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)
From 22nd July, Nikki Bentley will take over the role of Elphaba, Helen Woolf will take over the role of Glinda and Alistair Brammer will take over the role of Fiyero.
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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