Ashleigh Gray takes over as Elphaba during Wicked's run in Edinburgh

According to the Edinburgh  News, Ashleigh Gray is returning to Wicked. The star will play Elphaba during the UK touring production's stint in Edinburgh.

UPDATE: Further Wicked UK Tour casting has now been confirmed. Click here for further information.

Speaking to the website, Ashleigh said: I grew up watching all the big touring productions and used to dream I might be up on that stage one day. I’ve been lucky enough to play Edinburgh several times with other shows, but to finally be at the Playhouse, with Wicked, is quite something.”

The star originally joined the West End production of Wicked in 2007 as part of the ensemble whilst understudying Elphaba. She then took over as Standby Elphaba in June 2008 and stayed with the show until March 2010. Ashleigh briefly returned to Wicked as emergency cover in October 2010 and in February 2011. Recently Ashleigh returned to Wicked once again as Standby Elphaba between October and December 2013 and March 2014.

Ashleigh recently starred as Stephanie in Cool Rider (Lyric/Duchess). Her touring credits include playing: Martha in The Secret Garden, Lorraine in I Dreamed A Dream – The Susan Boyle Musical, Kim in Taboo and Miss Lynch in Grease. 

She has also starred as Emily in Myths and Hymns at the Finborough Theatre and as Miranda in Betwixt at Trafalgar Studios. Just a few of her concert appearances include: Momentous Musicals, Susan Boyle in Concert, Lee Mead at The Pheasantry and West End Men.

Speaking to the Edinburgh News, the Edinburgh Playhouse's general manager Adam Knight said: "We are also thrilled to welcome our very own Ashleigh Gray to Scotland’s favourite stage as she applies the famous make-up and prepares to defy gravity as we turn the city emerald for two months.”

The Wicked UK Tour runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse between Wednesday 19th November 2014 and Saturday 10th January 2015.

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