09:11]

  • On the joy of performance:

    “I look out and see your shining faces back at me. I can see smiles. I can see tears. I hear you clapping so hard as if you’d never want to leave Matilda’s world. And honestly, neither do I.” [09:11–09:25]

  • Closing her talk:

    “But at that moment, I want to give every single one of you the biggest hug and tell you: ‘Matilda loves you all. Thank you.’” [09:27]

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Reflections from TED Curator Chloe Shasha Brooks

• Value of Hearing from Children

  • Chloe discusses why she sought out a child actor for a TED event about play:

    “It seemed kind of absurd to hear only from adults. Adults have a lot to learn from young people about how to play, since so many of us forget how to be playful as life gets more serious.” [09:45–09:58]

• Impressions of Suki

  • On their first meeting:

    “She was 10… The first thing that struck me about her within a minute of meeting her was her genuine, well-thought-out responses to each of the questions.” [11:17–11:32]

• Insights from Suki’s Approach to Acting

  • Suki’s preparation for performances is described as intentional and meditative:

    “She almost meditates on Matilda’s life while she’s still backstage before she steps out.” [12:17–12:23]

  • Chloe is moved by Suki’s openness and wisdom:

    “Obviously, Suki is just one person and she doesn’t represent every professional child actor, but this experience of working with her did confirm that at least this particular child actor is wise beyond her years, both emotionally and intellectually. I’m grateful to her for bringing me into her world…” [13:45–13:56]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Letting Matilda Out

  “I didn’t become her, I just finally let her out.” — Suki Hillier [00:28; echoed at 06:56]

• Imagination as Creation, Not Escape

  “The stage in life are not so different because imagination isn’t about escaping the real world. It is a way of building one.” — Suki Hillier [01:31; 08:54]

• Handling Mistakes Onstage with Grace

  “…We stayed calm. We stayed in the scene… I lost some hair and Ms. Honey lost a necklace. But we carried on. The audience never noticed a thing.” — Suki Hillier [08:34–08:53]

• On Playfulness and Childhood Wisdom

  “Adults have a lot to learn from young people about how to play, since so many of us forget how to be playful as life gets more serious.” — Chloe Shasha Brooks [09:53]

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Important Timestamps

• [00:28] Suki on discovering Matilda within herself
• [05:19–05:49] Suki details the audition and perseverance
• [06:34–06:57] Realizing Matilda was "inside me the whole time"
• [07:28–07:58] Describes nightly pre-show ritual and transformation
• [08:10–08:52] Recalls the onstage hair mishap
• [08:54–09:11] On shared imagination and theatrical magic
• [09:27] Closing gratitude and connection to the audience
• [09:45–09:58] Chloe on necessity of child perspectives
• [11:17–13:56] Chloe's reflections on working with Suki and child actors

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Takeaway

Through Suki Hillier’s vivid storytelling and lived experience, the episode reveals how imagination in theater is not about escape, but co-creation—inviting audiences into new worlds and deeper empathy. Younger voices, like Suki’s, remind adults of the wisdom and creative power that comes from keeping play, wonder, and imagination alive throughout life.

Transcript

[A]

You're listening to TED Talks Daily where we bring you new ideas to spark your curiosity every day. I'm your host, Elise Hume. I can only imagine there's a particular kind of magic that happens in theater when someone steps into a role and for a little while makes an audience believe they've become someone else. For 11 year old actress Suki Hillier, that role was Matilda on London's West End.

[B]

Somewhere in all those hours, something had changed. I'd stopped trying to find Matilda because I realized she'd been inside me the whole time. I didn't become her, I just finally let her out.

[A]

Listening to Suki, you can hear that particular joy of hearing a kid who's just let you into their own imaginary world and not in a cutesy way. I've always been moved by moments when a child says something that makes you realize just how much they're noticing and feeling about the world around us. It made me wonder as we grow up, what happens to our childlike sense of wonder. In her talk, Sukie takes us backstage into what it's like to play Matilda night after night. Stepping into the role of a brave little girl who uses her intelligence, courage and imagination to take control of her own life. She explores what imagination can do when it's shared between an actor and an audience. Which makes us think, what if finding your way into someone else's story isn't just a way to pretend, but a way to listen closely and understand each other more deeply?

[B]

The stage in life are not so different because imagination isn't about escaping the real world. It is a way of building one.

