'wicked' news

With the potential addition of ten shiny Oscars, the Wicked mantelpiece is shaping up to look a lot more Swankified! Following the film's recent Golden Globe win, the first part in the fantasy adaptation is flying high in the Oscars race!

Receiving an incredible ten nominations, Wicked is one of the hot-favourites to take home a statue this March. Amazingly, the only film to receive more awards nods than Wicked was another musical, Netflix’s Emilia Pérez. 

The first part of the musical, which follows the untold stories of the witches of Oz, turned the world green and pink when it opened in November last year. The record-breaking smash-hit quickly became the highest-grossing musical adaptation of all time, surpassing MAMMA MIA! ($611 million) and Grease ($188.62 million).

Elphaba, Glinda, Elphaba, Glinda, ones a witch, and ones a witch. But, who’s playing which? Well, here's the sitch…

From 25 March 2025 Emma Kingston (Heathers: The Musical) will don the infamous black hat to play Elphaba. She will star opposite Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins) as the ever popular Glinda. They will be joined by Carl Man (& Juliet) who reprises his role of Fiyero. Carl played Fiyero to sensational reviews across the UK and Ireland 2023 – 2025 tour, having previously covered the role in London’s 15th-anniversary cast. 

The trio will be accompanied by Sarah Ingram (Legally Blonde: The Musical) as Madame Morrible alongside Michael Matus (known for his Oliver Award-winning relationship with the Royal Shakespeare Company) as The Wizard. Wicked marks the fourth production that Sarah and Michael have worked on together.

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 Wicked London as Alternate Elphaba having previously covered the role in the West End, and Lydia Gerrard (Phantom of The Opera) joins as Standby for Glinda having covered the role on the recent 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.

The current 2024 / 25 company’s final performance will take place on Sunday 23 March 2025.

Phantasmagorical news! The first Wicked film has made like a twister and swept the board at the Golden Globes, picking up four nominations including Best Picture and Best Performance by a Female Actor. 

Part one of the much-talked about musical broke box office records (and the internet) when it opened two weeks ago. The film, directed by Jon M Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), tells the true story of the witches of Oz. And explains how one became good and the other, wicked. 

Based on the hit novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, and adapted from the 2003 Broadway blockbuster. Wicked writers Winnie Holzman (book) and Stephen Schwartz (score) collaborated with Dana Fox to create the spellbinding screenplay.

Unless you’ve been kept in a poppy induced slumber, you will know that this year belongs to Wicked. Nothing has escaped the film's magical touch, with Robinsons squash, Crocs, Build-A-Bear, Absolut Vodka, Hilton Hotels, Lush and even Walmart’s Macaroni and Cheese all getting the pink and green makeover. 

The record-breaking film has already taken a whopping $373 million worldwide. Though it is hardly surprising when you know that the 2003 Broadway stage musical it’s based on has already achieved long-running success in America, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and the UK. The West End production is currently theatrelands 10th longest running show. And with millions of theatregoers flocking to the Victoria Apollo each year, you don’t have to be a gifted green girl to know that the musical has a shining and successful future. 

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the 2024 film introduces the iconic story to an entirely new audience. But how does the movie compare to the stage show? From subtle differences in the plot to the grand transformations of the characters, here are some fun facts and key distinctions between Wicked the musical and the Wicked film.

A very popular song gets a new makeover 

Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, has given one of the musicals much-loved songs a makeover. The film adaptation of “Popular” includes a longer ending that utilises key changes which better showcases Ariana Grande's (Glinda) soprano range.

The new arrangement was made specifically for the film, but Schwartz has stated that he prefers this arrangement to the original, and would like to permanently incorporate it into the stage show itself. Well, the current version is so 2003, and we know that Glinda wouldn’t want to be associated with something that is out of date…

And the songs aren’t the only ones with a new look

You won’t see any goggles, cog covered set pieces or a truckload of top hats in the film, but you may spot the Time Dragon Clock if you pay close attention. The musical's iconic steampunk aesthetic doesn’t make it to the screen, but did you know why the land of Oz resembles a fantasy Camden Market on stage?

