One of the West End’s major success stories of the modern era, Wicked is the long- running hit at the Apollo Victoria, that tells the back story of the witches from the Wizard of Oz. Featuring a stirring and catchy musical score it’s also a poignant coming of age story that celebrates how teenage misfits can grow to up to topple an oppressive regime.
It’s not surprising to learn that @wickeduk, the official instagram for the London production has been supporting the United Against Bullying movement during the recent Anti-Bullying Week. The opening of the musical finds the young witch, Elphaba, ostracized at Uni because of her green skin and daring to think differently to everyone else. The ensuing story is a reminder that we need free thinkers like her to keep questioning the motivation of our leaders. So let’s take our cue from Wicked and not beat down those who seem different but celebrate all diversity of thought, words and action.
What's the WICKED story?
We meet the evil witch, Elphaba, and good witch, Glinda from the Wizard of Oz as teenagers. They’re studying magic at the Wizard’s university, which also crushes any subversive thinking.
The beautiful and glamorous Glinda is the epitome of popular whilst Elphaba is shunned because of her green skin. Never the less they form an uneasy alliance, and then a powerful friendship, as they navigate adult life and love, and work to overthrow the mighty Wiz.
Expect to meet younger version of several of your favourite Oz characters and understand how they got to be the way they’re presented in the clas-sic book and film that inspired Wicked. Nothing and no one is quite as we’ve traditionally known them and you won’t think of either in the same way again.
Music and well-known songs in WICKED
Nothing has ever reached the singles chart from its contemporary pop score but you may well have heard musical theatre singers belt out Defying Gravity, the stirring anthem of defiance that so memorably ends Act 1, as Elphaba flies for the first time!
Who are the WICKED stars and creative team?
Wicked is so loved that there’s no need to cast celebrities these days, the show itself is the star! Never-the-less the long running hit is always meticulously maintained at the Apollo Victoria by producers who always ensure you see the very finest West End talent in the lead roles.
Wicked’s music & lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz who also wrote the songs for musical Theatre classics Pippin and Godspell and for the epic biblical show Prince of Egypt, also returning soon to the West End.
Book by Winnie Holzman based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
What do LONDON BOX OFFICE customers say about WICKED?
"One of the best shows I have ever seen", "Great story and fabulous singing", "A must see!", "Fabulous singing, stunning costumes and wonderful staging" are just a few of our customers reviews for WICKED.
FAQ
Where and when can I see WICKED?
The venue’s slightly outside the West End so make sure you leave extra time for travel and to find The Apollo Victoria Theatre. Although it’s a pretty massive building only minutes away from Victoria Station so it shouldn’t be too hard to locate.
Who is WICKED for?
Anyone who feels misunderstood as a young adult or remembers how that felt. So that’s basically everyone over 10 years old. Younger kids may struggle to keep focused as the production is nearly 3 hours long.
Where is the WICKED theatre?
The Apollo Victoria, 17 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG. The main entrance (and Box Office) is situated in Wilton Road opposite London Victoria Mainline and Underground Stations.
Is there a dress code for WICKED?
No, dress comfortably and as you would for any public space.
Quick facts about WICKED
- The musical began previews on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 8, 2003, and made its official premiere on October 30. The production made a Broadway mega-star of Idina Menzel who in recent years caused a second sensation when she recorded the hit song Let it Go from the Disney musical Frozen.
- The first production of Wicked also consolidated the leading-player status of Kristin Chenoweth, the original Glinda, and Norbert Leo Butz, the first Fiyero.
- They appeared alongside musical theatre legend Joel Grey as the Wizard, who won an Oscar for his performance as the M.C. in the movie musical Cabaret.
- A London production began previews at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from September 7, and with an opening night on September 27, 2006. Idina Menzel reprised the role of Elphaba alongside Helen Dallimore as Glinda, Miriam Margolyes as Madame Morrible, Adam Garcia as Fiyero and Nigel Planer as the Wizard.
- Menzel was succeeded by Kerry Ellis, who went on to become the first British woman to play Elphaba on Broadway.
The West End’s sumptuous, romantic, multi-award winning, and longest running hit