Wicked casts its spell as the 10th longest-running West End show
Wicked, the spellbinding musical that unravels the untold tale of the witches from Oz, etched a new landmark in the annals of theatre by playing its 6,762nd performance at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre on Wednesday, 24th April 2024. This remarkable feat propels Wicked to the prestigious position of the 10th longest-running West End show in British history, overtaking the record previously held by No Sex Please, We’re British. The show’s longevity and popularity underline its status as one of the most celebrated musical theatre successes to date, earning accolades including Tony, Grammy® Olivier and WhatsOnStage awards since its inception in September 2006.
The story of Wicked, penned by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, has captivated over 12 million attendees with its imaginative backstory and the future trajectories of L Frank Baum’s iconic characters, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. The musical’s list of achievements places it among the giants of West End productions, sharing the limelight with timeless classics like The Mousetrap and Les Misérables.
Reflecting on the milestone, Michael McCabe, the Executive Producer of Wicked in the UK, expressed his gratitude: “As we celebrate the historic milestone of becoming the West End’s 10th longest-ever running stage show, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the amazing audiences who have supported and championed Wicked since its very first performance in 2006. We also thank our exceptional creative and backstage teams, performers, and musicians who have worked so tirelessly and diligently to deliver every performance of the show.”
In addition to the regular schedule, the production has announced extra shows for the Christmas 2024/25 season, ensuring that more audiences will have the chance to experience the magic of Wicked. The show’s commitment extends beyond the stage through its For Good charitable initiatives and Wicked Active Learning cultural and social education program, supporting organisations like the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Theatre Works!.
The current cast includes talents such as Alexia Khadime as Elphaba and Lucy St Louis as Glinda, who bring the dynamic story of friendship, power and identity to life. While Wicked continues to enchant audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, a spectacular touring production extends the magic across the UK, with performances scheduled in cities like Bradford, Southampton and Liverpool through January 2025.
Wicked not only stands as a beacon of musical theatre but also as a testament to the power of storytelling that connects with audiences across generations. As the show moves forward, it continues to weave its spell, inviting theatre-goers to look beyond the curtain and discover the rich, nuanced world of Oz like never before.
The editorial unit
Image: Matt Crockett
For further information visit the theatre’s website here.
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