Big-screen Bru baffles Barrs after Matilda the Musical finds its fizz

The old-school orange can is instantly recognisable for Scots of a certain vintage but some would have been surprised to see Irn-Bru starring in musical blockbuster Matilda.

Even the makers of Scotland’s other national drink were surprised when it featured in the movie of the hit stage version of the Roald Dahl classic.

A can dating back to the 1970s and 80s features prominently in scenes in Matilda the Musical, which is currently showing in cinemas, alongside other classic British brands Golden Wonder, Kellogg’s and Cadbury’s.

It is seen being drunk by one of Matilda’s friends in the playground, before a classmate attempts telekinesis on the vintage can.

Then in a scene from Matilda’s imagination, a circus performer is seen levitating several cans above his head in a surreal carnival.

The prop used in the film, which stars Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, and Stephen Graham, features the design used on the 330ml cans from 1974 until 1988.

The appearance of these products look to be part of the authentic period set-dressing for the 1980s-set film and, in the case of Irn-Bru at least, wasn’t part of a product placement deal.

Makers AG Barr were delighted to see their product featured in the film. The company’s Adrian Troy said: “It’s always a lovely surprise to see Irn-Bru pop up on the big screen.

“Its inclusion in the new Matilda film is testament to the global popularity of our brand across the ages.”

There are a number of Scottish links behind the film that could possibly explain the choice of including Irn-Bru.

Australian comedian Tim Minchin, who adapted Dahl’s novel into the musical, has previously hailed Scotland and the Edinburgh Fringe for helping to launch his career.

Named 2005’s best newcomer at the festival, he famously turned a harsh one-star Guardian review into an ever harsher song for his later shows.

“I think Edinburgh audiences feel ownership of me, and I feel it too,” he said last year. “I think the fact that Scotland was the place where everything changed in my life gives me a special, warm feeling about playing here. Edinburgh people are very possessive of people that their festival breaks.”

© James Veysey/Shutterstock

Thompson, who went through two hours of prosthetics fitting each day on set to play the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, has a lifelong love of Scotland and has a home in Argyll.

The film has been showing in cinemas across the UK, with a release on Netflix, scheduled for this summer.

Irish actress Alisha Weir, 13, plays the title role, while Bond star Lynch plays Miss Honey.

Matilda’s parents are played by This Is England star Graham and Birdman’s Andrea Riseborough.

The Irn-Bru appearance has been a big talking point on social media for those who’ve already seen the film.

Author David Bratchpiece tweeted: “Watched a bit of ‘Matilda the Musical’ tonight and at one point there’s a can of Irn-Bru with the 80’s Irn-Bru logo on it. I got more excited about this random and unexpected prop than I have any right to be.”

The official Irn-Bru twitter account tweeted: “Did you spot us in #MatildaTheMusical? A little attempted #TeleCANesis”

The makers of the film are yet to comment on Irn-Bru’s appearance in the movie.