<![CDATA[WICKED HEADLINES]]> http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk Latest news from WICKED The Musical THE HIT MUSICAL WICKED FLIES INTO ITS 5th PHENOMENAL YEAR WICKED FLIES INTO 5th PHENOMENAL YEAR BOOKING EXTENDED TO 29 OCTOBER 2011

WELCOMES 3 MILLIONTH THEATREGOER

WICKED, the "West End phenomenon" (The Sunday Telegraph) that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, flies into its 5th year this month at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre where it continues to experience year-on-year financial growth at the Box Office:

A 10th new booking period is being added, with tickets going on sale this Monday (6 September 2010) to Saturday 29 October 2011.

WICKED welcomed its 3 millionth theatregoer at the evening performance on Wednesday 4 August 2010.

2010 is set to be the show's highest grossing year to date with this past summer alone (1 June-28 August2010) up in excess of £1 million on the same period in 2009.

Acclaimed as "one of the biggest hits of our age" (The Observer) and winner of the Laurence Olivier Award for 'Most Popular Show' and the Whatsonstage.com Award for 'Best West End Show', WICKED has now played over 1650 performances and grossed in excess of £110 million at the UK Box Office since its West End premiere in 2006.

Find out about the WICKED Young Writers' Award at www.WickedYoungWriters.com

WICKED proudly supports the Anti-Bullying Alliance and St John Ambulance.

Gregory Maguire's Wicked is published in the UK by Headline Review

GRAMMY® award-winning Original Broadway Cast recording on Decca Broadway ]]> 54wkd Fri, 3 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT WICKED REACHES NEW BOX OFFICE MILESTONE WICKED REACHES NEW BOX OFFICE MILESTONE WICKED GROSSES £100 MILLION AT THE UK BOX OFFICE

WICKED, London's "hugely popular musical" (The Times) that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has reached a major new Box Office milestone with an incredible gross to date of #100 million at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The production has played over 1500 performances since its West End premiere in September 2006.

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: "This is an incredible milestone for us to have reached. Fantastic word-of-mouth from our audiences continues to produce sustained growth at the Box Office and we are very proud that the extraordinary momentum we have experienced since opening in 2006 has now achieved matured sales of £100 million. We are greatly indebted to everyone who works on the show and especially to those whose passion and care ensures that we deliver such high quality performances for our audiences to enjoy".

The long-running hit musical has recently been acclaimed as "one of the biggest hits of our age" (The Observer, March 2010) and "the biggest thing in musicals since The Phantom of the Opera opened 24 years ago" (The Times, March 2010).

Voted London's 'Most Popular Show' (2010 Laurence Olivier Awards) and 'Best West End Show' (2010 Whatsonstage.com Awards), WICKED is also playing in North America (4 productions), Germany, Japan and Australia.

WICKED stars: Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Louise Dearman (Glinda), Lee Mead (Fiyero), Julie Legrand (Madame Morrible), Clive Carter (The Wizard), Cassandra Compton (Nessarose), Julian Forsyth (Doctor Dillamond), George Ure (Boq), Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba Standby) and Sarah Earnshaw (Glinda Standby). Cast subject to change from 7 February 2011.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. ]]> 53wkd Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMT WICKED YOUNG WRITERS' AWARD ANNOUNCES HRH THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL AS PATRON WICKED YOUNG WRITERS' AWARD ANNOUNCES HRH THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL AS PATRON WICKED Young Writers' Award is proud to announce Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall as its patron from April 2010. Launched in February of this year, the Award aims to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity, and help develop writing talent in young people from across all backgrounds and areas of the UK.

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of WICKED, said in a statement: "it is an honour and a privilege to be welcoming HRH The Duchess of Cornwall as patron of the WICKED Young Writers' Award. We are greatly encouraged by Her Royal Highness's commitment to the Award for its inaugural year, and look forward to her supporting our shared interest in energising young people's engagement with reading and writing"

Bestselling author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo will chair the WICKED Young Writers' Award judging panel, supported by Gregory Maguire, author of the acclaimed novel that inspired the musical. Michael Morpurgo said: "I hope the award will bring the passion and energy of WICKED's amazing theatrical show and its ability to reach across age-ranges and backgrounds, to young people and their writing. With the encouragement of their teachers and families and the excitement of this kind of challenge, we will see original and creative writing coming through from children of all backgrounds and abilities. Let's hope that many, many young people will be encouraged to begin their own storytelling journeys".

The WICKED Young Writers' Award is sponsored by the publisher Headline who will celebrate the Award by publishing an anthology of winning entries to be sold exclusively through Amazon.co.uk. Winners will also be invited to a special autumn ceremony held at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, where WICKED is currently being performed.

The Award is separated into five categories between the ages of 5-25years and allows young people from across the UK and Northern Ireland to enter a piece of writing on a theme or subject of their choice. Young people are free to submit entries written at home or at school, and teachers will also be encouraged to enter writing on behalf of their pupils through a schools' entry form and online Teachers' Resource featuring exclusive video tips for inspiring and encouraging writing in the classroom. The final date for entries is Saturday 31 July 2010.

Schools and individuals can download entry forms and find tips on entering the WICKED Young Writers' Award at www.WickedYoungWriters.com]]> 52wkd Mon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 GMT NEW CAST OPENS TO RAVE REVIEWS NEW CAST OPENS TO RAVE REVIEWS WICKED, London's "hugely popular musical" (The Times), celebrated the arrival of its brand new cast, headed by Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman and Lee Mead, at a star-studded performance and party on Tuesday 18 May.

The new company has won universal acclaim:

  "...With its amazing new cast, it's no wonder that WICKED is still LONDON'S No.1 SHOW!..."
Steve Allen, LBC 97.3FM

"...WICKED ROCKS! The new cast are absolutely phenomenal and the show is better than ever..."
Vicki Blight, Absolute Radio

"...London's hottest hit just got even hotter with an amazing new cast. Wicked is a fantastic night out, YOU'LL BE SPELLBOUND!..."
Jamie Crick, Classic FM

".....WICKED is still looking and sounding spectacular with its dynamic new cast. Rachel Tucker is a powerhouse Elphaba, Louise Dearman just perfect as Glinda and Lee Mead makes a dashing Fiyero. With its remarkable set of songs, now familiar to the 'Glee' generation, WICKED is still A MUSICAL EXPERIENCE YOU ABSOLUTELY SHOULD NOT MISS...."
Paul Phear, Magic 105.4FM

"....If I'm not careful, I'll turn into an incurable Wickimaniac! The fact is that WICKED always was, and always will be, nothing less than A MAGICAL MUSICAL MASTERPIECE that gets right under your skin - and the spellbinding new cast ensure that it's as fresh (and as green) as the day it opened...."
Roger Foss, LBC 97.3FM

"RACHEL TUCKER IS NOTHING SHORT OF BRILLIANT AS ELPHABA. She has a commanding stage presence and radiates star quality. She soared above the stage and brought the house down with one of the most powerful versions of Defying Gravity I've ever had the pleasure to witness. Her performance is not only powerfully sung but beautifully acted. Leading the cast of the West End's biggest musical is where Rachel Tucker truly belongs."
Katherine Redmond, Indielondon.co.uk

"... RACHEL TUCKER AND LOUISE DEARMAN SIZZLE WITH BRILLIANCE. I had a great night. Really uplifting..."
Paul Coia, Smooth Radio

"...LOUISE DEARMAN IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. The show is extraordinary and its success is a great tribute to the West End. GO AGAIN AND AGAIN - IT'S INCREDIBLE..."
Andrew Pierce, LBC 97.3 FM

"LEE MEAD IS SIMPLY WICKED!"
The Sun 		 

WICKED now stars: Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Louise Dearman (Glinda), Lee Mead (Fiyero), Julie Legrand (Madame Morrible), Clive Carter (The Wizard), Cassandra Compton (Nessarose), Julian Forsyth (Doctor Dillamond), George Ure (Boq), Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba Standby) and Sarah Earnshaw (Glinda Standby). Cast subject to change from 7 February 2011.

]]> 51wkd Mon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 GMT WICKED PROUDLY WELCOMES LEE MEAD WICKED PROUDLY WELCOMES LEE MEAD WICKED, recently voted London's 'Most Popular Show' (2010 Laurence Olivier Awards) and 'Best West End Show' (2010 Whatsonstage.com Awards), welcomes LEE MEAD to the cast as Fiyero from today (10 May 2010).

