Wicked

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Wicked: A West End Enchantment

"Wicked" is a theatrical juggernaut that has bewitched London’s West End since its debut at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on September 27, 2006, following previews from September 7. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, it reimagines the backstory of *The Wizard of Oz*, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, and Glinda, the bubbly blonde. Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, this global phenomenon has played over 6,500 performances as of March 2025, making it one of the West End’s longest-running shows. Its soaring score, including "Defying Gravity," and vibrant storytelling have cemented its status as a modern classic.

Origins and Creation

The musical sprang from Maguire’s novel, a dark revisionist take on L. Frank Baum’s Oz universe, which caught Stephen Schwartz’s eye in 1996. Teaming with Holzman, Schwartz crafted a narrative blending humor, heart, and political undertones, exploring Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch and Glinda’s rise as the Good Witch. After a 2003 San Francisco tryout and Broadway premiere at the Gershwin Theatre where it’s still running the show was fine-tuned for London. Directed by Joe Mantello, with choreography by Wayne Cilento and designs by Eugene Lee and Susan Hilferty, "Wicked" arrived in the West End with a polished, emerald-hued vision.

The Cast and Creative Team

The original London cast starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba, reprising her Tony-winning Broadway role, and Helen Dallimore as Glinda, with Miriam Margolyes voicing Madame Morrible and Nigel Planer as the Wizard. Subsequent standouts included Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, and Willemijn Verkaik as Elphaba, and Louise Dearman who uniquely played both leads as Glinda. Schwartz’s score, orchestrated by Stephen Oremus, blends pop, musical theatre, and operatic flourishes, while Holzman’s book sharpens the wit. The production’s steampunk aesthetic, with Lee’s iconic clockwork set and Hilferty’s 300+ costumes, amplifies its fantastical allure.

West End Reception and Milestones

"Wicked" opened to rapturous reviews, with *The Guardian* calling it “smart, big-hearted, and triumphant.” Its debut drew sell-out crowds, and by 2010, it won three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical from a public vote. The anthem "Defying Gravity" became a cultural touchstone, propelling its popularity. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016 with a gala and its 6,000th performance in 2022, it’s welcomed over 11 million West End visitors by 2025. Its staying power defies early Broadway skepticism, outlasting peers like *The Producers* with relentless fan fervor.

Global Impact and Adaptations

Beyond London, "Wicked" has enchanted audiences worldwide, with productions in over 130 cities, translated into six languages, and grossing over $5 billion globally. UK tours launched in 2013, while a two-part film adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, began rolling out in 2024, reigniting buzz. The cast album, certified platinum, spawned hits covered by artists from Pentatonix to Lea Michele. Its universal themes outsider resilience, friendship’s complexity resonate across cultures, making it a theatrical export rivaling *Les Misérables*.

Legacy and Cultural Resonance

"Wicked" has soared beyond its Oz roots to become a cultural milestone, inspiring fan fiction, cosplay, and a devoted “Wicked" community. It’s reshaped musical theatre by centering female leads and tackling conformity, influencing shows like *Frozen* and *Dear Evan Hansen*. As of March 2025, it ranks among the West End’s top five longest-running musicals, alongside *Phantom* and *Mamma Mia!*. Elphaba’s green defiance and Glinda’s sparkling evolution endure as symbols of empowerment, ensuring "Wicked" remains a spell that won’t be broken anytime soon.