Wicked's UK & Ireland tour to return in 2018

Oh what a celebration we'll have today! As Wicked prepares to mark its 10th anniversary in the West End tonight (27th September), it has been announced that the musical's UK & Ireland tour will return in 2018. 

Following the conclusion of Wicked's international tour in January 2018, the UK tour will open in February 2018 at the Bristol Hippodrome with tickets on public sale from 1st February 2017. Further cities and dates are to be announced. 

Already the 8th longest running show currently playing in the West End, in November Wicked will become the 18th longest running show in West End theatre history, surpassing the run of the original production of Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Wicked is one of only three Broadway transfers in West End theatre history to ever run 10 years or more (the two others being Disney’s The Lion King and the 1997 revival of Chicago).

GOSSIP: Kerry Ellis & Adam Garcia to make appearance at Wicked's 10th Anniversary Gala

Garcia & Ellis in Wicked

Original Wicked London cast members Kerry Ellis and Adam Garcia are set to make a special appearance at the curtain call of the musical's 10th anniversary gala next week. 

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye reports that there will be other special guests in attendance too. Garcia originated the role of Fiyero in London whilst Ellis was the standby for Idina Menzel in the original cast. She went on to become the first British actress to play Elphaba in the West End and on Broadway

Willemijn Verkaik returning to West End production of Wicked

West End Frame Award winner Willemijn Verkaik is returning to the West End production of Wicked to reprise her performance as Elphaba from Monday 30th January 2017. 

Sue Kelvin is also returning as Madame Morrible whilst Sarah McNicholas is joining the cast as Nessarose. As previously announced, Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Anita Dobson (Madame Morrible) and Katie Rowley Jones (Nessarose) will play their final performance on 28th January 2017.

In 2014 Verkaik won West End Frame’s Best West End Debut Award for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria). The Dutch star first played the role in Germany in 2007. She then starred as Elphaba in Holland before joining the Broadway company, making her the only actress to have played the iconic character in three different languages. 

Who should be cast in the Wicked movie?

After years of rumours and speculation... innuendo... outuendo... last month a release date was finally announced for Universal's film adaptation of Wicked. 

With the right casting the film as potential to be huge and, although the release may be three years away, all sorts of names have already been thrown into the mix. It goes without saying that we'd love a cast of Broadway and West End stars, but we realise that isn't going to be the case. With some help from readers on social media, we've but together the following dream casting...

Michelle Pentecost returns to Wicked as emergency cover Elphaba!

Sweet Oz! Last night Michelle Pentecost returned to the West End production of Wicked to star as Elphaba as an emergency cover.

Photo Credit: @MichPentecost & @DanielHopeUK

Pentecost previously understudied Elphaba in the musical which runs at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. She left Wicked in 2013 and prior to last night hadn't played the role for three years.

Pentecost went on due to the indisposition of Emma Hatton, Natalie Andreou, Natalie McQueen and Laura Emmitt. She performed alongside Savannah Stevenson as Glinda.

PICS: Production images released for Wicked's international tour

Wicked has released production images for its new international tour. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

The international tour stars West End Frame Award winner Jacqueline Hughes (Elphaba), Carly Anderson (Glinda), Bradley Jaden (Fiyero), Steven Pinder (The Wizard/Doctor Dillamond), Kim Ismay (Madame Morrible), Iddon Jones (Boq), Emily Shaw (Nessarose) and Jodie Steele(Standby for Elphaba). Last year Jacqueline Hughes won West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award for standing by as Elphaba in the Wicked UK & Ireland tour.

Completing the cast are Kyle Anthony, Joe Atkinson, Sam Brown, Hannah Cadec, Joel Cooper, Nicholas Corre, James Davies-Williams, Natasha Ferguson, Elizabeth Futter, Zoe George, Amy Goodwin, Alex Jordan-Mills, Stuart MacIver, Tom Mather, Stacey McGuire, Sara Morley, Emily Olive Boyd, Wendy-Lee Purdy, Paul Saunders, Elisha Sherman, Joshua St Clair and Hannah Veerapen.