The enormously popular winner of the BBC series Any Dream Will Do, LEE MEAD went on to the play the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre to critical acclaim, winning the 2007 Variety Club Award for 'Outstanding New Talent'. He has just finished playing the title role in the hugely successful national tour of Oscar Wilde's Lord Arthur Savile's Crime.

WICKED now stars: Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Louise Dearman (Glinda), Lee Mead (Fiyero), Julie Legrand (Madame Morrible), Clive Carter (The Wizard), Cassandra Compton (Nessarose), Julian Forsyth (Doctor Dillamond), George Ure (Boq), Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba Standby) and Sarah Earnshaw (Glinda Standby). Cast subject to change from 7 February 2011.

Recently acclaimed as "one of the biggest hits of our age" (The Observer, March 2010) and "the biggest thing in musicals since The Phantom of the Opera opened 24 years ago" (The Times, March 2010), WICKED celebrated its 1500th performance at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre on Friday 23 April 2010.]]> 50wkd Mon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 GMT WICKED WELCOMES NEW CAST AND SETS BOX OFFICE RECORD WICKED WELCOMES NEW CAST AND SETS NEW BOX OFFICE RECORD WICKED, recently voted London's 'Most Popular Show' (2010 Laurence Olivier Awards) and 'Best West End Show' (2010 Whatsonstage.com Awards), welcomes its brand new London cast from tonight (29 March, 2010).

WICKED now stars: Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Louise Dearman (Glinda), Lee Mead* (Fiyero), Julie Legrand (Madame Morrible), Clive Carter (The Wizard), Cassandra Compton (Nessarose), Julian Forsyth (Doctor Dillamond), George Ure (Boq), Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba Standby) and Sarah Earnshaw (Glinda Standby).

*Lee Mead will play Fiyero from Monday 10 May 2010. Until then the role will be played by Lewis Bradley. Cast subject to change from 7 February 2011.

Last week, WICKED also set a new Box Office record for highest grossing single performance of its entire run, taking an incredible £115,690 at the evening performance on Saturday 27 March 2010 (beating its own record of £114,060 for Monday 28 December 2009).

Recently acclaimed as "one of the biggest hits of our era" (The Observer, March 2010) and "the biggest thing in musicals since The Phantom of the Opera opened 24 years ago" (The Times, March 2010), WICKED has already been seen by almost 3 million theatregoers and grossed in excess of £95 million at the UK Box Office since its London premiere at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006.]]> 49wkd Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:00:00 GMT WICKED WINS 2010 LAURENCE OLIVIER AUDIENCE AWARD FOR ‘MOST POPULAR SHOW’ WICKED WINS 2010 LAURENCE OLIVIER AUDIENCE AWARD WICKED, the international hit musical, has been voted London's 'Most Popular Show' at the 2010 Laurence Olivier Awards. The special Audience Award is the only Laurence Olivier Award to be decided on solely by the theatre-going public. More than 58,000 votes were cast.

Last month (14 February) the public also voted WICKED London's 'Best West End Show' at the 2010 Whatsonstage.com Awards. The musical has won over 35 awards around the world.

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said in a statement: "It is an incredible honour that the public have recognised WICKED as London's 'Most Popular Show'. We feel an enormous sense of validation for the passion and efforts of everybody involved in the show, as this award is a testament to the fact that three and a half years and almost 3 million people later, audiences still have the same enthusiasm and love for WICKED as when we first opened. A huge thank you to every single one of those people for their ongoing support and to the public for their votes".

The Audience Award was presented to WICKED on 21 March at the star-studded ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel and accepted by Executive Producer Michael McCabe, together with the show's new stars Rachel Tucker and Louise Dearman. The four other shows that made the shortlist were Billy Elliot, The Phantom of the Opera, War Horse and We Will Rock You.

Recently acclaimed as "one of the biggest hits of our era" (The Observer, March 2010), WICKED has already been seen by almost 3 million theatregoers and grossed in excess of £95 million at the UK Box Office since its London premiere in September 2006. ]]> 48wkd Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:00:00 GMT WICKED LAUNCHES YOUNG WRITERS AWARD WICKED LAUNCHES YOUNG WRITERS AWARD WICKED launches a groundbreaking new educational award today (Monday 22 February 2010) to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity and help develop writing talent in young people nationwide. Spearheaded by bestselling author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, the WICKED Young Writers' Award is the first of its kind to seek entries from young writers between 5 and 25 years old across all backgrounds and areas of the UK.

Michael Morpurgo will be joined on the judging panel by Gregory Maguire, author of the acclaimed novel that inspired the musical that re-imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'. Michael Morpurgo said: 'I hope the award will bring the passion and energy of WICKED's amazing theatrical show and its ability to reach across age-ranges and backgrounds, to young people and their writing. With the encouragement of their teachers and families and the excitement of this kind of challenge, we will see original and creative writing coming through from children of all backgrounds and abilities. Let's hope that many, many young people will be encouraged to begin their own storytelling journeys'.

Entries for the WICKED Young Writers' Award will be sought from children across the UK and Northern Ireland who will then be separated into four categories in between the ages of 5-16: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-16. An individual Gregory Maguire Award for 17-25 year-olds will encourage writing that, in the same style as Gregory Maguire's WICKED novels, takes a well-known story and examines it from a different perspective.

Young people can enter pieces either written at home or at school on a theme or subject of their choice. Schools will be encouraged to enter writing on behalf of their pupils through an online Teachers' Resource and schools' entry form. Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of WICKED, said in a statement: 'Through sponsorship of a Young Writers' Award, I am extremely keen to be able to link the production's important messages of tolerance and unprejudiced thinking with a competition designed to stir the imaginations of young people across the country'

Twenty winners will be chosen from every category, with one overall winner then selected from each. All of the winners will be invited to a special autumn ceremony held at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, where WICKED is currently being performed. Each of the winning entries will then be published in an anthology celebrating the 2010 WICKED Young Writers' Award. An overall winner from each of the categories will win tickets to see WICKED with their family and a writing master-class from one of the esteemed judges. The two schools that encourage the most entries will win books for their respective libraries. The final date for entries is Saturday 31 July 2010.

Schools and individuals can download entry forms and find tips on entering the WICKED Young Writers' Award at www.WickedYoungWriters.com ]]> 47wkd Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:00:00 GMT THE PUBLIC VOTES WICKED ‘BEST WEST END SHOW’ WICKED VOTED LONDON'S ‘BEST WEST END SHOW’ WICKED London's "Best West End Show" at the 2010 Whatsonstage.com Awards. This special award, which asked the public to decide the best overall show from all the plays and musicals currently running in the West End, was presented in celebration of the Awards' 10th Anniversary.

This year, 46,000 theatregoers voted online and by text message across a range of categories. The other productions that made the initial shortlist of 10 in the "Best West End Show" category were Billy Elliot, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, War Horse and We Will Rock You.

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said in a statement: "It has been an incredible year for West End theatre, and the productions that made the shortlist for this special award are proof of the diversity and quality that have helped maintain London as the world leader for live entertainment. We are therefore truly honoured that the public has chosen WICKED as London's 'Best West End Show', and our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who voted".

WICKED is also one of five West End productions to have been shortlisted for the special 2010 Laurence Olivier Audience Award, which is giving theatregoers the chance to vote for their favourite long-running London show. The other four shows are Billy Elliot, The Phantom of the Opera, War Horse and We Will Rock You. Voting is now underway and so CLICK HERE.

Winner of over 30 international theatre awards, this "hugely popular show" (The Times) is now in its fourth year at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre and has already been seen by over 2.5 million people and taken in excess of £90 million at the UK Box Office. WICKED was recently named 'Best Musical of the Decade' by Entertainment Weekly and "the defining musical of the decade" by The New York Times.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

WICKED proudly supports Magic 105.4's Cash For Kids charity and the Anti-Bullying Alliance.]]> 46wkd Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:30:00 GMT WICKED MAKES 2010 OLIVIER AWARD SHORTLIST FOR SPECIAL ‘AUDIENCE AWARD’ WICKED SHORTLISTED FOR SPECIAL LAURENCE OLIVER AWARD WICKED, London's smash hit musical, has been shortlisted for this years special Laurence Olivier Audience Award which is giving the public the chance to vote for their favourite long-running West End show.

