Quick verdict: Book Hamilton if you want hip-hop energy, historical drama, and the most talked-about musical of the decade. Book Wicked if you want spectacular flying, family-friendly themes, and the biggest visual production on the West End.

Hamilton vs Wicked: The Numbers

What is Hamilton About?

Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's Founding Fathers, through hip-hop, R&B, and contemporary musical styles. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the book, music, and lyrics. The show covers Hamilton's rise from Caribbean orphan to Treasury Secretary, his rivalries with Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson, and his death in a duel.

The casting is deliberately diverse, with actors of colour playing the Founding Fathers. The music is relentless, with 46 songs delivering more words per minute than any other Broadway or West End musical. Strong language throughout.

Book Hamilton if: You want something modern, political, and musically innovative. You can follow rapid-fire lyrics. You appreciate theatre that makes you think and feel simultaneously.

What is Wicked About?

Wicked reimagines The Wizard of Oz from the witches' perspective. Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch) are university roommates whose friendship fractures over love, power, and political manipulation. The show asks: what makes someone wicked, and who decides?

The production is massive: a mechanical dragon head, a 40-foot map of Oz, flying sequences, and costume changes that drew gasps on opening night and still do 18 years later. The score by Stephen Schwartz includes Defying Gravity, one of the most famous musical theatre moments ever staged.

Book Wicked if: You want theatrical spectacle. You are bringing children or teenagers. You love traditional Broadway-style musicals with big ballads and emotional storytelling.

Best Seats: Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre

The Victoria Palace Theatre was extensively renovated before Hamilton opened. Sightlines are excellent throughout. The theatre has 1,550 seats across Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony.

Stalls Rows E to M centre (seats 8 to 25): The turntable staging works best from centre seats. You see the choreography patterns, catch every lyric, and feel the energy. £120 to £200.

Royal Circle Rows A to C centre: Excellent views of the full stage. Some fans prefer this for seeing the geometric patterns of the ensemble work. £90 to £150.

Grand Circle front rows: Good value at £50 to £80. Sound is excellent. You miss some facial expressions but see everything.

Balcony: £24 to £50. Distant but cheap. The music carries well. Lottery seats often end up here.

How to get cheap Hamilton tickets: Daily digital lottery for £10 seats. Enter via the app 48 hours before. Friday Forty (£40 tickets released Fridays at 1pm). Returns on tickadoo.

Best Seats: Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre

The Apollo Victoria is one of London's largest theatres at 2,328 seats. The Art Deco venue was a cinema before becoming a theatre. Wicked uses every inch of the massive stage.

Stalls Rows G to N centre (seats 20 to 40): Optimal for Defying Gravity. You see Elphaba rise directly in your sightline. £100 to £175.

Dress Circle Rows A to D centre: Many fans consider this the best section. You see the full mechanical dragon, the Oz map, and all flying sequences from the ideal angle. £80 to £140.

Circle Rows E onwards: Still good views at £50 to £80. The vast stage means even rear circle seats see clearly.

Balcony: £20 to £45. Far but functional. The spectacle still reads at distance because the production is so large.

How to get cheap Wicked tickets: Day seats £25 to £30 from box office at 10am. Kids Week in August (one free child ticket per adult). Group discounts for 10+. Midweek performances are £20 to £30 cheaper.

Which Is Better for Families?

Wicked wins for families. Age 7+ recommendation versus Hamilton's 10+. No strong language. A story about friendship that children understand. Flying witches and a dragon that delight young audiences. Easier-to-follow songs.

Hamilton works for older children (12+) who enjoy history, can follow rapid lyrics, and are not bothered by themes of infidelity, death, and political machination. Some schools study Hamilton as part of curriculum, which helps engagement.

For younger children, neither is ideal. Consider The Lion King (ages 6+), Matilda (ages 6+), or PADDINGTON (ages 3+).

Which Is Better Value?

Wicked is marginally cheaper with more availability. The larger theatre means more seats at more price points. Day seats are easier to get.

Hamilton premium seats cost more but the lottery offers £10 tickets daily. If you win the lottery, Hamilton is the best value in London theatre.

Both shows are worth full price. Neither is a waste of money at any seat level.

Alternative Shows to Consider

Cannot decide? Here are alternatives:

Les Miserables (£25 to £175): Epic historical musical with serious themes. Newly renovated production.

Phantom of the Opera (£25 to £175): Classic romance with chandelier spectacle. Longest-running West End musical.

SIX (£35 to £150): Pop concert energy in 75 minutes. Henry VIII's wives as girl band.

The Lion King (£44 to £169): Puppetry spectacle. Works for all ages.

Mamma Mia (£20 to £150): ABBA party atmosphere. Guaranteed fun.

Final Verdict: Hamilton or Wicked?

Both are exceptional. Both deserve your time. If you can only see one:

Book Hamilton if you want to see the show that changed musical theatre, you love hip-hop or history, and you want something to discuss for weeks afterwards.

Book Wicked if you want maximum spectacle, you are bringing younger family members, and you want the most visually impressive production on the West End.

Or book both. They are different enough that seeing one does not diminish the other. Browse all London theatre tickets and West End musicals on tickadoo.