PICS: Rehearsal images for Wicked international tour

Wicked has released images of its international tour cast in rehearsals. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

The international tour stars West End Frame Award winner Jacqueline Hughes (Elphaba), Carly Anderson (Glinda), Bradley Jaden (Fiyero), Steven Pinder (The Wizard/Doctor Dillamond), Kim Ismay (Madame Morrible), Iddon Jones (Boq), Emily Shaw (Nessarose) and Jodie Steele (Standby for Elphaba). Last year Jacqueline Hughes won West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award for standing by as Elphaba in the Wicked UK & Ireland tour.

Completing the cast are Kyle Anthony, Joe Atkinson, Sam Brown, Hannah Cadec, Joel Cooper, Nicholas Corre, James Davies-Williams, Natasha Ferguson, Elizabeth Futter, Zoe George, Amy Goodwin, Alex Jordan-Mills, Stuart MacIver, Tom Mather, Stacey McGuire, Sara Morley, Emily Olive Boyd, Wendy-Lee Purdy, Paul Saunders, Elisha Sherman, Joshua St Clair and Hannah Veerapen.

Editor's Blog: Erich Bergen, Jordan Lee Davies, Wicked Young Writers Award + more

Erich Bergen makes his London debut

Photo Credit: Darren Bell

Earlier this week U.S. performer Erich Bergen made his London debut with two solo shows at the London Hippodrome. The show featured music that inspired Bergen growing up, some material from his albums, as well as a tribute to his theatrical career which most notably saw him play Bob Gaudio in the U.S. touring and Las Vegas productions of Jersey Boys, before reprising his performance for the film adaptation.

Bergen put on a wild evening; he let loose on stage and gave us a taste of what he's all about. Bergen certainly knows how to tell a story and brought all the material together smoothly. Special guests Cassidy Janson and Charl Brown set the stage alight, but the highlight of the evening was when Bergen was joined by former UK Jersey Boys stars Stephen Ashfield, Tim Driesen and Michael Watson to form a Jersey Boys supergroup - many were brought to their feet. Bergen put on a superb evening with a terrific band - let's hope he returns to the UK again soon.

★★★★ | Read our interview with Erich | Visit www.club11.london for information about upcoming concerts at the London Hippodrome.

Wicked Young Writers Award restores faith 

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Hours after the EU referendum result was announced, my faith in this country was restored after attending the 2016 Wicked Young Writers Award at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Now in its 6th year, the Awards are all about inspiring young people to use writing to express themselves by producing unique and original pieces of prose and poetry. Over 100 shortlisted finalists and their families and teachers attended the ceremony, creating an extraordinary buzz in the theatre.

Wicked movie to be released in 2019

After years of rumours and speculation... innuendo... outuendo... a release date has finally been set for Universal's film adaptation of Wicked!

Universal Studios have said the film will be released on 20th December 2019. As previously rumored the film will be helmed by Stephen Daldry. 

Based on Gregory Maguire's book, writer Winnie Holzman and composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz, will reunite for the film adaptation.

Rachel Tucker returning to West End production of Wicked; new cast announced

There's no place like home! Queen of Green Rachel Tucker is returning to the West End production of Wicked to reprise her performance as Elphaba.

Transferring direct from the Broadway production, Tucker will begin her engagement on 5th September 2016 after playing her final performance at New York's Gershwin Theatre on 30th July.

The new cast also includes Suzie Mathers, who joins from the Australian production to star as Glinda; Oliver Savile, who continues as Fiyero; Anita Dobson, who joins to play Madame Morrible; Mark Curry, who continues as The Wizard; original cast member Martin Ball, who returns to play Doctor Dillamond; original cast member Katie Rowley Jones, who continues as Nessarose and Idriss Kargbo, who joins to play Boq. Alice Fearn will be Standby for Elphaba and Carina Gillespie continues as Standby for Glinda.