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said in a statement: "We are hugely honoured to have been shortlisted for this very special Laurence Olivier Audience Award and thank everyone for their nominations. Incredible word-of-mouth has propelled WICKED to become one of the West End's most enduring successes in recent years, and it has been through the enthusiasm and support of our audiences that we are now established as a long-running hit musical."

The shortlist of 5 shows also includes Billy Elliot, The Phantom of the Opera, War Horse and We Will Rock You. The winner of the special Laurence Olivier Audience Award for 'Most Popular Show' will be announced on 21 March 2010.

Click here to vote.

Winner of over 30 international theatre awards, this "hugely popular show" (The Times) is now in its fourth year at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre and has already been seen by over 2.5 million people and taken in excess of £90 million at the UK Box Office. ]]> 45wkd Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:30:00 GMT THE HIT MUSICAL WICKED EXTENDS BOOKING - TICKETS NOW ON SALE TO 30 APRIL 2011 WICKED EXTENDS BOOKING TO 30 APRIL 2011 WICKED, London's "hugely popular musical" (The Times) that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to announce the launch of its ninth new booking period, with all performances until Saturday 30 April 2011 now on sale.

The long-running hit musical also announces a series of extra matinee performances on the following dates: 18 February, 28 October, 20 December, 22 December, 23 December, 24 December, 28 December, 29 December and 31 December 2010, all at 2.30pm.

From Monday 29 March 2010, WICKED will star: Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Louise Dearman (Glinda), Lee Mead* (Fiyero), Julie Legrand (Madame Morrible), Clive Carter (The Wizard), Cassandra Compton (Nessarose), Julian Forsyth (Doctor Dillamond), George Ure (Boq), Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba Standby) and Sarah Earnshaw (Glinda Standby).

* Subject to holidays and unforeseen circumstances, Lee Mead will play Fiyero from 10 May 2010 until 5 February 2011. From Monday 29 March 2010 until Saturday 8 May 2010, the role will be played by Lewis Bradley.

Recently named "Best Musical of the Decade" by Entertainment Weekly and "the defining musical of the decade" by The New York Times, the long-running hit has already been seen by over 2.5 million people in London and taken in excess of £90 million at the UK Box Office. Winner of over 30 international awards, this "cultural phenomenon" (Variety) is also playing in North America (4 productions), Germany, Japan and Australia.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

WICKED proudly supports Magic 105.4's Cash For Kids charity and the Anti-Bullying Alliance.]]> 44wkd Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:30:00 GMT LEE MEAD TO STAR AS 'FIYERO' IN WICKED FROM 10 MAY 2010 LEE MEAD TO JOIN NEW LONDON CAST OF WICKED FULL NEW LONDON CAST CONFIRMED FROM 29 MARCH 2010

WICKED, London's "hugely popular musical" (The Times) that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to announce that Lee Mead is to play Fiyero at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from Monday 10 May 2010.

Lee Mead is currently playing the title role in Oscar Wilde's Lord Arthur Saville's Crime on UK tour until 24 April 2010. The enormously popular winner of the BBC series Any Dream Will Do, Lee went on to the play the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre to critical acclaim, winning the 2007 Variety Club Award for 'Outstanding New Talent'.

Lee Mead said in a statement: "I'm really excited to be returning to the West End in this incredible musical. Fiyero is a fantastic part and I'm looking forward to joining Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman and the brilliant new cast at the Apollo Victoria Theatre".

WICKED Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: "With a wealth of musical theatre experience already under his belt, Lee was, from the outset, the one to watch in the BBC's 'Any Dream Will Do'. His much deserved win and subsequent performance in 'Joseph...' proved that he was an outstandingly talented leading man. I am really delighted that he has now chosen to make his return to the West End as Fiyero in Wicked alongside the fantastic new cast that will take us into our fifth year".

Julie Legrand (Madame Morrible), Clive Carter (The Wizard), Cassandra Compton (Nessarose), Julian Forsyth (Doctor Dillamond), George Ure (Boq) and Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba Standby) also join the previously announced Rachel Tucker (Elphaba) and Louise Dearman (Glinda) as part of the new London cast from Monday 29 March 2010. Original London cast member Sarah Earnshaw continues as Glinda Standby.

Lee Mead plays Fiyero from Monday 10 May 2010. From Monday 29 March 2010 until Saturday 8 May 2010, the role will be played by Lewis Bradley.

From Monday 29 March 2010, WICKED will star: Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Louise Dearman (Glinda), Lee Mead* (Fiyero), Julie Legrand (Madame Morrible), Clive Carter (The Wizard), Cassandra Compton (Nessarose), Julian Forsyth (Doctor Dillamond), George Ure (Boq), Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba Standby), Sarah Earnshaw (Glinda Standby), Alex Louize Bird, Lewis Bradley*, Gareth Chart, Joe Colasanti, Emma Green, Lauren James Ray, Shirley Jameson, Daniel Jones, Jasmine Kerr, Matt Krzan, Sophie Linder-Lee, Danny Mac, Lucy Newton, Sauri Oda, Sean Parkins, Soeli Parry, Michelle Pentecost, Paul Saunders, Niall Sheehy, Tommy Sherlock, Thomas Sutcliffe, Jennifer Tierney, Hannah Toy, Stevie Tate-Bauer, Jack Wilcox and Sam Wilmott.

*Lee Mead plays Fiyero from Monday 10 May 2010. From Monday 29 March 2010 until Saturday 8 May 2010, the role will be played by Lewis Bradley.

Recently named "Best Musical of the Decade" by Entertainment Weekly and "the defining musical of the decade" by The New York Times, the long-running hit has already been seen by over 2.5 million people in London and taken in excess of £90 million at the UK Box Office. Winner of over 30 international awards, this "cultural phenomenon" (Variety) is also playing in North America (4 productions), Germany, Japan and Australia.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

WICKED proudly supports Magic 105.4's Cash For Kids charity and the Anti-Bullying Alliance.]]> 43wkd Fri, 15 Jan 2010 2009 13:45:00 GMT WICKED ANNOUNCES NEW STARS FROM 29 MARCH 2010 WICKED ANNOUNCES NEW STARS FROM 29 MARCH 2010 RACHEL TUCKER AND LOUISE DEARMAN TO PLAY ELPHABA AND GLINDA

Recently acclaimed as "the defining musical of the decade" by The New York Times, the long-running hit West End musical WICKED, is pleased to welcome Rachel Tucker as Elphaba and Louise Dearman as Glinda who will lead the new cast from Monday 29 March 2010.

Belfast born Rachel Tucker (Elphaba) has most recently been co-presenting The Friday Show with Eamonn Holmes for BBC Northern Ireland. She has just finished playing Meat in the Queen/Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre and was a semi-finalist in the hugely popular BBC1 series I'd Do Anything.

Louise Dearman (Glinda) recently played Eva Peron in the UK national tour of Evita to great acclaim. In the West End she appeared in Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre and starred as Sarah Brown in the subsequent UK national tour. She is about to finish playing the title role in Cinderella opposite Mickey Rooney for First Family Entertainment.

Current cast members Alexia Khadime (Elphaba) and Dianne Pilkington (Glinda) will play their final performances on Saturday 27 March 2010. Additional cast changes will be announced shortly.

Winner of over 30 international awards, the "West End phenomenon" (The Sunday Telegraph) is now in its fourth year at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre and has already been seen by over 2.5 million people and taken in excess of £90 million at the UK Box Office.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

WICKED proudly supports Magic 105.4's Cash For Kids charity and the Anti-Bullying Alliance.]]> 42wkd Fri, 15 Jan 2010 2009 13:45:00 GMT WICKED CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 2009 WICKED CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 2009 WICKED CELEBRATES HIGHEST GROSSING YEAR TO DATE

OVER £27 MILLION TAKEN AT THE BOX OFFICE IN 2009

Recently named "Best Musical of the Decade" by Entertainment Weekly and "the defining musical of the decade" by The New York Times, the hit musical WICKED at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre enjoyed its highest grossing year to date in 2009, grossing an incredible £27,333,991 at the Box Office (up almost £100,000 from 2008). The musical has taken in excess of £90 million at the UK Box Office since its London premiere in September 2006.

Now in its fourth year, "the hugely popular musical" (The Times) celebrated its 1000th performance on Saturday 14 February 2009 and welcomed its 2 millionth theatregoer on 11 May 2009. The production entered its fourth year on 27 September 2009.