[A]

After the talk, stick around. We'll hear from TED curator Chloe Shasha Brooks, who shares what led her to Suki and what Suki revealed for her about acting, empathy and imagination. That's all coming up right after a short break. This episode is brought to you by Dell. Back to school starts now. Get long lasting battery life on the Dell XPS laptop powered by Series 3 Intel Core, so you can work from anywhere now starting at $699 with exclusive student pricing starting at 599. And it's lightweight, premium, portable and packed with enough processing power to make multitasking a breeze. So say goodbye to distractions and hello to more free time because you finished your work faster, complete your setup with savings on select monitors and more. Must have electronics and accessories, limited time deals and free shipping on PCs and more await [e-mail] deals that's Dell.com deals. This message is brought to you by Apple Card Apple Card puts the power of Titanium in the palm of your hand. What does that mean? It means the power to earn unlimited daily cash back on your purchases every day. It means a materially different credit card accepted anywhere in the world. MasterCard is accepted. Ditch the plastic upgrade to Titanium. Apply in the Wallet app on iPhone today subject to credit approval. Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City branch terms and [e-mail] this episode is sponsored by Kohler Smart Toilets. The objects we interact with most are often the ones we notice least. But what if the most overlooked space in your home could be the most considered? Kohler Smart Toilet challenges that assumption. Their Vail Smart Toilet is a sculptural silhouette that isn't just intentional. It's a philosophy that design changes everything. The Kohler Vail Smart Toilet is sleek with a rounded shape that's more like architecture than just plumbing. And it goes beyond looks. The touchscreen controls and customizable clinch cleansing features offer a level of comfort and cleanliness that exceeds expectations. It's all about elevating those ordinary daily rituals into something extraordinary through thoughtful design. Kohler has been pushing these boundaries for over 150 years, mastering that balance of stunning form and high performance function that's a long time to get it right, and it shows in every detail. Experience the difference of Kohler Smart toilets. Find out [e-mail] and now our TED Talk of the Day.

[B]

Hi everyone. Today I want to talk about imagination and theatre. For the past year, I've been playing Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre in London's West End. The theatre has 1249 seats and it is almost full every single night. Matilda is based on the book by Roald Dahl, and a lot of you probably already know the story. It is about a brave little girl who, even though she is bullied by her parents, uses her intelligence, courage and magic to take control of her own life. Well, I am that Matilda. Alongside three other amazing girls, the four of us share the lead role, which is wonderful. But getting here was not exactly simple. I had to go through six rounds of auditions twice. The first time since spring 2024. I I made it all the way to the final round, but then got a really bad cold. I couldn't sing, I couldn't perform. So I had to stop. Six months later, I had to go through the whole process all over again. And then came the hardest part. The waiting four whole weeks of not knowing. It felt like four years. But then finally one day, the call came. I'd been offered the role I didn't know it's laugh or cry. So I did both at the same time. Here's something I should tell you, though. Matilda and I go way back. Long before auditions, long before any of this. I started watching a 1996 Matilda film when I was just three years old. I watched it over and over again. I would sit very still, staring at objects around the house and trying to make them wobble. So when I finally got to step onto the real stage at the Cambridge Theatre, I couldn't things with my eyes. Well, after seven years of staring at cups, three months of intensive rehearsals followed. Every step, every line, every move, again and again, until I didn't have to think about it anymore. The cast and coaches were also patient with me. Honestly, they deserved medals. But somewhere in all those hours, something had changed. I had stopped trying to find Matilda because I realized she'd been inside me the whole time. She was the girl I'd been dreaming about since I was three. I didn't become her. I just finally let her out. The theater itself is a world of its own. It has lights, painted walls, window frames, desks and swings. And there is a library where I can dive into my books and find the wonderful Mrs. Phelps waiting for me. There is my very kindness, honey. And over there, sitting in front of the telly with my brother, are my rather obnoxious parents. And somewhere lurking into the shadows is a terrifying Miss Trunchbull. Every night before the show starts, I stand backstage getting ready. In my mind, I think about Matilda's life. Her love of books, her hatred of bullies, her courage to find her own way to fight back. I breathe in, I breathe out. And then I step onto the stage. And when I'm in the light, I am her. I'm brave enough to stand up to Ms. Trunchbull. When she grabs boy by his ears, I shout to her with everything I have. My heart beats so fast I can feel it. When my dad writs my books, I know I'm resilient and that I will get my own back. Glue his hat to his head Dyer's hair green every time I have a hidden smile right here.

[A]

Hey, y' all jumping in really quick to share that Suki put her hand on her heart here where her hidden smiles live.

[B]

I love standing on the elevating bookstand during quiet. Everything's so still, so quiet. But my heart is pounding as I feel all Matilda's anger bursting out through my eyes. But things in life do not always go as planned. And the same is true on stage one night, during the scene where I hug Ms. Honey because she'd offered me something no one else ever has. Kindness. I hug her very tightly. At that exact moment, Ms. Trunchbull ran in. We were supposed to spring apart, except we couldn't because my hair was completely tangled into a necklace. 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds of stage time feels rather long, let me tell you. But nobody panicked. We stayed calm. We stayed in the scene. Quietly, very quietly, we untangled ourselves. I lost some hair and Ms. Honey lost a necklace. But we carried on. The audience never noticed a thing. And most luckily, Ms. Trunch wouldn't catch us either. You see, the stage in life are not so different because imagination isn't about escaping the real world. It is a way of building one. And when our imaginations work together, every character on that stage comes alive. The cast, the crew, and every single person in the audience all join in. That is when the real magic happens. I look out and see your shining faces back at me. I can see smiles. I can see tears. I hear you clapping so hard as if you'd never want to leave Matilda's world. And honestly, neither do I. But at that moment, I want to give every single one of you the biggest hug and tell you Matilda loves you all. Thank you.

