Show comparison
Matilda The Musical vs Wicked The Musical
Comparing Matilda The Musical and Wicked The Musical — price, ratings, duration, venue, and which one to book. An honest side-by-side comparison.
Matilda The Musical and Wicked both tell stories about extraordinary young women who refuse to accept the world as it is — and both do it with incredible music, brilliant staging, and performances that leave audiences buzzing. Matilda, based on Roald Dahl's beloved book, celebrates the power of imagination and standing up to bullies. Wicked reimagines the witches of Oz and explores what it means to be judged for being different. Both are among the best musicals in the West End, and both have fierce, devoted fanbases.
Matilda The Musical
Wicked The Musical
Quick Verdict
Best value
Matilda The Musical
Highest rated
Matilda The Musical
Shorter show
Matilda The Musical
Who Should See Matilda The Musical?
Matilda is perfect for families, book lovers, and anyone who appreciates wit and cleverness in their entertainment. Tim Minchin's score is one of the smartest in musical theatre — lyrics that are genuinely funny for adults while being completely accessible for children. The child performers are astonishing, the staging is inventive (the alphabet blocks alone are a design triumph), and the story has a warmth and moral clarity that is deeply satisfying. It is the rare family show that adults enjoy just as much as children.
Who Should See Wicked The Musical?
Wicked is ideal for older children, teenagers, and adults who want a musical with emotional complexity and visual grandeur. The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is beautifully developed — funny, moving, and ultimately heartbreaking — and the production values are among the most spectacular in London. The Schwartz score builds from comedy to genuine emotional power, and the second act delivers moments of real intensity. If you want a musical that treats its audience as intelligent, Wicked is outstanding.
How Matilda The Musical and Wicked The Musical Compare
Matilda is the warmer, funnier, more family-friendly show. Its humour is broader, its villains are more cartoonish (in the best Dahl tradition), and its message — that stories and imagination can change the world — is delivered with enormous charm. Wicked is darker, more complex, and more emotionally demanding. Its themes of prejudice, power, and the cost of being different give it a weight that Matilda does not attempt. Both have outstanding scores, but they sound completely different — Matilda is quirky and clever, Wicked is soaring and theatrical.
The Verdict
For families with children under twelve, Matilda is the obvious choice — it is one of the greatest family musicals ever made. For teenagers and adults, Wicked offers more emotional depth and theatrical spectacle. Both are exceptional, and fans of one tend to love the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range is best for Matilda vs Wicked?
Matilda is best enjoyed by children aged five to twelve and their parents — it is specifically designed for family audiences. Wicked works best for ages seven and up but has more appeal for teenagers and adults due to its more complex themes and emotional intensity.
Which has a better score, Matilda or Wicked?
Both scores are exceptional but completely different in character. Tim Minchin's Matilda score is witty, rhythmically inventive, and full of wordplay. Stephen Schwartz's Wicked score is more traditionally theatrical with soaring ballads and powerful ensemble numbers. Personal preference will decide this one.
Are both shows still running in the West End?
Yes, both Matilda The Musical and Wicked are currently playing in London's West End. Both have been running for years and remain among the most popular shows in the city.