Also in 2009, WICKED won the Visit London Award for Best Family Fun and has been short-listed as Best West End Show by theatregoers voting online until the end of January 2010 at Whatsonstage.com. The show's current leading ladies, Dianne Pilkington and Alexia Khadime, were honoured as Women of The Future at the annual Woman of the Future Awards and the musical, in partnership with Westfield London, set a new Guinness World Record for the world's largest Halloween gathering as part of its annual 'Wicked Day' celebrations.

UK Executive Producer Michael McCabe said "The public's incredible enthusiasm and support for Wicked has swept us along on a huge wave of success since we opened in 2006. To see our business continuing to climb year-on-year is really incredible and we are enormously grateful to the millions of people who have bought tickets to date and especially to those who made 2009 our best year yet".

Winner of over 30 international awards, productions of WICKED are currently playing in North America (4 productions), Germany, Japan and Australia.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

WICKED proudly supports Magic 105.4's Cash For Kids charity and the Anti-Bullying Alliance. ]]> 41wkd Wed, 07 Jan 2010 2009 12:00:00 GMT WICKED BROADWAY CELEBRATES HIGHEST GROSSING YEAR TO DATE WICKED BROADWAY CELEBRATES HIGHEST GROSS TO DATE WICKED BREAKS OWN RECORD FOR HIGHEST GROSSING BROADWAY SHOW

For the third time in just six weeks, the Broadway production of WICKED has grossed over $2 million for one week of performances. For the week ending Sunday 29 November, the musical, now in its 7th year on Broadway, grossed $2,086,135, and for the week ending December 27 the musical surpassed its own record grossing $2,092,745. For the week ending January 3, 2010, the musical shattered the record once again, making Broadway history by taking in an unprecedented $2,125,740 and setting a new house record at the Gershwin Theatre.

Additionally, the show's three other North American productions broke house records in San Francisco ($1,485,692), Providence ($1,793,764), and Schenectady ($1,657,139), bringing the musical's one-week North American box office gross to $7,062,335.

The musical, which was recently called "the defining musical of the decade" by The New York Times, currently has eight productions across the globe: in New York, San Francisco, London, Stuttgart, Osaka, Sydney, and on two concurrent North American National Tours. WICKED has amassed over $1.7 billion globally in ticket sales and has been seen by over 21 million people worldwide in its 7-year history.

Declared "The Best Musical of the Decade" by Entertainment Weekly and "A Cultural Phenomenon" by Variety, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. ]]> 40wkd Wed, 07 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT WICKED NAMED BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE WICKED NAMED BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE WICKED as the "Best Musical" of the decade in its "Best of the Decade: The 100 Greatest - 2000 - 2009" entertainment feature that picks the best movies, TV shows, albums, music videos, books, fashions and trends of the past 10 years. WICKED was the only musical chosen.

WICKED, "the hugely popular musical" (The Times, 31 October 2009) that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has 8 productions running simultaneously around the world - in London, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Sydney and two North American tours.

WICKED recently became the only Broadway show in history to gross over $2 million for one week of performances. For the week ending Sunday 29 November, the musical, now in its 7th year, grossed $2,086,135, surpassing its own record of $1,839,950 as the highest grossing week in Broadway history (for the week ending December 30, 2007), and setting a new house record at the Gershwin Theatre.

The hit London production has now played over 1300 performances and been seen by more than two million theatre-goers since its West End premiere at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006, taking almost $90 million at the Box Office.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

WICKED proudly supports Magic 105.4's Cash For Kids charity and the Anti-Bullying Alliance. ]]> 36wkd Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT THEATREGOERS NOMINATE WICKED ‘BEST WEST END SHOW’ THEATREGOERS NOMINATE WICKED ‘BEST WEST END SHOW’ WICKED, "the hugely popular musical" (The Times, 31 October 2009) that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has been nominated "Best West End Show" at the annual Whatsonstage.com Awards, considered to be the 'theatregoers' choice'.

CLICK HERE to vote for WICKED

The "Best West End Show" award is a new honour launched to celebrate the 10th year of the Whatsonstage.com Awards. The shortlist for this category - which applies to all current West End productions, including long-runners - has shortlisted 10 productions.

Voting closes at the end of January and all the winners, as voted by the general public, will be announced at a live event on Sunday 14 February 2010.

The international hit has now played over 1300 performances and been seen by more than two million theatregoers since its West End premiere in September 2006 at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. ]]> 35wkd Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT WICKED STARS NAMED ‘WOMEN OF THE FUTURE’ WICKED STARS NAMED ‘WOMEN OF THE FUTURE’ WICKED STARS DIANNE PILKINGTON AND ALEXIA KHADIME NAMED 2009's 'WOMEN OF THE FUTURE'

The annual Women of the Future Awards have named Dianne Pilkington and Alexia Khadime co-stars of the hit West End musical WICKED, as the winners of this year's prestigious award in the 'Art and Culture' category.

The Women of the Future Awards, in association with Shell, celebrate and honour outstanding young women transforming Britain for the better. Dianne Pilkington accepted the award on behalf of herself and her co-star at a celebratory, black-tie event last night hosted by BBC London's Riz Lateef at the Marriott Grosvenor Square.

Dianne Pilkington and Alexia Khadime said in a joint statement "We are both incredibly honoured to have been chosen as Women of the Future and, as actors, proud and privileged to play the two inspirational women at the heart of WICKED"

WICKED's Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: "WICKED is ultimately a story of female friendship and empowerment and the lead characters of Elphaba and Glinda have become incredible role models for many thousands of people. Dianne and Alexia have embodied these roles with grace and empathy and we are all tremendously proud that these two outstanding and gifted actors have been honoured as Women of the Future."

WICKED, "the hugely popular musical" (The Times, 31 October 2009) that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has now played over 1300 performances and been seen by more than two million theatregoers at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre. ]]> 34wkd Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT WICKED WINS VISIT LONDON PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WICKED WINS VISIT LONDON PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WICKED HALLOWEEN EVENT BREAKS 'GUINNESS WORLD RECORD'

EXTRA CHRISTMAS MATINEES NOW ON SALE

WICKED, "the hugely popular musical " (The Times, 31 October 2009) that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has been named "Best Family Fun" at the BT Visit London People's Choice Awards 2009.

The annual People's Choice Awards give the public the chance to vote for their top things to see and do in the capital. Other nominees in the Evening Standard sponsored "Best Family Fun" category included the London Eye, ZSL London Zoo and the Science Museum.

As part of a weekend of Halloween celebrations, the WICKED CACKLE at Westfield London on Saturday 31 October 2009 broke a new Guinness World Record for the world's largest Halloween gathering.

Three extra WICKED Christmas matinees have been added to the schedule: Tuesday 22 December, Thursday 24 December and Tuesday 29 December 2009, all at 2.30pm. Tickets are now on sale. There are no 7.30pm performances on 24 and 25 December 2009.

Last week (ending 31 October 2009) the musical played its fourth highest ever grossing week, taking £807,997 at the Box Office. 20,000 people attended 9 performances of the show. The international hit has now played over 1300 performances and been seen by more than two million theatregoers at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. ]]> 33wkd Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT WICKED FLIES INTO ITS FOURTH HIT YEAR BOOKING EXTENDED TO SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER 2010 BOOKING EXTENDED TO SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER 2010

Acknowledged as a "West End phenomenon" by The Sunday Telegraph (2 August, 2009), WICKED, the smash hit musical that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, officially flies into its fourth year at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre on 27 September 2009.

This award-winning production celebrated its 1000th performance on 14 February 2009 and welcomed its two millionth theatregoer on 11 May 2009. The hugely popular show has already grossed in excess of £80 million at the UK Box Office and booking has been extended again with tickets now on sale until Saturday 30 October 2010.

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: "As WICKED enters its fourth year in the West End our business continues to climb. As we are already 7% up on last year, we fully expect 2009 to be our highest grossing year to date. It's a remarkable achievement, especially in this financial climate, and we are all greatly indebted to the cast, company, orchestra and crew who work so brilliantly and tirelessly to deliver audiences such a superb experience every night."

WICKED stars Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Sam Kelly as The Wizard, Natalie Anderson as Nessarose, Alex Jessop as Boq and David Stoller as Doctor Dillamond.