[A]

That was Suki Hillier at play at Ted 2026. And now here's TED curator Chloe Shashaw Brooks speaking about why, in an event about Play, she wanted to hear from a kid and what working with Suki revealed about imagination, empathy, and growing up without losing that sense of wonder.

[C]

Hi, thanks for listening to Suki Hilyer's talk. I'm Chloe Sasha Brooks speaking to you from New York City. In my work, I get the immense privilege of bringing people of all ages to the TED stage. But it's a rare treat to work with children. And so while I was thinking about who to bring together to share their ideas around play, it seemed kind of absurd to hear only from adults. Adults have a lot to learn from young people about how to play, since so many of us forget how to be playful as life gets more serious. So as I was thinking about topics and themes, one particular idea kept floating to the top of my list. Based on an experience I had many years ago. I saw Matilda on Broadway in New York City when I was freshly graduated from college and found myself completely floored by the child actors. Children with professional public facing careers have always been fascinating to me for many reasons, but these Matilda actors particularly impressed me. Not Only because of the actual show, which, to be clear, was fantastic. What moved me in particular was that these very small children, in classic Broadway fashion, truly knew how to sing harmonies, dance and climb the set in unison and convey complex emotions in their roles at very young ages. Most of the cast seem to be around 10 years old or so, so I imagine that they must be emotionally intelligent and thoughtful beyond their years in some way to do the acting they were doing. In the case of the girl playing Matilda on Broadway when I went to see the show, she was able to so believably and palpably display the experience of being simultaneously baffled, hurt, and in a state of longing for care from her very chaotic parents. So as I thought about the different meanings of play, I thought it could be really interesting to hear from a professional child actor about how they are able to become a character who has had experiences in life that they themselves haven't actually had. And so all of that is what led me to Suki. She had just finished her stint as Matilda in London's West End Theater. I reached out to her talent management, and a couple of days later I was on a video call with her and her parents for an exploratory conversation. She was 10 years old at the time of our call, and the first thing that struck me about her within a minute of meeting her was her genuine, well thought out responses to each of the questions. We typically set up a handful of exploratory calls with speakers we're interested in bringing to the TED stage. And Suki, even though she's 10 years old, was no different because I was trying to get a sense of her and also to figure out what specifics she could touch on if she gave this TED Talk? So I asked her my most earnest questions that I've kind of been wondering about my whole life. When it comes to professional child actors, what helps you feel at ease performing in front of hundreds or thousands of people? When I asked her that, she told me she's always loved being on the stage, that it's where she feels most comfortable, so maybe there is an innate element. I asked her, how did you learn to act out experiences you've never had before? She told me that in the case of Matilda, she'd watched that movie so many times as a kid that she imagined being her already for years. And that knowledge of the movie really helped her feel her emotions as Matilda on stage. I also asked her, what do you do to feel like Matilda before you step out on stage each night to go from being Suki to Matilda. And as she said in her talk, she almost meditates on Matilda's life while she's still backstage before she steps out. I then asked her, what kinds of bonds did you form with your co stars when you were off stage? This question is what led to her story about her hair getting tied up in Ms. Honey's necklace during one of the live shows, which she told me while laughing and describing her real life bond with her fellow actor, the adult woman who played Miss Honey. I was really moved by each one of her answers, so we invited her to speak at Play at TED before our call even ended. Obviously, Suki is just one person and she doesn't represent every professional child actor, but this experience of working with her did confirm that at least this particular child actor is wise beyond her years, both emotionally and intellectually. I'm grateful to her for bringing me into her world and showing me how she uses her imagination to do the amazing work that she does.

[A]

If you're curious about Ted's curation, visit ted.com curationguidelines and that's it for today. TED Talks Daily is a podcast from ted. This episode was fact checked by the TED Research team and produced and edited by our team, Martha Estefanos, Oliver Friedman, Lucy Little, Emma Tobner, and Tanzika Sangarnival. Additional support from Daniela Ballarezzo, Christopher Faizy, Bogan, Valentina Bohanini, Banban Chang, Brian Greene, and Lainey Lott. Learn [e-mail] I am Elise Hu. I'll be back tomorrow with a fresh idea for your feedback. Thanks for listening.

[D]

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[E]

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