Big Interview: Matthew Croke

Matthew Croke is currently starring as Don Lockwood in Elizabeth Newman's new actor–musician production of Singin’ in the Rain. 

The show recently opened at the Salisbury Playhouse ahead of runs at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton and the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Matthew appeared in the 2012 West End revival of Singin’ in the Rain at the Palace Theatre, understudying the role of Don.

Matthew most recently appeared in Funny Girl at the Menier Chocolate Factory. His credits also include: understudy Fiyero in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Diesel/standby Tony in West Side Story (UK & Ireland tour), understudy Amos Hart & Mary Sunshine in Chicago (Cambridge) and understudy Eugene in Grease (Piccadilly). 

I recently spoke to Matthew about how it feels to be taking on his first major leading role, why Singin’ in the Rain meant so much to him growing up and how the piece works as an actor–musician production. We also discussed dream roles, the high expectations of Funny Girl, returning to Wicked and having 200 of his friends and family watching him play Tony in West Side Story…

Has Don Lockwood always been one of those roles you’ve wanted to play?

When I was a kid watching Singin’ in the Rain I knew that a role like Don Lockwood was something I would always want to do. When I was able to understudy the role before I jumped at the chance, but then to be given this opportunity to make the role my own… there was no question. It’s so rare for someone like me to be given a role like this. I came to a stage in my career where I really wanted to start playing some roles of my own. In my mind I had to take a step back from dancing because you get pigeonholed. If you can dance then maybe you’re a good understudy, but what’s amazing about this role is that all three disciplines are needed.

SWEET OZ! Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth reunite to sing 'For Good'

Wicked's latest #OutOfOz video will change you for good! The musical's original stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth have reunited for a special stripped back performance of 'For Good'. Prepare to be spellbound..!

Interview: Mark Curry, starring as The Wizard in Wicked

Mark Curry recently took over as The Wizard in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Telling the untold story of the Witches of Oz, Wicked has now been seen by over 7 million people in London alone and is already the 19th longest-running show in West End theatre history.

Mark’s recent theatre credits include: Dr. Armstrong and Rogers in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (UK tour), Richard Willey MP in Ray Cooney’s Out of Order (The Mill at Sonning), Andre Cassell in Victor/Victoria & Larry in Company (both Southwark Playhouse), The Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show (UK tour) and The Compere in Victoria Wood’s Talent (Menier Chocolate Factory). He famously presented Blue Peter alongside Caron Keating and Yvette Fielding between 1986 and 1990. 

I recently spoke to Mark before a performance of Wicked about joining such an iconic show, why seeing Wicked for the first time was an eventful experience and what went through his mind when he stepped onstage at the Apollo Victoria for the first time…

You’ve been in Wicked for over a month now, are you feeling settled in?

Yes! I enjoyed it right from the start of rehearsals… even the auditions were really nice [laughs]. I’m enjoying it more and more now because stepping into something like Wicked which is so well known and into a role that some great actors have done is quite daunting, especially when everybody else here has already been doing it for a while. I was very nervous for the first few shows, and I still get nervous – but now I have the nice nerves. It’s more excitement now… the first few nights I was like “What am I doing?!” [laughs] It’s because it’s such a big show and such a fantastic theatre and a lot is expected from you… and also everybody else is so good. 

Review: Emma Hatton Live at The Pheasantry

Emma Hatton Live 
The Pheasantry
Reviewed on Sunday 1st May 2016
★★★★★

On her day off from playing the most demanding female role in the West End, last night Emma Hatton showed off a whole different side to her talents at the Pheasantry. The show was constructed around singer-songwriters that have heavily influenced her over the years; she put her own spin on everything and had clearly put the set list together carefully because nothing felt out of place.

Broadway Review: Rachel Tucker stars in Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre

Wicked 
Gershwin Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 25th March 2016
★★★★★

It's hard to believe Wicked is currently playing its twelfth year on Broadway. The production is in tip top shape - I can't remember the last time I saw Joe Mantello's production looking so slick. Nothing quite beats seeing Wicked in New York, the audience were buzzing before the show had even begun.