Cast subject to change from 29 March 2010.

]]> 32wkd Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:00:00 GMT WICKED AUSTRALIA WINS BEST MUSICAL WICKED AUSTRALIA WINS BEST MUSICAL WICKED won six 2009 Helpmann Awards® on Monday 27 July for Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography, Best Supporting Actor and Best Director.

Presented at the Sydney Opera House and broadcast live on national television, the annual Helpmann Awards®, named in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann, recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in live performance. WICKED completes its hit engagement in Melbourne on 9 August and opens at Sydney's Capitol Theatre on 5 September.

The London production of WICKED opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006 and will enter its fourth year in September 2009. Acknowledged as 'one of the West End's longest running hits' (Daily Mail), this award-winning production celebrated its 1000th performance on 14 February 2009 and welcomed its two millionth customer on 11 May 2009.

WICKED is currently running in North America (4 productions), London, Japan, Germany and Australia and has been seen by over 17 million people worldwide. ]]> 31wkd Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:00:00 GMT THE HIT MUSICAL WICKED WELCOMED ITS 2 MILLIONTH THEATREGOER, LOUISA ROBB FROM NEWARK, ON 11 MAY 2009 WICKED WELCOMES 2 MILLIONTH THEATREGOER WICKED on Monday 11 May 2009.



Pictured left - right: Dianne Pilkington (Glinda), Louisa Robb (2 millionth theatregoer), Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero), Craig Robinson (Louisa's boyfriend), Alexia Khadime (Elphaba).

Louisa, with boyfriend Craig Robinson, was surprised by the WICKED producers with an upgrade to the best seats in the house and VIP treatment for the evening.

WICKED opened at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006 and celebrated its 1000th performance on Saturday 14 February 2009. As it heads towards its 3rd birthday and fourth year (in September), WICKED continues to break Box Office records, most recently during the Easter fortnight where it achieved a combined gross of £1,416,824.50 with almost 36,000 seeing the show. The week commencing 6 April was the production's highest grossing 8-show week, playing to 99.8% capacity. WICKED has grossed almost £75 million at the Box Office since opening.

In addition to the London production, the international hit musical is also currently running in North America (4 productions), Japan, Germany and Australia.

Tickets are currently on sale until Saturday 3 April 2010.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', WICKED tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as 'Glinda The Good' and the 'Wicked Witch of the West'.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED proudly supports Bliss, the special care baby charity and the Anti-Bullying Alliance

Press Contact: Jo Allan or Anna Dawson
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7243 6176 Email: jo@joallan.co.uk or anna@joallan.co.uk ]]> 30wkd Wed, 13 May 2009 17:00:00 GMT THE HIT MUSICAL WICKED CONFIRMS FULL LONDON COMPANY BEGINNING 11 MAY 2009 WICKED FULL NEW COMPANY ANNOUNCED WICKED, which recently celebrated its 1000th performance, is pleased to confirm its new London company. From Monday 11 May 2009, the full cast will be:

Alexia Khadime (Elphaba), Dianne Pilkington (Glinda), Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero), Sam Kelly (The Wizard), Harriet Thorpe (Madame Morrible), Natalie Anderson (Nessarose), Alex Jessop (Boq), David Stoller (Doctor Dillamond), Ashleigh Gray (Standby for Elphaba) and Sarah Earnshaw (Standby for Glinda), Karen Aspinall, Lee Bridgeman, Sabrina Carter, Aileen Donohoe, A C Garcia, Clare Halse, Lauren James Ray, Keeley Jane Jackson, Arran Knight, Danny Mac, Mitchell Mahony, Sean Needham, Buchi Osuji, Sean Parkins, Caroline Rovina, Pharic Scott, Gregor Stewart, Lindsay Taylor, Chloe Taylor, Michelle Theunissen, Emily Tierney, Jennifer Tierney, Hannah Toy, George Ure, Sam Wilmott and Gary Wood.

The award-winning musical opened at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006 and has now been seen by almost two million people and taken over £70 million at the Box Office. In addition to the London production, the international hit musical is also currently running in North America (4 productions), Japan, Germany and Australia.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED proudly supports Bliss, the special care baby charity and the Anti-Bullying Alliance

Press Contact: Jo Allan or Anna Dawson
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7243 6176 Email: jo@joallan.co.uk or anna@joallan.co.uk ]]> 29wkd Thur, 26 Mar 2009 17:30:00 GMT THE HIT MUSICAL WICKED ANNOUNCES NEW CAST FROM 11 MAY 2009 WICKED NEW CAST ANNOUNCED SAM KELLY AND NATALIE ANDERSON JOIN THE COMPANY

ALEXIA KHADIME RETURNS AS 'ELPHABA'

The smash hit musical WICKED, which recently celebrated its 1000th performance, is pleased to welcome Sam Kelly as The Wizard and Natalie Anderson as Nessarose from Monday 11 May 2009. The production also welcomes back Alexia Khadime as Elphaba.

Since the early seventies, Sam Kelly has been one of the UK's best-loved and most popular actors. His many long-running television series have included Porridge with Ronnie Barker; 'Allo, 'Allo with Gorden Kaye; On The Up with Dennis Waterman and Barbara with Gwen Taylor. His National Theatre appearances include The Homecoming with Michael Sheen, War and Peace and A Funny Thing Happen On The Way To The Forum. Natalie Anderson is best known as 'Nurse Stella Davenport' in ITV's The Royal, a role she has been playing since 2004. She also starred in the BBC children's television drama series The Biz with Paul Nicholls.

Dianne Pilkington (Glinda), Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero), Harriet Thorpe (Madame Morrible), Ashleigh Gray (Standby for Elphaba) and Sarah Earnshaw (Standby for Glinda) have all extended their contracts. Current ensemble cast members Alex Jessop and David Stoller will take over the roles of Boq and Doctor Dillamond respectively.

Current WICKED stars Kerry Ellis (Elphaba), Desmond Barrit (The Wizard), Caroline Keiff (Nessarose), Jeremy Legat (Boq) and Andy Mace (Doctor Dillamond) will all play their final performances on Saturday 9th May 2009.

From Monday 11 May 2009, WICKED stars Alexia Khadime (Elphaba), Dianne Pilkington (Glinda), Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero), Sam Kelly (The Wizard), Harriet Thorpe (Madame Morrible), Natalie Anderson (Nessarose), Alex Jessop (Boq), David Stoller (Doctor Dillamond), Ashleigh Gray (Standby for Elphaba) and Sarah Earnshaw (Standby for Glinda).

The award-winning musical opened at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006 and has now been seen by almost two million people and taken £70 million at the Box Office. In addition to the London production, WICKED is also currently running in North America (4 productions), Japan, Germany and Australia.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED proudly supports Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk and the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Press Contact: Jo Allan or Anna Dawson
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7243 6176 Email: jo@joallan.co.uk or anna@joallan.co.uk ]]> 28wkd Thur, 26 Mar 2009 17:30:00 GMT THE HIT MUSICAL WICKED EXTENDS BOOKING TICKETS ON SALE INTO 2010 TICKETS ON SALE INTO 2010

The smash hit musical WICKED has extended booking, with tickets now on sale over a year in advance until Saturday 3 April 2010.

The award-winning musical opened at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006 and celebrated its 1000th performance on Saturday 14 February 2009. Acknowledged as 'the West End's most successful musical' (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has already been seen by almost two million people and taken in excess of £68 million at the Box Office. Last week (week ending 21 February 2009), the production played its third highest grossing week of its record-breaking run, taking £828,738 at the Box Office.

Based on Gregory Maguire's best-selling novel that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', WICKED tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called 'good' and the other 'wicked'.

WICKED stars Kerry Ellis as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible and Desmond Barrit as The Wizard. Cast subject to change from 11 May 2009. Alexia Khadime returns to play Elphaba from 11 May 2009.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

In addition to the London production, WICKED is also currently running in North America, Japan, Germany and Australia.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG
Box Office and 24 Hour Credit Card Bookings: Ticketmaster 0844 826 8000

WICKED proudly supports Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk and the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Press Contact: Jo Allan / jo@joallan.co.uk / +44 (0) 20 7243 6176 ]]> 27wkd Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:00:00 GMT WICKED CELEBRATES 1000th PERFORMANCE 14 FEBRUARY WICKED CELEBRATES 1000 PERFORMANCES WICKED celebrated its 1000th performance at the sold out 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 14 February.

