Why GRAVITY Will Lift Your Spirits Higher Than Ever

Anyone who’s ever witnessed the green-skinned wonder of Elphaba in WICKED knows exactly why this concert will be thrillifying. I’m talking about—a magnetic pull that defies explanation. Imagine the sheer excitement in the room when three of the most celebrated WICKED alumni—Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman, and Rachel Tucker—are reuniting for a special one-off concert called GRAVITY at the legendary Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Before you start conjuring images of pointed hats and broomsticks, let me clarify: this is not a performance of WICKED, nor is it in any way affiliated with the musical. Still, the spirit of that show hovers in the wings, ready to sprinkle a bit of starry-eyed magic over an afternoon that promises “showstopping anthems, career-defining performances and thrilling surprises.”

Kerry Ellis, the first British actress to play Elphaba on Broadway, commands an extraordinary vocal presence that has seen her headline shows like We Will Rock You and Cats. Louise Dearman carries the distinction of being the only actor to have portrayed both Glinda and Elphaba in WICKED, a testament to her versatility and undeniable star power. Rachel Tucker, meanwhile, famously wowed audiences on both sides of the Atlantic with her powerhouse take on the misunderstood green witch. Together, they form a trifecta of theatrical brilliance that rarely appears on the same stage.

While WICKED fans will undoubtedly recognise each performer for her role in the Emerald City, this concert isn’t just about nostalgic replays. GRAVITY will span the musical theatre canon and beyond, meaning you could hear anything from stirring ballads to contemporary pop. The producers—Simon Schofield and Scott Garnham of Sisco Entertainment—have hinted that there’ll be “thrilling surprises” peppered throughout. And if you’ve followed the creative projects of these talented women, you’ll know they’re not shy about shaking up a setlist with unexpected show tunes or inventive takes on well-known hits.

A Theatre Royal Drury Lane Homecoming

In the world of West End venues, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Theatre Royal Drury Lane. With a history spanning centuries, this building has hosted everything from Restoration comedies to the grandest of modern musicals. It’s one of those theatres where you sense the ghostly echoes of showbiz legends in the corridors, and stepping inside feels like a pilgrimage for any self-respecting theatre fan. Data from various tourist boards suggests that Theatre Royal Drury Lane draws hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, a significant portion of whom cite it as the highlight of their London trip.

When it re-opened its doors after a recent refurbishment, the reviews were positively glowing, praising its comfortable seating and gorgeously restored interiors. So if you’ve yet to experience the plush new Drury Lane, GRAVITY is your chance. The concert will take place at 3pm on Sunday, 31 August—perfectly timed for a matinee outing that could segue into a relaxed evening in London’s West End. I can’t think of a more delightful way to spend an afternoon than immersing oneself in the combined voices of three unstoppable talents.

The Power of the Elphabas

Let’s be honest: WICKED changed the trajectory of musical theatre with its heart-rending story of two witches who forged an unexpected friendship. It also cemented the role of Elphaba as one of the most vocally demanding and emotionally rich characters in modern musicals. Song after song, Elphaba grapples with societal rejection, personal ambition, and the quest for acceptance—an arc that resonates with many. Over the years, new data has emerged showing how WICKED boosted tourism in the West End and on Broadway, pulling in devoted fans who return to see different cast members in the pivotal role. According to a 2019 industry report, WICKED ranked as one of the top five longest-running musicals in London, often outselling major competitors in ticket sales and merchandise.

But the show’s success isn’t just about revenue. For performers like Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman, and Rachel Tucker, carrying the “Green Girl” mantle has opened doors to international recognition and broader creative pursuits. Ellis has since recorded albums and performed with legends such as Brian May of Queen. Dearman’s unique achievement as both Glinda and Elphaba led to sold-out concerts around the UK. Tucker, meanwhile, received an Olivier Award nomination for her portrayal, later reprising the role on Broadway and earning a legion of fans who follow her every move. The synergy of these three voices sharing one stage is a tantalising prospect, especially considering they each interpret songs with distinct flair.

