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Original poster

Matilda or Hamilton?

96 replies

Doubleraspberry · 25/06/2022 12:55

I’m taking DC (8) for a weekend in London as a huge treat. They adore music and I’m going to push the boat to get tickets to something we’d both love to see. We’ve narrowed it down to Matilda and Hamilton. Similar prices (can’t do the lotteries sadly given the flying visit and need for tickets on a specific date).

I know Hamilton has some swears but they are pretty oblivious - I can see there’s an advisory for under-10s owing to language but we’ve had the soundtrack on repeat for weeks already. They do find the politics tricky to follow in the second half so I’m slightly worried they’ll lose focus.

I have actually seen Matilda with an older sibling and adored it, so I’m very happy to go again, and of course it’s (a) more suitable overall and (b) not available on Disney+ any time!

I’m leaning to Matilda but anyone had smaller kids that ended up being blown away at Hamilton?

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Abraxan · 26/06/2022 12:11

20y Dd has been to see both, along with lots of other shows recently using the last minute tickets.

For an 8y she would say Matilda would be best although her personal favourite of both is Hamilton.

Though, she also said she thinks Six would be even better for a musical obsessed 8y as she thinks the music is even better in that and it's a slightly shorter show.

erinaceus · 26/06/2022 12:13

Matilda, then Hamilton in a few years't time.

Enjoy!

Abraxan · 26/06/2022 12:14

Meanwhile I’m sneakily hoping that DH will get us Hamilton tickets for my birthday. He has been saying how amazing it would be to see it as we’ve been deciding this.

It can be worth using the TodayTix app and applying for lottery tickets. You can chose which days you'd want, and matinee or evening. Me and dd did this whilst she's been living down south for a couple of months as part of her university course. On week 3 of doing it I won lottery tickets - managed to get her 2 tickets at £10 each for a Saturday afternoon. Was definitely 'best parent' award material that day :)

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Theatre
viques · 26/06/2022 12:17

Matilda. We went to see Hamilton when it first opened and were distinctly underwhelmed. Not helped by the bad taste left by paying thirty quid for two small glasses of basic Prosecco and a small tub of crisps……. And having to queue outside while they checked our ID……….

Original poster
Doubleraspberry · 26/06/2022 12:22

Abraxan · 26/06/2022 12:11

20y Dd has been to see both, along with lots of other shows recently using the last minute tickets.

For an 8y she would say Matilda would be best although her personal favourite of both is Hamilton.

Though, she also said she thinks Six would be even better for a musical obsessed 8y as she thinks the music is even better in that and it's a slightly shorter show.

We’re booked to see Six in the autumn on tour as that’s the family favourite above all else!

I’ll look at the lottery for a more flexible approach for me and DH, but for this visit I have one specific day so need to know we’re sorted!

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Branleuse · 26/06/2022 12:24

If theyre already into hamilton then id do that, as seeing the show makes it much clearer.

funtimesahead100 · 26/06/2022 12:41

Apparently Matlida will be on Disney+ late Dec 2022

trockodile · 26/06/2022 12:55

A few musings....Loved Hamilton, but the second half is distinctly weaker and the combination of the politics and the affair did take the shine off a bit imo. Matilda is good, but tbh for that age I preferred Frozen-just more of an 'experience' live. Newsies is coming to London this year which looks good on Disney+. Moulin Rouge may be a bit mature, but has some fantastic musical numbers. & Juliet is also good for musical numbers. I would say Six is a bit short if you're seeing it as your big treat musical, I found it slightly under-whelming.
Hope you both have a wonderful time.

Original poster
Doubleraspberry · 26/06/2022 13:39

trockodile · 26/06/2022 12:55

A few musings....Loved Hamilton, but the second half is distinctly weaker and the combination of the politics and the affair did take the shine off a bit imo. Matilda is good, but tbh for that age I preferred Frozen-just more of an 'experience' live. Newsies is coming to London this year which looks good on Disney+. Moulin Rouge may be a bit mature, but has some fantastic musical numbers. & Juliet is also good for musical numbers. I would say Six is a bit short if you're seeing it as your big treat musical, I found it slightly under-whelming.
Hope you both have a wonderful time.

Thank you! Six is the whole family going and it’s been on repeat in the car for a year so everyone is very keen.