The award-winning musical opened at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006 and is now in its third year. Acknowledged as 'the West End's most successful musical' (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has already been seen by almost two million people and taken in excess of £67 million at the Box Office.

Based on Gregory Maguire's best-selling novel that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', WICKED tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called 'good' and the other 'wicked'.

WICKED stars Kerry Ellis as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible and Desmond Barrit as The Wizard. Cast subject to change from 11 May 2009. Alexia Khadime returns to play Elphaba from 11 May 2009.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by Joe Mantello. WICKED is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

In addition to the London production, WICKED is also currently running in North America, Japan, Germany and Australia.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG
Box Office and 24 Hour Credit Card Bookings: Ticketmaster 0844 826 8000

WICKED proudly supports Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk and the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Press and PR - Jo Allan
Tel: 020 7243 6176
jo@joallan.co.uk ]]> 26wkd Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:00:00 GMT WICKED CROWNS RECORD-BREAKING YEAR WITH HIGHEST GROSSING WEEK OF ITS ENTIRE RUN ALMOST £890,000 GROSSED FOR WEEK-COMMENCING 29 DECEMBER 2008 WICKED CROWNS RECORD-BREAKING YEAR WICKED, now in its third year at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, broke Box Office records last week with the highest weekly gross of its entire run. The musical grossed £885,294, beating its own record of £873,020 set in the final week of December 2006. Almost 20,000 theatregoers attended 9 performances of the musical last week.

WICKED continues to defy the ‘credit crunch’ and increased sales in 2008 by more than £1 million on the previous year, with no increase in ticket prices since February 2007, taking £28 million in total.

Acknowledged as ‘the West End's most successful musical’ (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has taken in excess of £65 million at the Box Office since opening in September 2006. The award-winning musical has already been seen by over 1.7 million people and played over 950 performances.

UK Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: "2008 proved to be a remarkable year for Wicked and we are delighted to have ended it on such a high note. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our outstanding cast, company and crew, the incredible Box Office staff and the many individuals and contractors who have all helped to make Wicked such a huge and enduring success in London".

WICKED stars: Kerry Ellis as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond.

Cast subject to change from Monday 11 May 2009.

Alexia Khadime returns to play Elphaba from Monday 11 May 2009.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED proudly supports Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk and the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk ]]> 25wkd Mon, 5 Jan 20098 16:00:00 GMT WICKED BEATS THE ‘CREDIT CRUNCH’ WITH A MILLION POUND YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE IN SALES WICKED BEATS THE CREDIT CRUNCH WICKED, now in its third year at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, has grossed almost £28 million in 2008, £1.2 million up on 2007. The musical has taken over £65 million at the Box Office since opening in September 2006.

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: "We will end 2008 4% up on 2007 having experienced our highest grossing year to date. It is remarkable enough to see business building year-on-year but in these challenging financial times it seems like a miracle. We are very proud of the achievement and hugely grateful to all the theatregoers who continue to make this show such an enormous popular success."

Acknowledged as 'the West End's most successful musical' (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has already been seen by over 1.7 million people and played over 900 performances.

WICKED stars: Kerry Ellis as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond.
Cast subject to change from Monday 11 May 2009.

Alexia Khadime returns to play Elphaba from Monday 11 May 2009.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED proudly supports Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk and the
Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk ]]> 24wkd Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:00:00 GMT ALEXIA KHADIME TO RETURN TO WICKED IN 2009 ALEXIA KHADIME TO RETURN TO WICKED IN 2009 WICKED from Monday 11 May 2009.

Alexia Khadime previously played Elphaba in the London production of WICKED from 9 June - 29 November 2008. Prior to WICKED, she starred as 'Nala' in Disney's The Lion King.

After two and a half remarkable years, the award-winning Kerry Ellis will play her final performance as Elphaba on Saturday 9 May 2009.

WICKED currently stars: Kerry Ellis as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond. Cast subject to change from Monday 11 May 2009.

WICKED proudly supports the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk and Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk ]]> 23wkd Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:00:00 GMT KERRY ELLIS RETURNS FROM A TRIUMPHANT BROADWAY DEBUT TO PLAY ELPHABA IN LONDON’S WICKED KERRY ELLIS RETURNS FROM A TRIUMPHANT BROADWAY DEBUT WICKED, the record-breaking hit musical now in its third year at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, is pleased to welcome back Kerry Ellis as 'Elphaba' from Monday 1 December.

During her recent acclaimed run as Elphaba at New York's Gershwin Theatre, in which she made her Broadway debut, Kerry Ellis was named the number 1 Broadway actor by The Actors Hall of Fame. She also performed in the Broadway On Broadway concert in Times Square and Broadway In Bryant Park. She switched on the lights that turned the Empire State Building green in celebration of the Broadway production's 5th anniversary together with Stephen Schwartz. Kerry Ellis returns to the role at the Apollo Victoria Theatre that won her the 2007 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award.

Acknowledged as 'the West End's most successful musical' (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has already been seen by over 1.7 million people since its London premiere in September 2006, grossing in excess of £60 million at the Box Office to date.

From Monday 1 December, WICKED stars: Kerry Ellis as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond. Cast subject to change from 11 May 2009.

WICKED proudly supports the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk and Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk ]]> 22wkd Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:00:00 GMT KERRY ELLIS JOINS ALL-STAR LINE UP AT ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE 2008 KERRY ELLIS JOINS ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE 2008 WICKED STAR WILL PERFORM ‘DEFYING GRAVITY’ WITH BRIAN MAY

A host of celebrities and artists from the worlds of music, comedy and theatre come together for the annual highlight of the showbusiness calendar, the Royal Variety Performance.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary, this year's show will be returning to the iconic London Palladium on Thursday 11 December 2008 to be performed in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Kerry Ellis, who has just returned from Broadway where she recreated her award-winning performance as Elphaba in WICKED, will perform her sensational new version of ‘Defying Gravity’ from the hit musical. The song is featured on her new CD, ‘Wicked in Rock’, produced by, and featuring, legendary Queen guitarist Brian May.

Other participants will include Take That, Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Duffy, Peter Kay, Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson, John Barrowman and American music sensation Naturally 7. Pop veterans Cliff Richard and The Shadows will reform especially for the show as they prepare to celebrate their 50th anniversary; and performing a one-off duet will be multi Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Josh Groban and BBC Last Choir Standing victors Only Men Aloud.

The Royal Variety Performance is an annual charity event in aid of the Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund and will be shown on BBC One in December.

Kerry Ellis returns to play Elphaba in the London production of WICKED at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre from Monday 1 December 2008. She will not be performing on 10 or 11 December 2008.

Acknowledged as "the West End's most successful musical" (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has already been seen by over 1.6 million people since its London premiere in September 2006. Booking was recently extended again and tickets are now on sale until Saturday 26 September 2009.

WICKED proudly supports the remarkable work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk and Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk ]]> 21wkd Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:00:00 GMT LONDON’S No.1 SHOW CELEBRATES 2ND BIRTHDAY LONDON’S No.1 SHOW CELEBRATES 2ND BIRTHDAY
Click here to view the party pictures.

Acknowledged as "the West End's most successful musical" (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has already been seen by over 1.6 million people since its London premiere in September 2006. Booking was recently extended again and tickets are now on sale until Saturday 26 September 2009.

The production currently stars: Alexia Khadime* as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond. *Kerry Ellis returns from Broadway to star as Elphaba from 1 December 2008.

Cast subject to change from 11 May 2009.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED proudly supports the remarkable work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk and Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk ]]> 20wkd Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:00:00 GMT KERRY ELLIS TO SIGN ‘WICKED IN ROCK’ CD AT DRESS CIRCLE KERRY ELLIS TO SIGN ‘WICKED IN ROCK’ CD WICKED star Kerry Ellis will be signing copies of her amazing 'WICKED IN ROCK' CD at Dress Circle in Covent Garden on Saturday 29 November from 2.30pm-4.00pm.

Currently starring as Elphaba on Broadway, Kerry Ellis returns to play her award-winning role at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre from Monday 1 December 2008.

Acknowledged as "the West End's most successful musical" (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has already been seen by over 1.6 million people since its London premiere in September 2006. Booking was recently extended again and tickets are now on sale until Saturday 26 September 2009.