When the show began production over two decades ago, they were told in no uncertain terms by Warner Bros that they were not allowed to reference any visual element from The Wizard of Oz film. That's why you won’t see any sparkly red shoes, bubble dresses, or Dorothy and Toto on the London stage. They only had the rights to Gregory Maguire's Wicked novel and L. Frank Baum’s Oz series, and that was only because both of these materials were in the public domain.

It looks like The Wizard rummaged in his bag and gave the film company a change of heart (or they looked at the record-breaking award-winning musicals history, and realised it may be a good thing to be associated with it…), as the 2024 movie is packed full of Easter eggs relating to the 1939 film. Glinda throws new BFF Elphaba a pair of ruby slippers in “Popular”, the yellow brick road has its own origin story in the form of a diorama, Ariana Grande’s Glinda arrives onto the screen dressed in a pink bubble gown, and Elphaba and Fiyero are seen riding bikes that look very similar to Ms. Gulch’s model. We even get a glimpse of a gingham clad girl and her gang. Oh my!

Elphaba the great and even more powerful

Now let's be as clear as Glinda’s favourite mode of transportation, Elphaba is no trainee witch in the musical. She showcases her magical abilities throughout the production. Using telekinesis to help rescue a baby lion cub, and the ability to read the spells in the Grimmerie, she is more than a match for The Wizard. 

The film elevates Elphie’s powers. She can still move objects with her mind, and can blitz through the Grimmerie as if it was Richard Osmans latest best-seller, but now she can also see (briefly and sporadically) into the future, and can fly on her own - though she hasn’t relegated the broom to the cleaning cupboard just yet. 

You wood not believe how Fiyero and Elphaba meet

In the musical, Fiyero and Elphaba meet on the first day of Shiz when the Prince’s rickshaw almost runs over the young sorceress. In response to the almost-crash, and to the amusement of their fellow classmates, the rebel royal exclaims “maybe the driver saw green and thought it meant go.”

Fiyero’s entrance in the film is much more charming. The prince slowly trots through the woodland on a talking horse (very mindful, very demure) and stumbles into Elphaba. He apologises for not seeing her “you must have blended in with the foliage” (we’re going to pretend this was a compliment, and that he was comparing her to the beauty of nature here.) Without an admiring audience, Fiyero is more human and less performative, he quickly offers Elphaba a ride back to uni. However, in a brief nod to the prince's destiny, his classmate demands that he “gets stuffed." Well, the course of true love never did run smooth…

Popular? You’d better believe it. Wicked has enchanted audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre since it first opened in 2006. The musical stage adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is a revisionism of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz and its main villain. Want to know how different things are? Let us give you all the Shiz about the Wicked musical characters.

Who are the main Wicked characters?

From flying monkeys to faceless wizards, there are many distinctive Wicked characters. But the leads are two young women brought together by the housing office at Shiz University. Let us educate you on our two leads.

Elphaba Thropp

A mysterious green witch. When we meet Elphaba, she’s a shy, awkward, but highly intelligent girl. The result of an affair, Elphaba looks nothing like anyone else in Oz and is shunned by all, including her dad. At school, other students ridicule her looks and for standing up for her beliefs. After a school ball, everything changes when she meets the new popular kid, and her roommate, Galinda, takes her under her wing. 

Though her life improves, her political beliefs force her to choose a different path where she steps away from her dreams. Choosing good over evil ostracises her further, and the whole of Oz turns on the Wicked Witch.

Galinda (Glinda) Arduenna Upland

Beautiful and snobby, Galinda is the picture-perfect student. The confident trendsetter is disgusted when paired with the oddball Elphaba, but after careful observation, she decides to befriend and help the socially awkward witch. The pair form an unlikely kinship that comes to a head when they have to choose between morals and social standing in the electrifying Defying Gravity - the most famous of the Wicked songs.

Does Galinda seem familiar? It’s because she is! During the first act, Galinda changes her name to Glinda. In the original Wizard of Oz, she’s known as Glinda the Good - the most powerful witch in the land. 

Fancy treading the boards at the Apollo Victoria Theatre? Our phantasmagorical competition will make your friends green with envy! 

We have the ultimate competition for Wicked fans, as we are offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets to the multi award-winning musical, PLUS a Wicked themed Afternoon Tea for two at the Clermont Hotel AND the chance to take an on stage photo at the Apollo Victoria Theatre before the production begins. Afterall, you are the star of the show! 

