WICKED UK & IRELAND TOUR ANNOUNCES PRINCIPAL CAST

NIKKI DAVIS-JONES AND EMILY TIERNEY TO PLAY ELPHABA AND GLINDA

WICKED, the global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to announce that former West End cast members Nikki Davis-Jones, Emily Tierney and George Ure will all join the UK & Ireland Tour cast as Elphaba, Glinda and Boq respectively. Also heading the forthcoming tour cast will be: Liam Doyle (Fiyero), Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible), Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose) and Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba).

The UK and Ireland Tour will visit: Manchester Palace Theatre (12 September to 16 November 2013), Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (27 November 2013 to 18 January 2014), Milton Keynes Theatre (4 February to 8 March 2014), Wales Millennium Centre (12 March to 26 April 2014), Glasgow King’s Theatre (6 May to 31 May 2014), Leeds Grand Theatre (10 June to 5 July 2014) and Birmingham Hippodrome (9 July to 6 September 2014 / online booking opens 10 June 2013). Further cities and dates into 2015 to be announced.

The UK and Ireland Tour of Wicked will star Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba), Emily Tierney (Glinda), Liam Doyle (Fiyero), Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible), Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose), George Ure (Boq) and Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba).

Recently acclaimed as "one of the most popular West End musicals ever" (London Evening Standard), the record-breaking London production continues its open-ended run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre where tickets are currently on sale until 26 April 2014.

Wicked has already been seen by over 36 million people around the world and has 6 productions running concurrently. The original Broadway production remains “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times) where it is now in its 10th Anniversary year. The West End production is now in its 7th year at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines 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 fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the acclaimed novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK & Ireland): Michael McCabe.

Find out more at the Official UK and Ireland Tour website ~ Like it on Facebook ~ Follow on twitter

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba) previously played ‘Elphaba’ in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre where as ‘Standby’ she performed the role on hundreds of occasions to huge acclaim. Her many other theatre credits include: ‘Maureen’ in the 20th Anniversary concert tour of Rent with Kerry Ellis; the new musical LIFT (Soho Theatre); ‘Wendy’ in Peter Pan (Liverpool Empire); ‘Serena’ in Fame The Musical (UK Tour); the Take That musical Never Forget (West End); ‘Anna’ in ASAP (Liverpool Unity Theatre); ‘Lisa’ in Mamma Mia! (West End) and ‘Linda’ in Blood Brothers (West End). Film: Mamma Mia! (Universal).

Emily Tierney (Glinda) appeared in the London production of Wicked and subsequently starred as ‘Glinda’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium alongside ‘Over The Rainbow’ winner Danielle Hope. Emily’s other theatre credits include: ‘Sally’ in All the Fun of the Fair (Garrick Theatre); ‘Maria’ in West Side Story (Barbican) and Titanic - The Musical (Shaw Theatre). Film includes: ‘Ellie’ in John Carter of Mars and ‘Alice’ in Kate Modern. Television includes: ‘Lydia Harrison’ in Push and Do It in Style and Eva Roderick in New Tricks. Emily trained at Mountview.

Liam Doyle (Fiyero) first came to prominence when he entered and won the nationwide talent search hosted by GMTV to find an actor to play ‘Troy Bolton’ in the stage version of High School Musical 2. He performed the role all over the country for the next 12 months. He has subsequently gone on to star as ‘Link Larkin’ in Hairspray (UK Tour) opposite Michael Ball; ‘Shane Gray’ in Disney’s Camp Rock (Dubai) and ‘Ricky Nelson’ in Rock & Roll Heaven (UK Tour). Liam recently made his West End debut playing ‘Eddie’ in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre and will shortly be seen in the new musical Carnival of Animals at Riverside Studios.

Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible) is currently starring as ‘Mother Lord’ in the UK tour of High Society. A founding member of Fascinating Aida, Marilyn’s many theatre roles include: ‘Mrs Potts’ in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (UK Tour); ‘Mrs Sowerberry’ in Oliver! (London Palladium), directed by Sam Mendes; ‘Armina’ in Oklahoma! (National Theatre), directed by Trevor Nunn; the ‘Doormouse’ and the ‘White Queen’ in Alice In Wonderland (RSC); ‘Mme de Rosemonde’ in Adam Cooper’s production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses and ‘Helena Landless’ in the original London production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Marilyn recently appeared in Tom Hooper’s film of Les Misérables (Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh).

Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond) has recently starred as ‘Horace Vandergelder’ opposite Janie Dee in Hello Dolly! and ‘Louis Leplee’ in Piaf with Frances Ruffelle, both at the Leicester Curve. He has played both ‘Bill Austin’ and ‘Harry Bright’ in Mamma Mia! (West End and International Tour) and starred in productions at Shakespeare’s Globe; the Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park; the Young Vic; West Yorkshire Playhouse; the RSC and is currently appearing in Ostrovsky’s Larisa and the Merchants at the Arcola. His many television credits include: Doctors; Poirot; Spooks; Silent Witness; Aquila and Eastenders.

Carina Gillespie (Nessarose) starred as ‘Sandy’ in the most recent national tour of Grease, opposite Danny Bayne. Carina also played the role in the West End (Piccadilly Theatre) and on a previous national tour. Her other appearances include: ‘Linda’ in Bloodbath The Musical (Edinburgh Festival), with Siobhan McCarthy and Anthony Costa, and ‘Maria Elena’ in Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story on tour in the UK and Scandinavia.

George Ure (Boq) trained at Mountview and upon graduating he made his West End debut in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre. He subsequently took over the role of ‘Boq’ and enjoyed a 3-year stay with the hit musical. He then went on to tour Europe in the Arena production of Hair. His TV and film appearances include: Britannia High (ITV); Don’t Stop Me Now (Sky One); and Guns on the Table (Out and Out Films). He recently appeared as a vocalist in Rod Stewarts’s Christmas (ITV).

Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba) recently played ‘Joanne’ in the 20th Anniversary concert tour of Rent and made West End debut in Lend Me A Tenor The Musical at the Gielgud Theatre, directed by Ian Talbot. Jemma’s other theatre credits include: A Tale of Two Cities (Charing Cross Theatre); Tommy (English Theatre, Frankfurt) and The Full Monty (New Players Theatre).

If you think you know the Wicked Witch of the West, think again...
When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire’s "outstanding novel" (The Independent), Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, ingeniously re-imagined the Land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story written by L. Frank Baum and first published as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900.

Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba.

Following an encounter with The 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 for 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.

Experience this unforgettable, award-winning musical and discover that you’ve not been told the whole story about the Land of Oz...

How the Wicked open aduitions went

WICKED, the global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to reveal a brand new video from the open auditions for the West End 2013/14 Company and UK and Ireland Tour Company that were held during April at Pineapple Studios, London.



Recently acclaimed as “one of the most popular West End musicals ever” (London Evening Standard), the record-breaking London production continues its open-ended run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre where tickets are currently on sale until 26 April 2014. A major new touring production of the award-winning musical will open in Manchester in September 2013 and visit Dublin, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham. Further cities, casting and dates into 2015 will be announced at a later date.

Wicked has already been seen by over 36 million people around the world and has 6 productions running concurrently. The original Broadway production remains “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times) where it is now in its 10th Anniversary year. The West End production is now in its 7th year at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines 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 fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the acclaimed novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

WICKED ANNOUNCES OPEN AUDITIONS FOR DANCERS

AUDITIONS FOR LONDON AND TOUR COMPANIES TO BE HELD 11 AND 12 APRIL 2013

WICKED, the global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to announce that it will be holding open auditions for the West End 2013/14 Company and UK & Ireland Tour Company on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 April 2013 at Pineapple Studios, London.