The production currently stars: Alexia Khadime* as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond. *Kerry Ellis returns to star as Elphaba from 1 December 2008. Cast subject to change from 11 May 2009.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED proudly supports the remarkable work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk and Bliss, the special care baby charity www.bliss.org.uk ]]> 19wkd Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:00:00 GMT LONDON’S DRESS CIRCLE SHOW BIZ SHOP SEARCHES FOR ‘THE GREATEST MUSICAL’ OF THE LAST 30 YEARS DRESS CIRCLE SEARCHES FOR ‘THE GREATEST MUSICAL’ Dress Circle, the ‘greatest showbiz shop in the world’, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To mark this landmark event the internationally famous shop has launched an online poll to find the UK's ‘GREATEST MUSICAL’ of the last thirty years. Theatregoers worldwide can cast their votes now at www.dresscircleawards.com, so now is your chance to vote for WICKED!

In order to qualify for entry, a professional production of a show must have been performed live on stage in the UK between January 1978 and 31 July 2008. Only one vote per person will be counted. Throughout the duration of the voting period, the site will be kept updated regularly with a leader board, so keep checking back for updates. You can vote up until 12 midnight on 31 December 2008, and the winner will be announced in January 2009.

Specialising in West End and Broadway musicals, Dress Circle is located at 57-59 Monmouth Street in Covent Garden. It is possibly the best shop and online store in the world for stage musicals, soundtracks, cabaret, nostalgia, karaoke, comedy and Big Bands with CDs, DVDs, merchandise, printed music, books, collectables and gifts all available.

Greatest Musical Award site: www.dresscircleawards.com

Dress Circle site: www.dresscircle.com ]]> 18wkd Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:00:00 GMT LONDON’S No.1 NEW MUSICAL ENTERS 3RD HIT YEAR. BOOKING EXTENDED TO 26 SEPTEMBER 2009. ALMOST HALF A MILLION NEW TICKETS GOING ON SALE LONDON’S No.1 NEW MUSICAL ENTERS 3RD HIT YEAR WICKED, the record-breaking hit musical at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, is one of the West End's biggest success stories. This year alone the award-winning new musical has already taken almost £20 million at the Box Office. WICKED today announces the opening of a new booking period with tickets on sale over a year in advance for all performances until Saturday 26 September 2009. Tickets go on sale this Monday (1 September 2008).

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: "As we enter our third year in the West End the success of Wicked continues to grow. We have enjoyed an incredibly successful 2008 and business is up week-on-week from 2007 which is an extraordinary achievement. We are now delighted to be adding our 6th booking period and putting almost half a million (460,692) new tickets on sale."

Acknowledged as 'the West End's most successful musical' (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED has already been seen by over 1.5 million people since its London premiere in September 2006, grossing £55 million at the Box Office to date (with almost £20 million taken so far in 2008 alone). The musical officially celebrates its 2nd birthday on 27 September 2008.

The production currently stars: Alexia Khadime* as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond. *Kerry Ellis returns from Broadway to star as Elphaba from 1 December 2008.

Cast subject to change from 9 May 2009. ]]> 17wkd Mon, 29 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT WICKED’S A WIZARD IN OZ AS RECORD-BREAKING SALES FOLLOW TRIUMPHANT MELBOURNE PREMIERE WICKED’S A WIZARD IN OZ LONDON PRODUCTION CONTINUES TO BE WEST END'S TOP PERFORMING SHOW, GROSSING £50 MILLION SINCE OPENING

The smash-hit musical WICKED continues to break box office records worldwide when its latest international production opened on 12 July at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, Australia. The production opened to rave reviews and sold a record-breaking $1.5 million (Australian) in ticket sales the day after opening, shattering Melbourne box office records. The musical currently has advance ticket sales of over $13 million.

Australian co-producer John Frost states, "The fantastic critical reaction and overwhelming audience excitement for WICKED in Melbourne has exceeded our wildest expectations. We always felt there was a huge audience for WICKED here in Oz, and we're thrilled that Melbourne has embraced this spectacular musical as its own. We're proud to join the list of international 'Emerald Cities' which WICKED can call home for a long and healthy run, and we thank the Broadway producers, Marc Platt and David Stone, for choosing to mount this spectacular production with us here in Melbourne."

The London production continues its smash-hit run in the West End, having grossed well in excess of £50 million since its London premiere in September 2006. The production, which recently celebrated its 750th performance, recouped its entire capitalisation in early January 2008, becoming the first Broadway musical transfer to recoup in the West End in nearly a decade. Acknowledged as "the West End's most successful musical" (The Independent on Sunday), WICKED is consistently the West End's top grossing show.

Since its official Broadway opening at the Gershwin Theatre on 30 October 2003, WICKED has been sold out at virtually every performance and has consistently been Broadway's highest-grossing show. WICKED has been called "Broadway's biggest blockbuster" by the New York Times and "a cultural phenomenon" by Variety. The Washington Post said WICKED is, "a breathtaking success story, of a magnitude the theater has not witnessed since the peak years of The Phantom of the Opera."

Based on Gregory Maguire's best-selling novel that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', the award-winning WICKED tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called 'good' and the other 'wicked'... ]]> 16wkd Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT WICKED WELCOMES DESMOND BARRIT AS ’THE WIZARD’ ON MONDAY 7 JULY WICKED WELCOMES DESMOND BARRIT AS ’THE WIZARD’ Desmond Barrit joins the record-breaking hit musical WICKED at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre tonight (Monday 7 July 2008) as The Wizard.

Desmond Barrit most recently starred as 'Hector' in Alan Bennett's The History Boys at Wyndham's Theatre, for which he has won unanimous critical acclaim. The Olivier Award-winning actor's performances for the RSC include: 'Falstaff' in Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 (Olivier Award nomination), directed by Michael Attenborough; 'Bottom' in A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Adrian Noble (also on Broadway); 'Trinculo' in The Tempest, directed by Nicholas Hytner; 'Antipholus' in The Comedy of Errors (Olivier Award) and 'Malvolio' in Twelfth Night, both directed by Ian Judge. At the National Theatre his acclaimed performances include 'Pseudolus' in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, directed by Edward Hall; 'Dick Cheney' in David Hare's Stuff Happens and 'Toad' in Alan Bennett's The Wind in the Willows, both directed by Nicholas Hytner. For the Donmar he has starred in Dario Fo's Accidental Death of an Anarchist with Rhys Ifans and as 'Birdboot' in Tom Stoppard's The Real Inspector Hound and 'Harold Gorrnge' in Peter Shaffer's Black Comedy, both with David Tennant.

The smash hit musical, which is soon to celebrate its 750th performance, has now been seen by over 1.4 million theatregoers since its London premiere in September 2006. The production has grossed over £50 million at the Box Office to date and recouped its entire £7 million capitalisation in January 2008.

WICKED now stars: Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond. ]]> 15wkd Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT THE HIT MUSICAL WICKED REACHES £50 MILLION GROSS AND CONTINUES TO BREAK RECORDS WICKED REACHES £50 MILLION GROSS WICKED the record-breaking hit musical at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, has reached a new milestone having taken £50 million at the Box Office to date.

The award-winning musical, which recently celebrated its 725th performance, has now been seen by 1.4 million theatregoers since its London premiere in September 2006. The production has taken over £50 million at the Box Office to date and recouped its entire £7 million capitalisation in January 2008 (the first Broadway musical transfer to recoup in the West End in a decade). WICKED continues to break records and recently set a new Box Office record for highest grossing single performance (grossing £113,780 on the evening of Saturday 7 June).

The musical officially welcomed its new cast at a special gala performance on Thursday 19 June. The production now stars: Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit* as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond.

*Desmond Barrit joins WICKED from 7 July 2008. The role is currently being played by Andy Mace.

Based on Gregory Maguire's best-selling novel that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', the award-winning WICKED tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called 'good' and the other 'wicked'...

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by Joe Mantello. It is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. ]]> 14wkd Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT GALA OPENING FOR NEW WICKED CAST GALA OPENING FOR NEW WICKED CAST WICKED officially welcomed its new cast last night (Thursday 19 June) at a special gala performance. The production starred Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Andy Mace* as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and David Stoller* as Doctor Dillamond. Following the performance at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, the cast, company and VIP guests celebrated at the Park Plaza Victoria.

