Your complete guide to Wicked in London

We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz. But with an updated, fresh new take on it. Are you prepared to be enchanted by a musical that has captivated audiences on Broadway and the West End? Elphaba, the green-skinned "wicked" witch, and Glinda, the effervescent "good" witch, are at each other's heels in Wicked, which turns the classic Oz narrative on its head. In case you haven't heard, there's a mad dash to the Emerald City! Characters you thought you know reveal unexpected depths and startling truths in this magical, humorous, and emotionally charged tale. With its breathtaking score, Wicked has become an international phenomenon.

What is Wicked about?

Offering a new take on the timeless narrative, Wicked reveals the hidden history of the witches from The Wizard of Oz. Elphaba, a green-skinned witch who is misunderstood and magically talented, and Glinda, a beautiful and driven classmate, are the protagonists of the musical, which starts long before Dorothy reaches Oz. At Shiz University, they become unexpected friends despite their differences. Political intrigue and individual decisions separate them as the plot develops. Glinda gains reputation as the "Good Witch," whereas Elphaba is ostracized and called the "Wicked Witch of the West." This magical musical delves into topics like discrimination, power, friendship, and the complexities of good and evil along the Yellow Brick Road

When did Wicked premiere in London?

Opening at the Apollo Theatre in 2006, three years after its 2003 Broadway debut, Wicked has taken West End by storm. From its home at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wicked recently marked both the 7,000th performance and the 18th anniversary of the show.

Who are the main characters in Wicked?

The main characters include:

• Elphaba Thropp: The heroine, Elphaba, is a passionate, intelligent, and magically gifted green-skinned girl who is often misunderstood. Over the course of the show, she faces corruption and bigotry before finally embracing her "Wicked Witch" identity and fighting for justice.
• The Good Witch, Glinda Upland: Glinda, Elphaba's ambitious and vivacious best friend and classmate, develops from a narcissistic socialite into a mature and kind person. The difficulty of balancing one's own ambitions with doing the right thing is explored throughout her trip, as is the cost of celebrity.
• Tegelaar Fiyero: A carefree prince who falls in love with Glinda and Elphaba while attending Shiz University.
• Oz, the Wizard: Several of Oz's issues stem from this charming yet deceitful leader's thirst for power.
• Madame Morrible: A pivotal enemy and the crafty headmistress of Shiz University. She shapes Oz's political environment and brings Elphaba into disgrace as a tool of the Wizard's rule.
• The Wicked Witch from the East, Nessarose Thropp: The sad arc of Nessarose, Elphaba's younger sister, who is reliant and angry at the beginning of the story, is intimately related to the events that transpire before Dorothy arrives in Oz.
• Boq: A naive Munchkin, captivated by Glinda's beauty, gets caught up in Nessarose's story, which has unforeseen effects that add to the mayhem in Oz.

Who stars in Wicked in London?

Lucy St. Louis captivates as the vivacious and driven Glinda, Alexia Khadime steals the show as the misunderstood witch with green skin, Elphaba. Sophie-Louise Dann plays Madame Morrible, while Ryan Reid plays the endearing and developing Fiyero. Michael Fenton Stevens has charm and depth as the Wizard. Wicked The Musical features Joe Thompson-Oubari as Boq, Graham Kent as Doctor Dillamond, and Caitlin Anderson as Nessarose. The mesmerizing performances of this ensemble in a much-loved musical in London have captivated audiences time and time again.

What are the iconic songs in Wicked?

The musical’s score features unforgettable songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, such as:

• Defying Gravity: The showstopper and anthem of empowerment, Defying Gravity is Elphaba’s declaration of independence and her decision to embrace her destiny, no matter the cost.
• Popular: A lighthearted and hilarious tune performed by Glinda, packed with charm, wit, and Glinda’s signature sparkle.
• For Good: A heartfelt duet between Elphaba and Glinda, this song reflects on their transformative friendship. It’s an emotional high point and often leaves audiences in tears.
• The Wizard and I: Sung by Elphaba, this hopeful song captures her dreams of working with the Wizard and changing the world, revealing her initial innocence and aspirations.
• What Is This Feeling?: A humorous and energetic duet with Glinda and Elphaba setting up their dynamic as roommates at Shiz University.
• No Good Deed: A haunting solo by Elphaba as she reflects on how her good intentions have gone awry.
• As Long As You’re Mine: A passionate duet between Elphaba and Fiyero
• Stephen Schwartz’s brilliant music and lyrics, are part of what makes Wicked such a beloved and enduring musical.

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What awards has Wicked won?

The musical has received critical acclaim. Three Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards went to the original Broadway play, and the fantastic cast album won a Grammy Award. Numerous international adaptations, including a lengthy run in London's West End, have followed in the footsteps of the original Broadway production.

How long is Wicked?

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including a 15-minute intermission. The magic never stops, however, and audiences will be left wondering how time has flown by.

Where is Wicked playing in London?

Wicked continues its iconic run at Apollo Victoria Theatre in London’s West End, where the music and magic never stops.

Fun facts about Wicked

• Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz was the working title for the musical before it became Wicked. We now know it by its shorter, more memorable name.
• Wicked has surpassed $1 billion in ticket sales, making it one of the highest-grossing plays in Broadway history. Only a few of productions, including The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera, have achieved this feat.
• Elphaba is able to "fly" in the song "Defying Gravity" because to elaborate stage technology, including as a specially-built elevator.
• Elsa from Disney's Frozen is voiced by Idina Menzel, who was the original Elphaba on Broadway. Defying Gravity and Let It Go! have a lot of vocal similarities, and many fans love to point them out.
• Wicked used new terms like "Oz-ian" and "Thrillifying" to portray the magical land of Oz and offer another creative dimension to the plot.

Book your tickets to see Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre and enjoy defying gravity on London’s West End stage.