Open Auditions will be held for Male and Female Dancers as follows:

THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013
10am Girls, 1.30pm Boys

FRIDAY 12 APRIL 2013
10am Boys, 1.30pm Girls

Recently acclaimed as “one of the most popular West End musicals ever” (London Evening Standard), the record-breaking London production continues its open-ended run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre where tickets are currently on sale until 26 April 2014. A major new touring production of the award-winning musical will open in Manchester in September 2013 and visit Dublin, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham. Further cities, casting and dates into 2015 will be announced at a later date.

Wicked has already been seen by over 36 million people around the world and has 6 productions running concurrently. The original Broadway production remains “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times) where it is now in its 10th Anniversary year. The West End production is now in its 7th year at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines 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 fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the acclaimed novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK & Ireland): Michael McCabe.

If you think you know the Wicked Witch of the West, think again…

When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire’s “outstanding novel” (The Independent), Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, ingeniously re-imagined the Land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story written by L. Frank Baum and first published as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900.

Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba.

Following an encounter with The 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 for 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.

Experience this unforgettable, award-winning musical and discover that you’ve not been told the whole story about the Land of Oz...

Wicked hits 5 million

WEST END HIT MUSICAL WICKED WELCOMES ITS 5 MILLIONTH THEATREGOER AND IS SHORTLISTED FOR THE OLIVIER’S ‘BBC RADIO 2 AUDIENCE AWARD’

WICKED, the record-breaking hit West End musical that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, proudly welcomed its 5 millionth theatregoer to London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre on Saturday 30 March 2013. Stewart Lyons, together with his partner Cristina Kane, from Kirkcaldy in Fife, attended the sold out matinee performance and were invited backstage to meet the cast after the show. Asked how it felt to be the 5 millionth theatregoer, Mr Lyons said “It feels fantastic. We loved the show and even though it is our first visit to Wicked, it won’t be our last.”
Wicked has also just been shortlisted for the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award - the only Olivier Award to be decided solely by public vote. Named ‘Best Musical of the Decade’ by Entertainment Weekly, Wicked continues its open-ended run as “one of the biggest hits of our age” (The Observer):

Recently acclaimed as “one of the most popular West End musicals ever" (Evening Standard), the Olivier Award-winning London production of the global musical phenomenon is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time.

The London production, which is now booking into its 8th year, has broken countless Box Office records since its premiere in 2006 and still holds the all-time record for the highest weekly gross in West End history (taking in £1,002,885 during week ending January 2, 2011).

While continuing its open-ended run at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, a major new production will tour the UK and Ireland, opening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in September 2013.

“The international blockbuster” (The New York Times) has now been seen by over 36 million people around the world and won 90 awards. The original Broadway production, which is now in its 10th Anniversary Year, has remained Broadway’s highest grossing show for an unprecedented 9 consecutive years.

Wicked has been shortlisted as one of the four nominees for the 2013 ‘BBC Radio 2 Audience Award’. The winner will be announced at this year’s Olivier Awards on Sunday 28 April 2013 at the Royal Opera House in London. Wicked previously won this award in 2010 and was shortlisted in 2012.

UK Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “All long-running shows depend as much on audiences coming back for more as they do on first-time visitors, and Wicked is no exception. We have been swept along to the incredible milestone of 5 million visitors by passionate fans and incredible word-of-mouth that inspires new ticket buyers every day. We are truly grateful to everyone who continues to make Wicked such a popular and enduring success and to all those who supported Wicked in the public vote for the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award. We are all delighted to be shortlisted for this very special Olivier Award for a third time”.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines 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 sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the acclaimed novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK): Michael McCabe.

TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE TO SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2014


Follow: www.twitter.com/WickedUK  //  Like: www.facebook.com/WickedUK


Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG
1 minute from London Victoria Mainline and Underground Stations.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Wicked spearheads and supports a range of good causes born out of the themes of the award-winning musical. Discover more at: www.WickedForGood.co.uk

WICKED UK & IRELAND TOUR CONFIRMS 5 FURTHER DATES

AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL TOUR BOOKED THROUGH 2014

WICKED, the global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to confirm 5 further cities in addition to the previously announced engagements in Manchester and Dublin. The award-winning musical will visit Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham:

Manchester Palace Theatre (12 September to 16 November 2013) – Tickets now on sale
Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (27 November 2013 to 18 January 2014) – Tickets now on sale
Milton Keynes Theatre (4 February to 8 March 2014) – Public Booking opens 6 March 2013
Wales Millennium Centre (12 March to 26 April 2014) – Public Booking opens 12 April 2013
Glasgow King’s Theatre (6 May to 31 May 2014) – Public Booking opens 8 March 2013
Leeds Grand Theatre (10 June to 5 July 2014) – Public Booking opens 24 April 2013
Birmingham Hippodrome (9 July to 6 September 2014) – Public Booking opens 10 June 2013

Further cities and dates into 2015 will be announced at a later date.

Recently acclaimed as “one of the most popular West End musicals ever” (London Evening Standard), the record-breaking London production continues its open-ended run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre where tickets are currently on sale until 26 April 2014. Wicked is eligible for this year’s Olivier Award for the BBC Radio 2 'Audience Award', the only Olivier Award voted for by the public. Voting, which closes on 18 March 2013, is via the following link www.olivierawards.com/vote

Wicked has already been seen by over 36 million people around the world and has 6 productions running concurrently. The original Broadway production remains “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times) where it is now in its 10th Anniversary year. The West End production is now in its 7th year at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines 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 fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the acclaimed novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK & Ireland): Michael McCabe.

Find out more at the Official website, On Facebook or Twitter

UK & IRELAND TOUR

MANCHESTER: THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2013
Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford Street, Manchester, Lancashire M1 6FT
Online booking: www.atgtickets.com/manchester Telephone: 0844 871 3019

DUBLIN: WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2013 – SATURDAY 18 JANUARY 2014
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2
Online booking: www.bordgaisenergy.ie Telephone bookings: 0818 719 377 (Ireland) / 0844 847 2455 (UK and Northern Ireland)

MILTON KEYNES: TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY - SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2014
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Buckinghamshire MK9 3NZ
PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS 6 MARCH 2013
Online booking: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes Telephone bookings: 0844 871 7652

WALES: WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH - SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2014
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 5AL
PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS 12 APRIL 2013
Online booking: www.wmc.org.uk Telephone bookings: 029 2063 6464

GLASGOW: TUESDAY 6 MAY - SATURDAY 31 MAY 2014
King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JN
PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS 8 MARCH 2013
Online booking: www.atgtickets.com/kings-theatre Telephone bookings: 0844 871 7648

LEEDS: TUESDAY 10 JUNE TO SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014
Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 6NZ
PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS 24 APRIL 2013
Online booking: www.leedsgrandtheatre.com Telephone bookings: 0844 848 2700

BIRMINGHAM: WEDNESDAY 9 JULY TO SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2014
Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 4TB
PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS 10 JUNE 2013 ONLINE ONLY (11 JUNE 2013 TELEPHONE BOOKINGS AND PERSONAL CALLERS AT THE BOX OFFICE)
Online booking: www.birminghamhippodrome.com Telephone bookings: 0844 338 5000

Booking fees and/or transaction fees apply


The musical runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (including an interval) and is recommended for children aged 7+. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the theatre. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.


Gregory Maguire’s ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ is published by Headline. The book is recommended for readers aged 16+

The GRAMMY® award-winning Original Broadway Cast recording is available on DECCA BROADWAY

Malmaison is the Official Hotel Partner of the Wicked UK and Ireland Tour

WICKED eligible for the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award – watch a special cast message!

WICKED, the global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is delighted to announce that it is eligible to win the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award, the only 2013 Olivier Award that gives theatre fans the chance to crown their favourite long-running London show.

To celebrate, the cast of Wicked have created their very own 'vote for us' video for their fans...

Votes for Wicked can be made here and voters will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to the Olivier Awards themselves.