Where the Magic Truly Lies

Plenty of concerts boast “greatest hits” line-ups of West End stars, but GRAVITY feels like it’s carving its own niche. Part of that might stem from the synergy of the trio’s shared WICKED history, but I suspect it’s also down to the artistic vision behind the production. Co-creator Simon Schofield has a background not just in producing but also in writing and performing, which suggests a concert format that will be more creatively cohesive than a random potpourri of show tunes. Meanwhile, Scott Garnham has performed in an array of West End staples (Les Misérables, anyone?), so he understands how to craft a compelling theatrical narrative.

We’re told that James Doughty is on board for musical direction. If you’ve not come across his name before, he’s been credited with bringing fresh interpretations to classic scores—breathing new life into established material. Expect polished arrangements, soulful medleys, and possibly even reimagined versions of well-loved tunes. If you’re the kind of person who gets goosebumps from hearing a familiar show-stopper performed in an entirely new style, this might be just the ticket.

Did Somebody Say Cameo?

Here’s a tiny tidbit of insider gossip that might tickle your curiosity: during a recent rehearsal, there was mention of a special cameo. While the producers remain tight-lipped, a friend of mine working in stage management overheard references to a “mysterious fourth voice” appearing towards the end of the show. Could it be another WICKED alum or a high-profile name from an entirely different musical universe? No one’s saying for certain, but the buzz alone is enough to keep us on our toes. In a sea of concerts that can sometimes feel predictable, the promise of an unannounced guest star is thrilling. It’s that sense of the unknown, that anything-can-happen vibe, which often elevates a concert from fun to unforgettable.

Bolstering the Appetite for Live Performance

Over the past few years, the landscape of live performances has faced unprecedented challenges, with numerous events cancelled or postponed. Yet, a recent survey by the Society of London Theatre indicated a resurgent appetite for live shows, with ticket sales on an encouraging upward trend. GRAVITY slots beautifully into this renaissance, offering a feel-good, one-off event that capitalises on the renewed hunger for collective experiences. After all, musical theatre at its best is about shared emotion. You sit in a darkened auditorium with hundreds of strangers, and for a couple of transcendent hours, you’re all on the same journey—listening, feeling, and applauding as one.

People crave that sense of togetherness now more than ever. When the lights dim in Drury Lane on 31 August, I imagine the audience will be brimming with anticipation. And once those voices start weaving harmonies, we might just forget the outside world entirely. That, in my experience, is the real magic of theatre: the ability to transport us, to remind us of our shared humanity, and to fill our hearts to the brim with song.

Practicalities and Possibilities

If you’re sold on attending—understandably so—here are a few pointers. Tickets for GRAVITY can be snapped up through standard theatre outlets, but I’d advise moving quickly. Concerts featuring these three powerhouses tend to sell out faster than you can sing Popular (pun intended). The matinee timing at 3pm also lends itself to a relaxing Sunday, letting you grab a leisurely lunch beforehand or a post-show dinner in Covent Garden. It’s worth noting that the venue’s prime location means easy access to public transport, so you can wander in from the nearby Tube stations or bus stops without breaking a sweat.

Given that the show is not officially tied to WICKED, you won’t see the usual green marketing or references to the Emerald City. What you will see is a showcase of three formidable talents who share a unique theatrical bond—and who happen to have mastered one of the most challenging musical theatre scores of our generation. Expect them to go beyond WICKED’s repertoire, drawing on other musicals they’ve starred in and possibly slipping in a pop or rock ballad to keep us guessing.

I often say that certain performances are like fleeting comets—they blaze across the stage for a brief moment, only to vanish, leaving you exhilarated and just a touch melancholic that it ended so soon. GRAVITY promises to be one of those rare events. On a single Sunday afternoon, at a single London venue, you’ll witness the confluence of talent, nostalgia, and the electrifying magic of live theatre. If you choose to miss it, you might find yourself wistfully humming Defying Gravity on some crowded street in the future, wishing you’d seized the chance.

So mark your calendar, rally your theatre-loving mates, and get ready to be spellbound. Sometimes, you don’t need a full musical to feel the adrenaline rush of a West End experience. Sometimes, all it takes is a world-class stage, a few well-chosen songs, and three voices that can make your soul levitate. GRAVITY, quite ironically, might just lift you higher than you’ve ever been. And if that isn’t worth a trip to Drury Lane, I don’t know what is.