For your chance of winning the tickets, Afternoon Tea, and onstage photo simply follow Wicked and the London Theatre Direct X accounts, and repost our competition announcement. Alternativley, you can follow London Theatre Direct and Wicked on Facebook and share the Facebook competition post. That’s it! Best of luck witches.

Wicked, the hit West End musical (that recently became the 10th longest running production in British history) based on Gregory Maguire's novel, has captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting story, memorable characters, and, of course, its iconic music. The show's songs, composed by Stephen Schwartz, have become beloved classics, each capturing the essence of the characters and the whimsical yet poignant world of Wicked. From the inspiring 'Defying Gravity' to the touching 'For Good', the musical's score seamlessly weaves a narrative of friendship, love, and self-discovery. This definitive guide delves into the magic of Wicked's songs, offering insights into their meanings, musicality, and the impact they've had on audiences across the globe. Book your tickets to Wicked today. 

The Most Famous Wicked Songs

Wicked’s songs, performed by a talented cast, have become cherished favorites among theatergoers and fans. Each song plays a crucial role in advancing the narrative and providing emotional depth to the characters. Hear the Wicked songs for yourself at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London.

Who plays Elphaba in Wicked?

Emma Kingston plays the strong-willed sorceress. Her previous credits include Heathers, Evita and Les Misérables.

Who plays Glinda in Wicked?

Zizi Strallen plays the ever popular Glinda. Her previous West End credits include Mary Poppins, Cake: the Marie Antoinette Playlist, and Rock of Ages. 

Who plays Fiyero in Wicked?

Carl Man plays everyone's crush, Fiyero. His previous West End credits include We Will Rock You and Aladdin.  

Who plays The Wizard in Wicked?

The Wizard is currently played by the wonderful Michael Matus. His previous credits include Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music. 

Who plays Madame Morrible in Wicked?

Sarah Ingram plays the infamous Madame Morrible. Her previous credits include Oklahoma! and Sweeney Todd.

Who are the current Wicked London cast members?

Described as "one of the most successful musicals of all time" by BBC News, Wicked first enchanted London audiences in 2006, swiftly becoming the 10th longest-running West End production in history. With over 100 prestigious global awards under its belt, the show has wowed more than 12 million theatre-goers in London alone thanks to its magical story and jaw-dropping songs. 

As of March 2025, the Wicked London cast features production features another outstanding lineup, starring including Emma Kingston (Elphaba), Zizi Strallen (Glinda), Carl Man (Fiyero), Sarah Ingram (Madame Morrible), Michael Matus (The Wizard), Hannah Quershi (Nessarose), David McKechnie (Doctor Dillamond) and Ross Carpenter (Boq), among others.

And what about those crucial Standby Roles?

Returning to the Wicked London cast is Laura Emmitt, who previously graced the stage as Understudy Elphaba, she now takes on the pivotal role of Alternative Elphaba. Lydia Gerrard, who was the Understudy Glinda on the UK and Ireland UK tour is now Standby for Glinda in the West End production.

Wicked, the spellbinding stage phenomenon, will today (Wednesday 24 April 2024) play its 6,762nd performance, becoming the 10th longest-running West End stage production in British history! This landmark performance surpasses the previous record holder, the legendary farce No Sex Please, We’re British, which ran from June 1971 until September 1987.

Creamy rum milkshakes, plenty of cheese, and a real-life stagey Santa to deliver the presents? There’s nothing morrible about Sophie-Louise Dann’s Christmas…

Dann plays the manipulative, seductive and inherently evil, Madame Morrible in the multi-award-wining phenomenon Wicked, but in reality the actor is more Mrs Fezziwig than Scrooge (literally) ‘I was lucky enough to play Mrs Fezziwig opposite my husband Nic Colicos in a concert version. It has a beautiful score with the best story and a lasting message... Be. Kind’ Maybe that’s why it’s such a thrill for her to embody such a darkly cunning character in the musical, ‘who doesn’t love to be bad?!’

She may perform on stage with an unlikely green hero eight times a week, but Dann can’t get enough of another bottle green ‘baddie’ at home ‘We always watch the original cartoon of ‘How the Grinch stole Christmas’ at 11:30pm on Christmas Eve… in Grinchy pyjama’s’ well, if there’s something Madame Morrible and Dann share, it’s their commitment to fashion and dressing for the occasion!

