Wicked extends West End run to 2025

The West End adaptation of Wicked opened in 2006 and has broken several records throughout its long run. Already the 11th longest-running show in West End's history, it celebrated its 6,500th show in 2023. It now extends its illustrious run through 1 June 2025.

The musical opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre to rave reviews and starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba, Helen Dallimore as Glinda, and Nigel Planer as the Wizard. Kerry Ellis took over from Menzel the following year, becoming the first British woman to play Elphaba. The current lineup features Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Lucy St. Louis as Glinda, and Michael Fenton Stevens as The Wizard, alongside an ensemble cast.

Close your eyes: and leap!

Wicked premiered in 2003 based on a book by Winnie Holzman with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The story was loosely adapted from Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995), which itself was based on L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and MGM's film adaptation of the tale (1939). The stage musical offers a different take on the classic, told from the perspective of the witches of Oz as they break free from tyranny and "defy gravity."

Wicked is one of the most iconic and influential musicals of all time. Its music has notably made its way into every arena, but it is just as recognizable for its costumes, set designs, and storytelling. What sets it apart from so many other musicals of its time is its focus on the friendship between the two female leads and their journey toward a better world. Menzel, alongside Kristen Chenoweth (Broadway's original Glinda), set the highest standards for the musical with vocal and acting performances that aren't easy to live up to. Yet each production manages to craft its path, with the West End proving its mettle as it continues to draw crowds.

The show has dazzled audiences for decades and shows no signs of slowing down, having extended its current run well into its 19th year.

Let the magic of West End's Wicked whisk you away.