With music and lyrics by multi-Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz and a book by Tony Award-nominee Winnie Holzman, Wicked is currently the 11th longest running show in West End history, having been seen at the Apollo Victoria Theatre London by over twelve million people!
The story, if you are unfamiliar with it, is about an unlikely friendship between two young women, the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads AND THEIR LIVES TAKE VERY DIFFERENT PATHS…Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power… while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, WILL HAVE UNEXPECTED AND SHOCKING consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good, and the Wicked Witch of the West.
It’s impossible not to be swept away in Wicked’s pure theatricality. The musical has won so many awards and it has become one of the most successful musicals of all time. Often when a show has been playing for a long time, it can lose some of the initial magic, but Wicked is still as exciting and dynamic as ever. With electrifying ballads, an abundance of stage magic and a fantastic cast, Wicked really does set the bar for what musical theatre can be at its best.
There’s something for everyone in Wicked. From the childlike wonder at the magical world of Oz to the political undertones about a leaders’ role in society to the universal message that true beauty lies from within. Wicked leaves the audience with food for thought and also wanting more. It’s no wonder that people return time after time to see it again. It has captured the hearts of so many over the years and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Of course Wicked wouldn’t be complete without the songs and hearing them with a live orchestra is sensational. Especially Defying Gravity, the signature song for the show and the perfect ending to the first half as Elphaba belts out a gravity-defying performance rising high into the roof of the stage.
Wicked is as bewitching as ever. An emotional, unforgettable tale of friendship and acceptance that's just magical.
Wicked is currently playing at Apollo Victoria Theatre until 4 January 2026.
Details
- Address:
- Apollo Victoria Theatre
- SW1V 1LG
- Transport:
- London Victoria Station which also serves the Victoria Underground Station (Circle, District and Victoria lines). Victoria Coach Station, 300 metres from the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Bus routes that pass the theatre include 2, 36, 185, N2, N136, 24.