Spellbinding new production images by the Wickedly talented photographer, Matt Crockett, have just flown in from the wonderful world of Oz! Check out the city’s newest natives, ahead of their first performance on Tuesday 07 March, in the gallery below. Then see them in real life, Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre is currently booking until January 2024!

Having been seen by over 11 million people, the universally acclaimed production Wicked is one of the West End's most adored shows and one of the most successful musicals of all time (and with good reason!). The prequel to the classic story of Dorothy Gale is now flying into its 17th year on stage, with a heartfelt reminder to never judge a book by its cover. Ahead of its 2023 season, Wicked has announced its incredible London cast. Fans of Alexia Khadime will be delighted to know that she will be reprising her spell-binding performance of the iconic Elphaba and will be joined by the brilliant Lucy St. Louis as Glinda! Witness the events that led to the Wicked Witch of The West being deemed to be so wicked, book your tickets for Wicked today at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre!

For over a decade and counting, the incredible Wicked has been telling its story to over 11 million people. The musical has earned its place as one of the most critically-acclaimed and commercially successful productions of all time. Most importantly, it has given fans of The Wizard of Oz an opportunity to see into the lives of The Wicked Witch of The West and Glinda The Good Witch. 

With explosive songs and stunning set design - Wicked reminds us that appearances are often severely misleading. To celebrate its knockout 16th birthday, Wicked has announced that it will be extending its run for all performances until Sunday 26 November 2023 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. To witness this incredible production, grab yourself a new ticket today!

For over 15 years, Wicked has delighted audiences across the West End and has cemented its legacy as one of the most successful musicals of all time, it has been seen by over 11 million people in London alone and has played over 6000 performances. The untold story of the witches acts as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz and is a heart-wrenching tale of friendship, opposing ideologies and the ultimate fall from grace. 

Wicked has announced that they will be welcoming back popular actor and presenter Mark Curry to play the role of The Wizard from 18 October 2022 at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre. Tickets for Wicked are available to book now!

The West End, Broadway and beyond beloved musical Wicked has one of the most popular musical soundtracks. It features music and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz (Pocahontas, The Prince of Egypt, Pippin). Check out our top five tracks for this #StageySoundtrackSunday

The new cast of Wicked including Lucie Jones, Ryan Reid, Sophie-Louise Dann and Gary Wilmot are heading to Oz! They will have their first performance in the beloved West End production on Tuesday 1 February 2022. Here we have our first look at the new Ozians – check out the production images in our gallery below.

Tickets for Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre are currently booking until 27 November 2022.

Wicked is a must-see for all the family, being one of the most popular West End musicals, Wicked has just celebrated its spellbinding 15th anniversary at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. To this day it still holds the title of the most swank-i-fied show in town.

From Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth; to Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker, iconic names have emerged from this musical. In its current run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Laura Pick and Sophie Evans portray the leading roles of Elphaba and Glinda.

Sugar, Butter, Defying Gravity? Lucie Jones certainly baked her way into the hearts of West End and UK theatregoers in the role of Jenna Hunterson in Waitress (Adelphi Theatre, West End and UK tour). Now, Jones is set to swap her apron for green paint and a pointy hat... Wicked has announced new cast members including Lucie Jones, Ryan Reid, Sophie-Louise Dann and Gary Wilmot. Tickets for Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre are now booking until 27 November 2022.

Happy Halloween! We are celebrating the spooky weekend with our favourite witchy show by giving you a chance to win some Wicked merchandise.

For the chance to win, simply follow our Instagram account (@londontheatredirect) and the Wicked Instagram account (@wickeduk), like the competition post and tag a friend in the comment section. Terms and conditions apply (see below).

The Tony, Olivier and Grammy Award-winning musical that has been performing at the West End’s Apollo Victoria Theatre for 15 years has extended its current booking period. You can now defy gravity and book tickets for Wicked up to Sunday 27 November 2022! The hugely acclaimed production has also added Wednesday matinee performances from this week. That’s an additional 500,000 new Wicked tickets that are on sale now! Be sure to book now to secure the best available seats!