Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen to lead new West End 'Wicked' cast
Wicked opened in London in 2006 and is the 10th longest-running West End production in history. The musical has been seen by more than 12 million people in London alone.
It's time to defy gravity, as the new West End cast of Wicked has been announced! The new company will begin performances at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre from 25 March.
Leading the cast are Emma Kingston (The Purists, The Band’s Visit, Heathers: The Musical) as Elphaba and Olivier Award nominee Zizi Strallen (Cake, Oklahoma in Concert, Follies, Mary Poppins) as Glinda. Carl Man (& Juliet) returns to the show as Fiyero, having played the role in the UK and Ireland 2023–2025 tour, as well as covering it in London’s 15th-anniversary cast.
Sarah Ingram (Legally Blonde: The Musical, Richard III) joins as Madame Morrible, while Michael Matus (Singin’ in the Rain, The Baker’s Wife) will play The Wizard. Hannah Qureshi (Hamilton) will star as Nessarose, David McKechnie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) as Doctor Dillamond, and Ross Carpenter (Book of Mormon) as Boq.
Laura Emmitt (Frozen: The Musical) returns to the show as Alternate Elphaba and Lydia Gerrard (The Phantom of The Opera, UK & Ireland Tour) joins as Standby for Glinda, having covered the role on tour.
The 2025/6 company is completed by Iroy Abesamis, Zac Adlam, Steph Asamoah, Meg Astin, Rebecca Bowden, Shaun Chambers, Erin Gisele Chapman, Grace Durkin, Onyemachi Ejimofor, Aaron Elijah, Aimee Hodnett, Nat Ingham, Holly Lawrence, Jemima Loddy, Josh Lovell, Rory Maguire, PaddyJoe Martin, JoJo Meredith, Ayden Morgan, Rina Punwani, Abbie Quinnen, Jemma Revell, Jeanie Ryan, Charlotte Anne Steen, Chris Tarsey, Hannah Taylor, James Titchener, and Jacob Young.
Wicked opened in London in 2006 and is the 10th longest-running West End production in history. The musical has been seen by more than 12 million people in London alone and celebrated its 7000th performance in the West End on 15 November 2024.
Based on Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the musical has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted) and a book by Winnie Holzman. Musical staging is by Wayne Cilento, with direction by Joe Mantello.
Book Wicked tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
Photo credit: Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen. (Photo by Matt Crockett)
Frequently asked questions
What is Wicked about?
What happened before Dorothy dropped in? The Wizard of Oz is reimagined in this record-breaking musical classic. Sweeping awards and selling out across the world, you won’t want to miss the chance to see the dazzling original staging. Get your tickets to Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre today.
How long is Wicked?
The running time of Wicked is 2hr 45min. Incl. 1 interval.
Where is Wicked playing?
Wicked is playing at Apollo Victoria Theatre. The theatre is located at 17 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG.
What's the age requirement for Wicked?
The recommended age for Wicked is Ages 7+. Under 16s must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult (18+). Children under 5 years will not be admitted. All persons attending, regardless of age, must have a ticket..
How do you book tickets for Wicked?
Book tickets for Wicked on London Theatre.
What are the songs in Wicked?
Wicked includes famous songs, such as “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “No Good Deed.” Read our complete song guide to Wicked.
Who wrote Wicked?
Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for Wicked, with a book by Winnie Holzman. The musical is based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.
Who directed Wicked?
Wicked was directed by the award-winning actor and director Joe Mantello (Boys in the Band, Assassins).
When did Wicked open in the West End?
Wicked opened in the West End on 27 September 2006 at the Apollo Victoria. The production is one of the longest-running musicals in the West End.
Is Wicked appropriate for kids?
Wicked can be enjoyed by all ages but is most suitable for those above the age of 7. Children under the age of 5 will not be permitted into the venue.
Is Wicked good?
Wicked has delighted audiences in London’s West End for over 15 years with the magic of Oz. Read our five-star review of Wicked.
What book is Wicked the musical based on?
The musical is based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. His book expands into the world of the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Is Wicked the musical scary?
There are some mildly scary moments in Wicked but the content is appropriate for those of all ages. It is advised that those attending be above the age of 7.
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