Since opening on Broadway in 2003, Wicked has taken the world of musical theatre by storm. Despite receiving mixed notices after opening, critical opinion has proved secondary to the audience's attachment to the production, which has only continued to grow as the musical opens productions all over the world. The London production, which continues to run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in the West End has now entered the ranks of London's long-running shows, and has become a standard London show alongside the likes of The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Winner of 90 international awards, Wicked has cast its magical spell over audiences of all ages across the world for a decade and continues to be a record-breaking hit at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is now the 9th longest-running West End musical of all time. Wicked began previews in London on 7th September 2006, with an official opening on 27th September 2006. The show celebrated its 10th Anniversary on 27th September 2016 and has been seen by almost 10 million people.
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire the musical features a score by multi Grammy® and Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Baker's Wife) and a book by Winnie Holzman. Packed with thrilling technical wizardry, dazzling costumes, an ingenious and witty story and show-stopping songs, Wicked is an unforgettable, enchanting experience that is not to be missed.
The original Broadway production continues to play to packed houses having open almost 14 years ago, redefining modern musical theatre for an entire generation.
Wicked lifts the curtain on one of the most popular stories of all time, to show an alternative reading of 'The Wizard of Oz' that challenges our preconceptions of what is 'good' and what is considered 'wicked'. The unlikely friendship of Elphaba and Galinda at Shiz University leads to a powerful tale of love, acceptance and friendship that will speak to audiences of all ages and delight those familiar with the original wonderful story.
'One of the most popular West End musicals ever'. (Evening Standard)
'The perfect choice for a spellbinding night out.' (Daily Mail)
Wicked the Musical Film
Following the success of the stage production, it is only natural that fans have questioned whether a film version of the musical is on the cards. We spoke to the Producer of the show Marc Platt, and asked him when fans can expect to see Wicked on the big screen:
"The process and development of the movie has begun in earnest and it will happen when the material is at a place where we feel, as the creators, that the adaptation of it will be as satisfying as a film as it is in a theatre. That could be tomorrow or it could be a year from now - I don't know the answer to that, it IS in the process, we have just set the bar really high. We're not shooting to a release date - we want the film to be unique and satisfying as the stage experience which is still terribly successful."
It has been revealed that Stephen Daldry, the director of such films as 'Billy Elliot', 'The Reader', and 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' has been attached to the film version of Wicked for the past couple of years. Original book writer Winnie Holzman is also on board to write the screenplay, and Producers are making sure that all the vital elements come together to make it the best version of the film that it could possibly be.
Book your Wicked musical tickets, playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London, today.
Want to browse for more musicals? Check out our guide to the top 10 musicals in London.
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16 images Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, the WICKED musical tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Experience this unforgettable, award-winning musical and discover that you’ve not been told the whole story about the land of Oz...
Actor Alistair Brammer is set to join the West End cast of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre this summer. Brammer first appeared in the West End as Marius in the London production of Les Miserables, with other West End roles including Billy in War Horse and Chris in the Price Edward production of Miss Saigon. He went on to reprise the latter role on Broadway, when Miss Saigon was revived in 2017 at the Broadway Theatre.
New portrait images of the principal West End cast of Wicked have been announced in celebration of the musical nearing becoming the 15th longest-running show in London theatre history. The images, which can be seen below, show the new cast members Alice Fearn (Elphaba) and Sophie Evans (Glinda) who took on the roles earlier this summer. You can watch our exclusive interview with the pair by clicking here.
Watch the first interview with Wicked’s new Elphaba and Glinda, Alice Fearn and Sophie Evans, exclusively on LondonTheatre.co.uk. The pair took on the roles in July, and we sat down with the actresses backstage at the Apollo Victoria to talk about their history with the musical, find out their favourite moments from the show, and find out how they’re getting on in the roles.
New images of the incoming cast of Wicked have been released, showing new witches Alice Fearn and Sophie Evans in action. Fearn takes over from Willemijn Verkaik as Elphaba, and Evans replaces Suzie Mathers as Glinda at the Apollo Victoria from 24 July 2017. The new cast also includes Bradley Jaden (Fiyero), Jack Lansbury (Boq), Melanie La Barrie (Madame Morrible) and Andy Hockley (The Wizard). Martin Ball and Sarah McNicholas are set to continue as Doctor Dillamond and Nessarose respectively. Carina Gillespie remains standby Glinda, and Laura Pick takes over as standby Elphaba.