Frozen is a possibility but frankly I am not too excited about it myself, and for the price I’d like to enjoy it too. I know the spectacle would probably be more enjoyable than I’m thinking though. I’ll look at Juliet (not one I know) and consider Moulin Rouge - I think I may meet resistance on it though as we seek familiarity…

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Original poster
Doubleraspberry · 26/06/2022 13:39

funtimesahead100 · 26/06/2022 12:41

Apparently Matlida will be on Disney+ late Dec 2022

Ooh!

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Comefromaway · 26/06/2022 16:26

I’m assuming that will be the new film of Matilda

I. LOVE Newsies & have booked for Troubadour over Christmas but it’s going to be brand new staging & choreography.

AmbushedByCake · 26/06/2022 16:36

I've seen Frozen and Matilda recently. Matilda was very good but Frozen was spectacular. My DM came too and she thought it would be childish and cheesy but she was blown away by it. Plus the Theatre Royal is gorgeous and the staff were wonderful.

This isn't overly helpful for you I don't suppose 😀

Original poster
Doubleraspberry · 26/06/2022 16:44

Frozen would be pretty popular with my young assistant! I’ll check in and see whether tickets are available before reverting to the decision maker.

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LIZS · 26/06/2022 17:32

Or the new Beauty and the Beast?

Original poster
Doubleraspberry · 27/06/2022 10:15

I can’t bear that! I have a very low Disney threshold I’m afraid.

The decision-maker has considered the options and chosen Matilda, so thank you so much for all the input.

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beautyisthefaceisee · 03/07/2022 17:30

Good choice. Hamilton is amazing, but its' LONG, and a small child wouldn't get it

Re- Matilda - please be prepared, everyone that's been to see it tell's me it's utter shite!

I loved the OG film and am hopeful for the musical adaptation with Emma Thompson in December.

beautyisthefaceisee · 03/07/2022 17:30

LIZS · 26/06/2022 17:32

Or the new Beauty and the Beast?

Meant to be utterly fantastic

beautyisthefaceisee · 03/07/2022 17:31

viques · 26/06/2022 12:17

Matilda. We went to see Hamilton when it first opened and were distinctly underwhelmed. Not helped by the bad taste left by paying thirty quid for two small glasses of basic Prosecco and a small tub of crisps……. And having to queue outside while they checked our ID……….

thats just the theatre. we had the same at Les Mis.

ShowOfHands · 03/07/2022 17:36

Enjoy Matilda. I'm considering taking the DC to see it this autumn (I saw it a decade ago when it first came out).

We took DS to see Hamilton for his 10th birthday and he already knew it inside out so obviously, adored it. We took DS to see Les Mis for her 7th birthday as well and she was word/context perfect before she went. So yes, of course it's possible for a younger child to enjoy these musicals but prior knowledge is a must.

Definitely try and see Hamilton live when you can. It's an entirely different experience to watching it on Disney+.

Original poster
Doubleraspberry · 03/07/2022 17:42

beautyisthefaceisee · 03/07/2022 17:30

Good choice. Hamilton is amazing, but its' LONG, and a small child wouldn't get it

Re- Matilda - please be prepared, everyone that's been to see it tell's me it's utter shite!

I loved the OG film and am hopeful for the musical adaptation with Emma Thompson in December.

I’m here as someone who’s seen Matilda to say it’s brilliant! So hopefully can offer a different view.

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ODFOx · 03/07/2022 17:54

If I were an 8 year old I think I'd rather see a show about a school girl with magical powers who wins out over mean parents and a horrid teacher to live happily ever after than the story of the American Founding Fathers, even with rap.

Original poster
Doubleraspberry · 03/07/2022 18:09

But MY 8 year old is listening to Hamilton on repeat and discussing their favourite Skylar sister, which is why it was something I considered.

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ODFOx · 03/07/2022 18:59

Your 8 year is very special, but Matilda is still more fun to watch! 😀

Original poster
Doubleraspberry · 03/07/2022 19:04

I don’t think they’re particularly special but my point is that they do enjoy Hamilton, despite its subject matter! Quite a few posters have told me how little my child will enjoy a musical I have repeatedly said they are a big fan of.

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GrouchyKiwi · 03/07/2022 19:10

I was so confused for a hot second because I went to school with a girl called Matilda Hamilton.

<slinks away after that pointless interruption>