Shows Similar to Oliver!

Posted on 7 Jul 2026

Did you leave the [Gielgud Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/gielgud-theatre-london) and utter the words, "Please, sir. Can I have some more?" If you're a fan of **Lionel Bart**'s classic musical and want more shows similar to *[Oliver!](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/oliver-gielgud-tickets)*, consider yourself in luck, because London is packed full of them. Oliver! follows a young orphan boy who's left to fend for himself on the dangerous streets of Victorian London. Hungry, desperate and alone, he falls into a gang of pickpockets led by the formidable Fagin. But will he have to live a life of crime to survive? Though the stage adaptation of **Charles Dickens**' classic novel is unique in both story and style, its themes and setting mean you have loads of West End musicals to choose from if you liked Oliver!. ### **What musical is most like Oliver!?** When it comes to like-for-like comparisons, the musical most like Oliver! is *[Matilda The Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/matilda-the-musical-tickets)*. Both Oliver! and Matilda The Musical feature a young, brilliant, neglected child trying to find a way out of harsh living circumstances. Both shows are adapted from classic children's books and feature unforgettable songs. Matilda The Musical is an enchanting story of a young girl who loves to read. She is sweet, clever and the complete opposite of the rest of her family. One day, while being punished for reading, she discovers she has magical powers and uses them to teach her parents and her evil headteacher a lesson. ### **What should I watch if I loved Oliver!?** Other than Matilda The Musical, shows similar to Oliver! include *[Les Misérables](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/les-miserables-tickets)*, *[The Lion King](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-lion-king-tickets)*, and *[Billy Elliot](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/billy-elliot-tickets)*. If you liked Oliver! for its gritty depiction of Victorian London, *Les Misérables* could be the one for you. Set in 19th-century France, it follows the ex-convict Jean Valjean as he transforms from a homeless man into a wealthy business owner, all while being relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert. The musical also explores the harsh realities faced by children living in poverty, particularly when their parents can't - or won't - provide for them. Okay, hear us out. Though it takes place on the African savanna, The Lion King shares several themes with Oliver!. Left to fend for himself, the young lion Simba joins a group of unlikely companions before eventually taking his rightful place as king. If you loved Oliver! because of its friendships and heartwarming coming-of-age story, The Lion King is well worth seeing. If you liked Oliver! because of Oliver himself—a scrappy boy living in an impoverished Britain, doing everything he can to escape his circumstances—you'll love Billy Elliot. Making its grand comeback, Billy Elliot returns to the West End in February 2027. The heartwarming musical follows Billy, a young boy from a mining town who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. Despite social expectations and bullying, he fights for his dreams in the hope of proving everyone wrong.

### **Family musicals in London** Though there aren't a huge number of shows directly similar to *Oliver!*, West End visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to family musicals in London. *[Paddington the Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/paddington-the-musical-tickets)* is one of the biggest new shows of 2026. Having won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, it's a must-see for children of all ages. For those who love seeing a story both on stage and on screen, [Wicked](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/wicked-tickets) is another excellent choice. Other family musicals in London include *[Hercules](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/hercules-tickets)*, *[Beetlejuice The Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/beetlejuice-tickets)*, *[High School Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/high-school-musical-tickets)*, and *[The Enormous Crocodile](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-enormous-crocodile-tickets)*. ### **What is the best musical to see after Oliver!?** It really depends on what you enjoyed most about Oliver! and who you're seeing it with. For families, Matilda The Musical is an excellent choice for all ages. If you're looking for something with a similar tone and setting that's better suited to adults, Les Misérables is the perfect follow-up. ### **Is Oliver! suitable for children?** Oliver! is recommended for children aged 7+, and children under the age of 3 will not be admitted to the theatre.