First Look at WICKED’S Fresh London Cast

For nearly two decades, WICKED has entranced global audiences with its tale of two young witches—Elphaba and Glinda—caught between destiny, politics, and the bonds of friendship. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel and brilliantly adapted by Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Winnie Holzman (book), the production invites you to peer beneath the polished surface of The Wizard of Oz, revealing a richly layered narrative about acceptance and ambition. It’s hardly surprising that, as of last year, the London production had already been seen by over 11 million theatregoers, and that’s just a fraction of its worldwide fanbase.

Why the enduring fascination? In part, it’s the emotional resonance of the show’s central friendship—Elphaba’s otherness collides with Glinda’s starry-eyed popularity, forging a bond that’s at once improbable and deeply moving. But on top of that, WICKED boasts spectacular stagecraft, from the towering set designs by Eugene Lee to the swirling, vibrant costumes conjured by Susan Hilferty. Add the haunting orchestrations by William David Brohn, and you have a recipe that’s stayed fresh through countless performances. And fresh is precisely the word right now, because the West End run is welcoming a brand-new company from 25 March. If you think you know WICKED, trust me—there’s nothing like seeing how new performers bring their own magic to these iconic roles.

The New Faces of Oz

Leading the incoming cast is Emma Kingston, recognised for her turn in Heathers: The Musical, stepping into Elphaba’s famously challenging shoes. Expect her vocal prowess to scale the heights of Defying Gravity in a way that’ll send tingles down your spine. Opposite her, Zizi Strallen (who soared in MARY POPPINS) will trade a flying umbrella for a bubble to portray Glinda. If you’ve seen her on stage before, you know she has the presence, comedic timing, and vocal range to dazzle in Popular—undoubtedly one of the show’s biggest showstoppers.

Alongside them is an ensemble of seasoned West End pros: Carl Man (& JULIET) as Fiyero, Sarah Ingram (LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL) as Madame Morrible, and Michael Matus (SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN) as The Wizard. There’s also Hannah Qureshi (HAMILTON) as Nessarose, David McKechnie (STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE) as Doctor Dillamond, and Ross Carpenter (BOOK OF MORMON) as Boq. The production further secures depth in its line-up with Laura Emmitt (FROZEN: THE MUSICAL) serving as the Alternate Elphaba, and Lydia Gerrard (THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) as the Standby for Glinda.

And that’s just the principal cast. The ensemble brims with talent—some of whom might soon emerge as tomorrow’s stars. After all, WICKED has a history of catapulting performers into the spotlight (anyone recall Idina Menzel’s stratospheric rise?). In fact, the show’s track record for nurturing breakthrough talent is so strong that industry insiders often keep tabs on the emerging cast members, waiting for the next big name to ignite the stage.

A Salute to the Outgoing Cast

Of course, every new beginning means a fond farewell to the current company. Alexia Khadime (Elphaba) and Lucy St. Louis (Glinda) will take their final bows on 23 March. Their run has been nothing short of remarkable, and fans will no doubt find it bittersweet to see them go. Yet WICKED thrives on reinvention; while the show’s essence endures, each cast brings a unique texture to the interplay of dialogue, vocals, and choreography. Therein lies the brilliance: you can revisit WICKED multiple times and still discover fresh nuances, especially during those high-stakes transitions from one cast to another.

Behind the Magic

The show’s direction by Joe Mantello remains a key pillar of its success, ensuring that even as the cast changes, the emotional core of WICKED remains intact. His careful weaving of comedic sparkle and dramatic intensity sets the stage for the musical’s darker undertones—the politics of Oz, the manipulation by The Wizard, and the heartbreak of society’s prejudices.

Meanwhile, Wayne Cilento’s musical staging adds a vibrant energy that, frankly, never gets old. Each swirl of a cloak or tilt of a top hat is carefully choreographed to convey the swirling momentum of Oz’s shifting alliances. Technical wizardry also plays a star role: Kenneth Posner’s lighting design casts eerie shadows and golden glows just when the narrative demands it, and Tony Meola’s sound design keeps every note perfectly balanced, especially crucial for those times when Elphaba hits the show-stopping high notes that have become legendary in contemporary musical theatre. It’s a dazzling feat of teamwork—much like the spirit of collaboration the show itself celebrates.

Off-Stage Gems

WICKED’s visual spectacle often captures the headlines, but let’s not overlook the hard graft behind the scenes. Elaine J. McCarthy’s projections, for instance, create the swirling illusions that make us feel like we’re inside a living storybook of Oz. Tom Watson’s wig and hair design is equally crucial. You might not realise it while watching, but a single performer can change wigs multiple times, each style meticulously crafted to match the shifting moods and time periods within the show. And if you’re a real theatre nerd, you’ll appreciate how Stephen Oremus’s music supervision and arrangements unify each production, ensuring the harmonies remain as lush and impactful from country to country, year after year.

Perhaps the biggest unsung hero, though, is the show’s underlying message. We all know Defying Gravity is a showstopper, but it’s also a clarion call about daring to be different, forging your own path, and defying the expectations placed upon you. The fact that WICKED remains so popular with young audiences (not to mention the young at heart) speaks volumes about how resonant that theme still is, especially in a world that seems increasingly polarised. It’s no small feat to craft a musical that blends lavish entertainment with a moral undercurrent that continues to inspire.

Expect The Unexpected

If you’ve been on the fence about seeing this musical yet again—or for the very first time—consider this your official nudge. WICKED remains a phenomenon because it seamlessly blends the familiarity of an iconic story with ever-evolving performances that feel fresh and alive. With Emma Kingston, Zizi Strallen, and their talented co-stars taking centre stage from 25 March, the Apollo Victoria is gearing up for a new era that promises to dazzle longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Be ready for goosebumps when Elphaba’s green complexion emerges from the shadows, for giggles when Glinda tries to perfect her crowd-pleasing entrances, and for tears when the two witches discover their bond might be the most powerful magic of all. And if the hype surrounding the film adaptation is any gauge, you can bet tickets will move quickly. After all, who wants to miss the chance to see history in the making—yet again?

In a world that sometimes feels devoid of true enchantment, WICKED reminds us that courage, friendship, and the bravery to stand out can change everything. As we bid farewell to one cast and usher in another, we’re witnessing the cyclical nature of theatre at its finest: each generation of performers breathes new life into beloved characters, renewing the show’s timeless appeal. Whether you’re seated in the dress circle, the balcony, or the stalls, you’ll sense that intangible spark lighting up the stage.

If you ask me, that’s the real magic of WICKED. It dares you to believe in something bigger than yourself, challenges you to question what you’ve always been told, and invites you to let your imagination soar well beyond the final bow. So, gather your friends, mark your diaries for March, and prepare to be thoroughly spellbound. Because every so often, a show comes along that doesn’t just entertain but transports you entirely—and WICKED has proven, time and again, that it’s the stuff of theatrical legend.