CLICK HERE to watch the video

CLICK HERE to view photographs

*Desmond Barrit joins WICKED from 7 July 2008. The role is currently being played by Andy Mace and the role of Doctor Dillamond is being played by David Stoller.

Based on Gregory Maguire's best-selling novel that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', the award-winning WICKED tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called 'good' and the other 'wicked'.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by Joe Mantello. It is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. ]]> 13wkd Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT WICKED’S ALEXIA KHADIME AND OLIVER TOMPSETT TO PERFORM AT WEST END LIVE ALEXIA KHADIME AND OLIVER TOMPSETT AT WEST END LIVE

Don't miss Alexia Khadime (Elphaba) and Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero) with an exclusive public performance of 'As Long As You're Mine' from WICKED at West End Live this Saturday 21 June at 11.30am. Please note timings may vary slightly on the day. West End Live is a spectacular event in London's Leicester Square on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June that is free for all the family. For more information, visit: www.westendlive.co.uk

WICKED, the award-winning, record-breaking hit musical, recently celebrated its 700th performance and has now been seen by over 1,300,000 theatregoers since its London premiere in September 2006, taking over £49 million at the Box Office in just 20 months. Tickets are currently on sale until Saturday 4 April 2009.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by Joe Mantello. It is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk ]]> 12wkd Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT KERRY ELLIS: WICKED IN ROCK - 3 TRACK CD AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW KERRY ELLIS: WICKED IN ROCK

Kerry Ellis, the first British actress to play Elphaba in the smash hit musical WICKED at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, has just released a 3 track CD called 'Wicked In Rock' ahead of a full debut album coming later this year.

The CD is arranged and produced by Queen's Brian May and features Taylor Hawkins on drums, Brian May on guitar, a 60+ piece orchestra and Kerry Ellis - in spine-tingling form. Officially released on 7 July this taster to the forthcoming album is available to pre-order from DRESS CIRCLE or via Queen Online. The tracks are:

1. Defying Gravity (from WICKED)
2. I'm Not That Girl (from WICKED)
3. No One But You (from WE WILL ROCK YOU)
Order the CD at www.queenonline.com

Kerry Ellis opens tonight (17 June 2008) on Broadway, recreating her award-winning performance as Elphaba in WICKED at the Gershwin Theatre. Kerry Ellis returns to the London production from 1 December 2008.

WICKED, the award-winning, record-breaking hit musical, recently celebrated its 700th performance and has now been seen by over 1,300,000 theatregoers since its London premiere in September 2006, taking over £49 million at the Box Office in just 20 months. Tickets are currently on sale until Saturday 4 April 2009.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by Joe Mantello. It is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk ]]> 11wkd Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT FIRST PICTURES AND VIDEO OF NEW CAST IN COSTUME FIRST PICTURES AND VIDEO OF NEW CAST IN COSTUME WICKED, which has just celebrated its 700th performance, welcomed its new company on Monday 9 June 2008.

WICKED stars Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit* as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace* as Doctor Dillamond.

Ashleigh Gray will be Standby Elphaba and Sarah Earnshaw will be Standby Glinda.

SEE PICTURES FROM THE SHOW
SEE VIDEO FOOTAGE OF OUR RECENT PHOTOSHOOT PLUS INTERVIEWS

WICKED said goodbye to various cast members, and broke its own Box Office record for highest grossing single performance (with a gross of £113,780) on Saturday evening 7 June 2008. Nigel Planer (The Wizard), James Gillan (Boq) and Katie Rowley Jones (Nessarose) all played their final performances on that day. Cassidy Janson (Standby Elphaba) also departed on the same date.

Kerry Ellis (Elphaba) temporarily left the London production on Saturday 7 June 2008 - to recreate her role on Broadway - returning from Monday 1 December 2008.

*Following a minor operation, Desmond Barrit's official start date of 9 June has been temporarily delayed. He has been advised to take further rest and until he is fully recovered the role of The Wizard will be played by Andy Mace. ]]> 10wkd Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT WIZARDLY WONDERFUL WINNERS WIZARDLY WONDERFUL WINNERS WICKED you all truly are - the judges had a really hard time picking their favourites.

'Congratulotions' to our 10 winners of an exclusive WICKED FANatics Certificate signed by a member of the Cast.

Jamie Kenny - Ireland
Lisa Tran - Wood Green, London
Stacey Garey - Wanstead, London
Steven Lenton - London
Nicola Barney - Alderley Edge, Chesshire
Nicola Jones - Edenbridge, Kent
Abbie Murray - London
Abigail Hearn - West Sussex
Elizabeth Parker - Peterborough, Cambs
Elizabeth Hall - Hoddesdon
CHECK OUT THE WINNING ENTRIES

Do keep on submitting your entries as we'll announce more winners soon. Keep an eye on the gallery as we may just have uploaded your entry, even if you weren't a winner this time. ]]> 9wkd Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT NEW WICKED CAST BEGINS MONDAY 9 JUNE NEW WICKED CAST BEGINS MONDAY 9 JUNE WICKED at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, which has just celebrated its 700th performance, welcomes its new company from Monday 9 June 2008:

Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond. Ashleigh Gray will be Standby Elphaba and Sarah Earnshaw will be Standby Glinda. The ensemble are: Cindy Belliot, Matthew Boulton, Sabrina Carter, Nadine Cox, Matthew Croke, Aileen Donohoe, A. C. Garcia, Kady-Jo Jackson, Keeley Jane Jackson, Alex Jessop, Richard Kent, Aimee Lewis, Pippa Lloyd, Mitchell Mahony, Rachel Muldoon, Adam Murray, Sean Parkins, Jake Samuels, David Stoller, Liam Connor Tamne, Chloe Taylor, Lindsay Taylor, Emily Tierney, Hannah Toy, George Ure and Gary Wood. Please note: Kerry Ellis will return from Broadway to play Elphaba from Monday 1 December 2008.

*Following a minor operation, Desmond Barrit's official start date of 9 June has been temporarily delayed. He has been advised to take further rest and, until he is fully recovered, the role of The Wizard will be played by Andy Mace.

The award-winning, smash hit musical has now been seen by over 1.3 million theatregoers since its London premiere in September 2006, taking over £49 million at the Box Office in just 20 months. The production recouped in January 2008. Tickets are currently on sale until Saturday 4 April 2009.

Based on Gregory Maguire's best-selling novel that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L.Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', the award - winning WICKED tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called 'good' and the other 'wicked'...

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by Joe Mantello. It is based on the novel, WICKED - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. ]]> 8wkd Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT NEW PRINCIPAL CAST CONFIRMED FOR WICKED - LONDON’S TOP SELLING MUSICAL NEW PRINCIPAL CAST CONFIRMED FOR WICKED WICKED at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, currently out-selling every other West End show at the Box Office, is pleased to confirm its new principal cast: From Monday 9 June 2008, WICKED will star Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Harriet Thorpe as Madame Morrible, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard, Caroline Keiff as Nessarose, Jeremy Legat as Boq and Andy Mace as Doctor Dillamond. Ashleigh Gray will be Standby Elphaba and Sarah Earnshaw will be Standby Glinda. Please note: Kerry Ellis will return to play Elphaba from Monday 1 December 2008.

Current cast members Dianne Pilkington (Glinda), Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero), Andy Mace (Doctor Dillamond) and Sarah Earnshaw (Standby Glinda) have all extended their contracts and continue in their starring roles. Original cast member Caroline Keiff takes over the role of Nessarose and current cast member Ashleigh Gray becomes Standby Elphaba from Monday 9 June 2008.

Joining the cast from Monday 9 June 2008 are Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Desmond Barrit as The Wizard and Jeremy Legat as Boq. Harriet Thorpe joins the company from Monday 14 April 2008 as Madame Morrible. Nigel Planer (The Wizard), James Gillan (Boq) and Katie Rowley Jones (Nessarose) will play their final performances on Saturday 7 June 2008. Cassidy Janson (Standby Elphaba) also departs the musical on the same date. Kerry Ellis (Elphaba) will temporarily leave the London production on Saturday 7 June 2008 to recreate her role on Broadway, returning from Monday 1 December 2008.

The award-winning, record-breaking hit musical will shortly celebrate its 650th performance and has now been seen by over 1.2 million theatregoers since its London premiere in September 2006. Tickets are currently on sale until Saturday 4 April 2009.

WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by Joe Mantello. It is based on the novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. ]]> 7wkd Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT