Wicked Tickets

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.

Since Wicked first bewitched audiences on the West End stage in 2006, the captivating world of the Emerald City has seen its fair share of actors dancing through life at the Apollo Victoria, but who is currently playing the iconic roles of Glinda, Elphaba and the rest of the gang in the Wicked London cast?

Who plays Elphaba in Wicked?

Having previously played the lead role in 2008 and again in 2009, Alexia Khadime reprises her role as Elphaba. In addition to Wicked, her previous West End credits include The Book of Mormon and Les Miserables. 

Who plays Glinda in Wicked?

Lucy St. Louis plays the ever popular Glinda. Her previous West End credits include Phantom of the Opera and Motown the Musical. 

Who plays Fiyero in Wicked?

Ryan Reid plays everyone's crush, Fiyero. His previous West End credits include Dreamgirls and Sweet Charity.  

Who plays The Wizard in Wicked?

The Wizard is currently played by the wonderful Michael Fenton Stevens. His previous credits include Slow Horses and Only Fools and Horses. 

Who plays Madame Morrible in Wicked?

Sophie-Louise Dann plays the infamous Madame Morrible. Her previous credits include  Les Miserables 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 mid-March 2024, the Wicked London cast features production features another outstanding lineup, starring including Alexia Khadime (Elphaba), Lucy St. Louis (Glinda), Ryan Reid (Fiyero), Sophie-Louise Dann (Madame Morrible), Michael Fenton Stevens (The Wizard), Caitlin Anderson (Nessarose), Graham Kent (Doctor Dillamond) and Joe Thompson-Oubari (Boq), among others.

And what about those crucial Standby Roles?

Returning to the Wicked London cast is Laura Harrison, who previously graced the stage as an ensemble cast member and now takes on the pivotal role of Standby for Elphaba. Meanwhile, Christine Tucker, an esteemed member of the current ensemble, steps into the spotlight as Standby for Glinda, filling in during the maternity leave of Lisa-Anne Wood.

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!