Shows similar to Matilda The Musical
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The little bit naughty smarty pants *[Matilda](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/matilda-the-musical-tickets)* has been charming West End audiences for over 15 years. **Tim Minchin** and **Dennis Kelly**’s multi-award-winning stage adaptation of **Roald Dahl**’s classic children’s book is packed full of energy and mischief. Seeing the young and cunning Matilda stand up to her rubbish parents and scary head teacher, it’s an empowering tale of bravery, individuality, and doing what’s right. The record-breaking musical has become a beacon of British musical theatre, and it’s beloved by people of all ages.
With so many achievements, you may think it’s hard to find shows similar to Matilda The Musical that will meet those expectations. Thankfully, London is packed full of incredible shows, many of which are perfect if you loved Matilda.
### **What musical is most like Matilda? **
With overlapping themes and comparable critical acclaim, the musical most like Matilda is *[Billy Elliot](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/billy-elliot-tickets)*. Just like Matilda, Billy Elliot centres on a young child who is different and special.
Constantly told his passions are wrong, Billy stands up to authority and follows his dreams to become a ballet dancer. With the adults in his life constantly getting in the way, Billy fights for himself, and thus all others like him.
When Billy Elliot was first staged, it earned 10 Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards, compared to Matilda’s five Tony wins and seven Oliviers.
### **What should I watch if I loved Matilda? **
In addition to Billy Elliot, these shows similar to Matilda that will satisfy you like chocolate cake satisfies a sweet tooth: *[Oliver!](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/oliver-gielgud-tickets)*, *[Wicked](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/wicked-tickets)*, *[SIX](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/six-london-vaudeville-theatre-tickets)*, *[Beetlejuice The Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/beetlejuice-tickets)*, *[High School Musica](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/high-school-musical-tickets)l* and *[COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/come-alive-the-greatest-showman-circus-spectacular-tickets)*. They’re all incredible family theatre shows currently available to book in the West End, but before you book your tickets to any of these shows, please check age recommendations.
For stage adaptations of classic books, you can’t go wrong with [Oliver!](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/oliver-gielgud-tickets). The musical about an orphan boy who wants to find where he belongs is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Just like Matilda, Oliver is smart and determined. So when he’s left to fend for himself on the streets of Victorian London, he does what he can to survive. Featuring a cast of high-energy kids and unforgettable songs, it’s a solid pick for fans of Matilda.
If you liked Matilda for its magical school setting, [Wicked](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/wicked-tickets) is the way to go. Expanding the world of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Set at Shiz University, we see Elphaba (the wicked witch’s real name) try to disappear in a world where she only stands out. When the most popular girl in school decides to befriend her, life starts getting good. Until the head teacher and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz intervene. With themes of justice, staying true to yourself, and fighting for the rights of others, Wicked is definitely one of the shows most similar to Matilda.
Girl power and writing your own story are key themes in Matilda. They’re also key themes in SIX. Retelling the story of Henry VIII’s wives, [SIX](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/six-london-vaudeville-theatre-tickets) gives a voice to those silenced by history. So if you loved Matilda The Musical for its strong female lead that defies appearances, SIX is for you.
A young girl, unhappy in her home life, is looking for a magical way to get out. Did we just describe Matilda or was it [Beetlejuice The Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/beetlejuice-tickets)? Based on **Tim Burton’**s cult classic film of the same name, Beetlejuice follows a girl so desperate to escape the mundanity of her neglected life that she summons a chaotic demon to liven things up.
If you want to be popular with the kids and relive your youth, one of the best family shows you can see is [High School Musica](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/high-school-musical-tickets)l. And luckily, it’s coming to London in October 2026. Packed full of songs you all know and love, plus an uplifting story of teamwork and self-discovery, it’s bound to be a winner.
For those who loved Matilda for the dreamy circus scenes, you’re in for a treat with [COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Show](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/come-alive-the-greatest-showman-circus-spectacular-tickets). This daring and beautiful production takes the film you know and love and makes it a live spectacular. Featuring the hit award-winning songs from the movie, coupled with live circus acts, it’s a breathtaking display for all.
### **What is the best musical to see after Matilda The Musical? **
Based on their similar themes and energy, [Wicked](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/wicked-tickets) is possibly the best musical to see after Matilda - particularly if your children are a little bit older since the last time you went to the theatre.
However, best is very subjective. All of the family musicals in London mentioned above have their strengths and reasons to be at the top of your list. You can find out more about each of these shows, plus more, on our [what’s on page](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/all-events?sorting=3). Maybe you’ll find more than one show you’ll want to see… even if they're not one of the shows similar to Matilda.
### **Is Matilda The Musical suitable for children? **
[Matilda The Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/matilda-the-musical-tickets) is one of the top family theatre shows in London. It’s recommended for children aged 6+; however, children under 4 will not be permitted into the theatre.
You can find out more about family theatre shows in London with [our guide](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/tickets/family-friendly-theatre-for-children-and-adults).