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, Wicked tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz. After seeing Wicked you will never be able to watch The Wizard of Oz in the same way ever again. During the first act we learn how the two witches - The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda The Good - came to meet during their time at university, whilst in the second half we discover what happened behind the scenes when Dorothy was following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City.

The musical may feature a grand design, dazzling costumes and an epic score, but at its heart Wicked is a show about the unique friendship formed between two women. Wicked stands apart from other shows because of the way it speaks to people; everyone can relate to a character in some way. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's show is an absolute masterpiece.

PICS: Beau Dermot visits West End production of Wicked

On Friday (15th April), Beau Dermot went to see Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre after wowing the judges with her performance of 'Defying Gravity' on ITV's Britain’s Got Talent.

Dermot, who attended the show with her family, met the cast after the performance and had her photo taken with Emma Hatton (Elphaba) and Helen Woolf (understudy Glinda). See below for pictures (click image to enlarge).

Telling the untold story of the Witches of Oz, Wicked has now been seen by over 7 million people in London alone and is the 19th longest-running show in West End theatre history.

Wicked to celebrate 4,000th West End performance

Rejoycify! The West End production of Wicked will celebrate its 4,000th performance at the Apollo Victoria Theatre this afternoon (30th March).

Telling the untold story of the Witches of Oz, Wicked is currently the 9th longest-running show in the West End and the 19th longest-running show in West End theatre history. Wicked has now been seen by over 7 million people in London alone and 50 million people around the world. 

The West End cast is currently led by: Emma Hatton (Elphaba), Savannah Stevenson (Glinda), Oliver Savile (Fiyero), Liza Sadovy (Madame Morrible), Mark Curry (The Wizard), Sean Kearns (Doctor Dillamond), Daniel Hope (Boq), Katie Rowley Jones (Nessarose), Natalie Andreou (Standby for Elphaba) and Carina Gillespie (Standby for Glinda). Please note, cast subject to change from 5th September 2016.

PICS: Mark Curry joins Wicked

Images have been released of Mark Curry as The Wizard in the West End production of Wicked. Curry took over the role from Tom McGowan on 25th March 2016. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

Curry has enjoyed a long and successful career as both an actor and popular television and radio presenter. He is still best remembered by many for Blue Peter, which he co-hosted alongside Caron Keating and Yvette Fielding from 1986 to 1990.

His recent theatre credits include: ‘Dr. Armstrong’ and subsequently ‘Rogers’ in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (UK Tour); ‘Richard Willey MP’ in Ray Cooney’s Out of Order (The Mill at Sonning); ‘Andre Cassell’ in Victor/Victoria (Southwark Playhouse); ‘Larry’ inCompany (Southwark Playhouse); ‘The Narrator’ in The Rocky Horror Show (UK Tour) and ‘The Compere’ in Victoria Wood’s Talent (Menier Chocolate Factory).

Wicked becomes fastest Broadway musical to gross $1 billion

Oh what a celebration we'll have today! The Broadway production of Wicked has become the fastest Broadway production in history to gross over $1 billion.

Only two other musicals on Broadway have reached $1 billion in sales, The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera.

Wicked opened at the Gershwin Theatre in New York on 30th October 2003 and has since grossed close to $4 billion in global sales. 

Mark Curry to star as The Wizard in Wicked

Wonderful! It has been announced that Mark Curry will play The Wizard in the West End production of Wicked from 25th March 2016.

As previously announced, Broadway actor Tom McGowan ends his limited run as The Wizard on 12th March 2016. From 14th-24th March 2016, the role will be played by understudy Sean Kearns who usually plays Doctor Dillamond in the production.

Curry has enjoyed a long and successful career as both an actor and popular television and radio presenter. He is still best remembered by many for Blue Peter, which he co-hosted alongside Caron Keating and Yvette Fielding from 1986 to 1990.