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Matilda or lion king?

48 replies

sycamorescrumptious · 10/08/2023 18:35

Help! Looking to book our first family west end show, which would be better for DS 12 & DS 7 do you think? Have ruled out Harry Potter as being too long!

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NewNovember · 10/08/2023 20:03

YourNameGoesHere · 10/08/2023 19:08

That seems a daft comment I sincerely doubt many preschoolers are going to watch it.

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I am sure there isn't but it has a very young child appeal, I was bored stiff and I enjoyed the movie.

StillWantingADog · 10/08/2023 20:06

We have seen both in the last year.
we all liked Lion King but my ds2 (8) was mesmerised by Matilda. Still singing the songs several months on. It might have been partly because we had very good seats though- v close to the action.

both great family shows though

ZenNudist · 10/08/2023 20:07

I've seen both and prefer mathilda

Peekingovertheparapet · 10/08/2023 20:09

I loved the lion king. Absolutely amazing.

BaronessEllarawrosaurus · 10/08/2023 20:12

Absolutely loved matilda, also enjoyed watching my dd she was absolutely enthralled by it

StillWantingADog · 10/08/2023 20:20

A lot will depend on if your dcs are keen on Roald Dahl. Or not.
Matilda story is way better than LK.

viques · 10/08/2023 20:24

I think for a first theatre experience Lion King wins hands down , it really shows the magic of theatre and how it can transport you through illusion and imagination and how good theatre is immersive in a way that films aren’t.

Matilda is lovely, but it is down to the slickness of the production rather than surrounding you with an experience. Worth paying for good seats like front row circle if you can get them.

minipie · 10/08/2023 20:32

Matilda. Clever and moving. Less of a big theatrical spectacle than Lion King but more interesting (IMO) as the lyrics and staging are brilliant, as well as the underlying story of course. Also funnier.

lavagal · 10/08/2023 20:36

Matilda! I've seen both and think lion king is a bit overrated

Bumblebee112 · 10/08/2023 20:39

@sycamorescrumptious Lion King for a first theatre trip I’d say 😊 Wicked is also very popular in this house 😊

Hbh17 · 10/08/2023 20:45

Matilda is fabulous for adults AND children. I think Lion King is overrated.... too much Disney blandness & soppiness, not enough Africa!

Backhometothenorth · 10/08/2023 20:45

My daughters have loved Frozen, Wicked and Matilda in London over the last two years. Aged 7 and 11. Also Shrek the musical and SpongeBob in Manchester Grin

Meredusoleil · 10/08/2023 20:51

Have seen both and loved both. Dds saw Matilda last year (aged 13 & 10) and loved it. Really want to take them to see The Lion King, but can't justify the prices!

Wicked is also a fave with us. Frozen was good too, but not a top one.

NameChangeEmbarressed · 10/08/2023 21:11

Lion King was amazing from a musical and theatrical stand point. But Matilda was so much fun and my primary school child loved it

Womblegreen · 10/08/2023 21:14

Seen both, loved both but Lion King wins for us - the puppetry is incredible.

JazzyBBG · 10/08/2023 21:26

I didn't enjoy a lion King and I love the film. Haven't seen Matilda but want to.

Anonposter123 · 10/08/2023 21:41

Lion King is ten times better than Matilda

Wishitsnows · 10/08/2023 21:44

I preferred Matilda over the lion king

Takingresponsibilityforyourownactions · 10/08/2023 21:45

AllotmentTime · 10/08/2023 19:24

I was unimpressed by Matilda tbh. It was generally all well done, but lacked wow factor for me.

Definitely, it's storyline wasn't similar to the movie aswel imo

MikeWozniaksMohawk · 10/08/2023 21:48

Have seen both. They are VERY different shows. Lion King is beautiful to look at but Matilda is incredibly clever.

DanceMumTaxi · 10/08/2023 22:00

Out of the two I’d say Matilda, but it might be a bit underwhelming if they’ve seen the film. A bit out there, but a friend recently took her kids to see Mrs Doubtfire and said it was fantastic.

Fifiellz · 10/08/2023 22:33

Preferred Matilda over Lion King but we all loved Mrs Doubtfire and rated above both.

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sycamorescrumptious · 10/08/2023 22:39

Thank you everyone!! Sounds like both should be amazing experiences, it's so much money that I want to make sure we choose one well all enjoy.

Youngest is not a deep thinker so I'm thinking from the comments that the spectacle of lion king might be best as a lot of Matilda may pass him by.

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