Wicked Ascends to Historic Heights in West End Theatre
In a night filled with magic and nostalgia, ‘Wicked’ enchanted its way into history as it became the tenth longest-running show in West End history on the evening of April 24. At the Apollo Victoria Theatre, where the show’s spellbinding run continues without a foreseeable end, the cast performed their 6,762nd show, surpassing the previous record held by ‘No Sex Please, We’re British.’
‘Wicked,’ celebrated for its imaginative twist on the beloved characters from L. Frank Baum’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,’ has captured the hearts of audiences with its tale of two unlikely friends, the witches of Oz. The musical’s acclaim is widespread, having garnered over 100 international awards. Stephen Schwartz’s memorable music and lyrics, alongside Winnie Holzman’s compelling book, have been brought to life under the directorial vision of Joe Mantello, with Wayne Cilento orchestrating the musical staging.
As it joins the prestigious ranks of the West End’s long-standing shows—a list that includes iconic productions like ‘The Mousetrap,’ ‘Les Misérables,’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’—’Wicked’ now stands shoulder to shoulder with other theatrical giants. Notably, it outlives other memorable shows like ‘The Woman in Black,’ ‘Blood Brothers,’ ‘Cats,’ and ‘Starlight Express,’ which have since closed their curtains in the West End.
Michael McCabe, the executive producer of ‘Wicked’ in the UK, expressed his gratitude, stating, “As we celebrate this historic milestone, our heartfelt thanks go to the amazing audiences who have supported and championed ‘Wicked’ since its first performance in 2006. Our exceptional creative and backstage teams, performers, and musicians have all worked tirelessly to deliver each mesmerizing performance.”
The current cast features talents such as Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Lucy St. Louis as Glinda, and Ryan Reid as Fiyero, among others. The success of ‘Wicked’ is not confined to the West End; a touring version continues to captivate audiences across the globe until January 2025, and fans can anticipate a film adaptation set to release its first part this autumn.
As ‘Wicked’ continues to defy gravity in London’s theatre district, it remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the arts, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the West End.