Wicked has already been seen by over 36 million people around the world and has 6 productions running concurrently. The original Broadway production remains “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times) where it is now in its 10th Anniversary year. The West End production is now in its 7th year at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it has been seen by almost 5 million people.

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 fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the best-selling novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK & Ireland): Michael McCabe.

FIRST LOOK: LOUISE DEARMAN AS ‘ELPHABA’ IN LONDON’S RECORD-BREAKING HIT MUSICAL WICKED

WICKED, the record-breaking West End musical now in its 7th smash hit year at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, is pleased to release the first pictures of Louise Dearman as Elphaba, who will play her first performance tonight (29 October 2012).

Louise Dearman previously played Glinda to huge acclaim (from March 2010 to December 2011) and is the first actress to have starred in both leading roles in the nearly decade-long history of the global musical phenomenon.

From tonight (29 October 2012) Wicked stars: Louise Dearman (Elphaba), Gina Beck (Glinda), Ben Freeman (Fiyero), Louise Plowright (Madame Morrible), Keith Bartlett (The Wizard), Christopher Howell (Doctor Dillamond), Sam Lupton (Boq), Katie Rowley Jones (Nessarose), Hayley Gallivan (Standby Elphaba), Lucy van Gasse (Standby Glinda), Florence Andrews, Gemma Atkins, William Bozier, Oliver Brenin, Lauren Brooke, Philip Catchpole, Aisling Duffy, Chlöe Hart, Jacqueline Hughes, Robert Jones, Sophie Linder Lee, Tania Mathurin, Marc McBride, Stacey McGuire, Tom Muggeridge, Sean Parkins, Michelle Pentecost, Stuart Ramsay, Lindsay Taylor, Paulo Teixeira, Justin Thomas, Hannah Toy, Matt Turner, Oliver Watton and Jason Winter.

Wicked is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time* and recently celebrated its landmark 2500th performance (8 September 2012) and 6th Birthday (27 September 2012). The Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winning London production has been seen by almost 5 million theatregoers since its West End premiere in 2006. *Information verified by the Society of London Theatre

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi GRAMMY and Academy® Award winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the best-selling novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK): Michael McCabe.

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

The theatre is 1 minute from London Victoria Mainline and Underground Stations. Official UK website, video trailer and online booking: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Wicked spearheads and supports a range of good causes born out of the themes of the award-winning musical. Discover more at: www.WickedForGood.co.uk

Douglas Hodge to play Willy Wonka in World Premiere of Roald Dahl’S Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

TICKETS ON PUBLIC SALE FROM MONDAY OCTOBER 15, 2012

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick today announced that Olivier and Tony Award®-winning actor Douglas Hodge will play Willy Wonka in Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which opens at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25th June next year.

Tickets for the new musical go on public sale on Monday 15th October, for performances from 18th May 2013 until the end of the current booking period on Saturday 30th November 2013.

Douglas Hodge is a four time Olivier-nominated actor/director, who has worked at the National Theatre, the RSC, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Court Theatre. On Broadway, he is currently starring at the American Airlines Theatre in the title role of Cyrano de Bergerac, for the Roundabout Theatre Company. He won the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his Broadway debut in La Cage Aux Folles, having already won the Olivier Award for the same performance in London. For ten years he worked closely with Harold Pinter, and he was Associate Director at the Donmar from 2007 to 2009. He has released two albums of his own compositions 'Cowley Road Songs' and 'Nightbus', and won the Stiles and Drewe 2012 Best New Song Award for ‘Powercut’. Alongside numerous television credits, his feature films include Vanity Fair, Robin Hood, the soon to be released Serena, and Diana – in which he plays Paul Burrell, butler to Diana, Princess of Wales.

When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s the chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets he’s always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors, and amongst the incredible edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.

ROALD DAHL’s deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in a brand new West End musical directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes.

Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of the original story that has captivated the world for almost 50 years is brought to life with music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Grammy® winners for Hairspray; Smash), a book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig (The Bacchae; Tintin In Tibet), set and costume designs by Mark Thompson (Mamma Mia!; One Man, Two Guvnors) and choreography by Peter Darling (Billy Elliot; Matilda).

This world premiere musical is produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick.

WICKED TO PLAY ITS 2500TH LONDON PERFORMANCE ON SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2012

Wicked, the smash hit musical that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, will play its 2500th performance tomorrow night (Saturday 8 September 2012 at 7.30pm) at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre. The musical will celebrate its 6th Birthday on Thursday 27 September 2012.

“Packed with wit, storming songs and beautiful costumes” (The Guardian), Wicked will fly into its 7th year as the 18th longest-running West End musical of all time. The London production of the global musical phenomenon has now been seen by almost 5 million theatregoers since its West End premiere in 2006.

UK Executive Producer Michael McCabe commented: “As Wicked enters its 7th year and celebrates 2500 spellbinding performances at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, we continue to be indebted and immensely grateful to everybody involved in the show.  It is through their passion, commitment and effort during every performance that we have been able to give almost 5 million theatregoers an unforgettable live theatre experience”

"A major hit with audiences and critics alike" (BBC News), Wicked continues to be the top choice of UK theatregoers having been voted London's Most Popular Show (2010 Olivier Award), Best Night Out (2011 Evening Standard Theatre Award), Best West End Show (2011 and 2010 Whatsonstage.com Awards) and Best New Musical (2007 Whatsonstage.com Awards). Wicked also received a prestigious Visit London ‘People’s Choice’ Gold Award in 2009.

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 fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the best-selling novel, ‘Wicked – The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. UK Executive Producer: Michael McCabe.

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG
Official UK website, video trailer and online booking: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY The Musical

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick Present

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick today announced that their production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will open at the London Palladium in June 2013 after a preview period.

The new stage musical will be directed by Sam Mendes, with a book by David Greig and new songs from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Set and costume design will be by Mark Thompson with choreography by Peter Darling.  Other members of the creative team include: Doug Besterman (orchestrations); Nicholas Skilbeck (Music Director); Paul Pyant (Lighting Designer); Paul Arditti (Sound Designer) and Jon Driscoll (Video and Projection Designer).

The mysterious Willy Wonka is opening his Chocolate Factory for just one day, and for Charlie Bucket it promises to be a mouth-watering chance to feast his eyes on sweets beyond his wildest imagination.  Academy Award®-winning film and theatre director Sam Mendes will bring Roald Dahl’s much-loved classic to life in this world premiere stage production.

Tickets will go on sale to the public in October 2012.

Further information is available from the website: www.CharlieandtheChocolateFactory.co.uk.

Meet Me in St. Louis is coming back

One of the greatest of all musicals is making a return to the silver screen.  After making a massive impact on films when it first came out in 1944 with Judy Garland and filmed in glorious Technicolor. As with other colour films of the era the colour today looks too bright and, sometimes, wrong.

Meet Me in St. Louis tells the story of a family in suburban, mid-western St Louis in 1903. The city, and the well-to-do Smith family, is on the verge of hosting (and celebrating) the arrival of the spectacular 1904 World's Fair. However, the head of the family is beckoned to New York due to a job promotion – an uprooting move that threatens to change the lives of the family members forever. Directed by Vincente Minnelli during WWII, Meet Me in St. Louis is a delightful, classic, nostalgic, poignant, and romanticised musical film – and one of the greatest musicals ever made.

Back on the silver screen from December 16, 2011

Luvvie alert

Sometimes thins that are totally un-related to what I'm interested in hits my in-box and today is one of dem days.

This is for the musical "Million Dollar Quartet". If you're unaware of the events that are depicted in the musical then a detailed description is over at wikipedia.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the new smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That's All Right, Sixteen Tons, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Who Do You Love?, Matchbox, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog and more.

Million Dollar Quartet is now showing at the Noël Coward Theatre until October 1, 2011.
Tickets and more information is available on the official web site