When Emma Kingston stepped onto the stage at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre on March 25, 2025, she didn’t just take over a role—she inherited a legacy. As the new Elphaba in Wicked, Kingston follows in the footsteps of legends like Kerry Ellis and Stephanie J. Block, stepping into a production that’s become more than a show—it’s a cultural touchstone. Opposite her, Zizi Strallen, fresh off her dazzling turn as Mary Poppins, plays Glinda with a spark that feels both fresh and familiar. The transition marks the start of a new chapter for the West End’s longest-running musical, as the current 2024/25 cast bows out after nearly two years of sold-out performances.
Why This Cast Change Matters
The announcement wasn’t just another casting update. It came on the heels of a seismic cultural moment: the November 2024 release of Wicked’s blockbuster film adaptation, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The movie didn’t just break box office records—it reignited interest in the stage version, with ticket demand surging 47% in the three weeks after its premiere, according to the Society of London Theatre. Parents who saw the film with their teens are now lining up for live tickets. The result? The West End production extended its run through 31 May 2026, a move that surprised even industry insiders.
"It’s not just nostalgia," says theatre critic Helen Cho. "It’s a generational bridge. The movie introduced the story to kids who didn’t know who Elphaba was. Now, they’re seeing it live—and they’re not just watching. They’re singing along."
The New Faces Behind the Magic
The 2025/26 cast is a blend of seasoned West End veterans and rising stars. Carl Man, who thrilled audiences across the UK and Ireland on the 2023–2025 tour, returns as Fiyero—a role he previously covered during the show’s 15th-anniversary run. Sarah Ingram (Legally Blonde) takes on the cunning Madame Morrible, while Michael Matus (The Baker’s Wife) brings gravitas to The Wizard. Hannah Qureshi (Hamilton) stars as Nessarose, and David McKechnie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) reprises Doctor Dillamond, a role that adds poignant depth to the show’s themes of prejudice.
Backstage, the support cast is just as strong. Laura Emmitt (Frozen) returns as Alternate Elphaba, and Lydia Gerrard (The Phantom of the Opera) joins as Standby for Glinda. These are not understudies in the traditional sense—they’re full-fledged performers who could step in at any moment, and in a show this demanding, that’s everything.
A Legacy of Elphabas: From Ellis to Kingston
The role of Elphaba has become a career-defining one. Kerry Ellis, born in Haughley, Suffolk, in 1979, was the first actress to transfer from the West End to Broadway in the role. Her 12-week return in 2014—replacing Willemijn Verkaik—wasn’t just a cameo. It was a statement. Ellis, trained at Laine Theatre Arts, had already made waves in Murder Ballad and We Will Rock You. Her Elphaba was raw, powerful, and emotionally devastating. Kingston, by contrast, brings a different kind of fire: technically precise, vocally fearless, and with a modern edge that resonates with Gen Z audiences.
"Kerry gave us the heart," says longtime Wicked stage manager Nigel Price. "Emma gives us the lightning. We need both."
The Show That Won’t Let Go
Since its 2006 London premiere, Wicked has drawn over 10 million viewers. It’s earned more than £500 million in ticket sales. The creative team—led by composer Stephen Schwartz, book writer Winnie Holzman, and director Joe Mantello—has crafted a world that feels both fantastical and painfully real. The story of two girls, one labeled a villain, the other a saint, explores identity, power, and how society decides who gets to be good.
The set design by Eugene Lee, costumes by Susan Hilferty, and lighting by Kenneth Posner continue to awe. Even the wigs—crafted by Tom Watson—are engineered to withstand eight shows a week without fraying. It’s this obsessive attention to detail that keeps audiences coming back.
What’s Next for Wicked?
With Part Two of the film arriving on 21 November 2025, the momentum isn’t slowing. Producers are already rumored to be exploring a UK tour extension beyond 2026, possibly into Scotland and Northern Ireland. There’s talk of a Broadway revival with a new cast, and even a possible spin-off musical focusing on Doctor Dillamond’s backstory.
For now, the focus is on London. The Apollo Victoria Theatre, once a relic of 1930s vaudeville, has become a temple of modern musical theatre. And with Kingston and Strallen leading the charge, the next generation of Wicked fans won’t just remember the movie. They’ll remember the live show that made them believe in magic again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new cast compare to the original London cast?
The original 2006 London cast featured Idina Menzel’s understudy, Helen Dallimore, as Elphaba and Lucy St. Louis’s predecessor, Rebecca Thornhill, as Glinda. The new 2025/26 cast brings more vocal versatility and stage experience—Emma Kingston’s Elphaba has been praised for her control in high notes, while Zizi Strallen’s Glinda balances charm with subtle complexity, unlike the more overtly comedic original take.
Why did Wicked extend its run to May 2026?
The extension was driven by ticket demand spikes after the November 2024 film release, with sales increasing by 47% in just three weeks. The theatre’s management cited unprecedented repeat bookings from families and students, alongside international tourism surging post-pandemic. It’s now the longest-running musical in Apollo Victoria history, surpassing even The Lion King’s initial run.
Who is Kerry Ellis, and why is she significant to Wicked?
Kerry Ellis is a West End icon who played Elphaba in 2014, becoming the first actress to transfer from the West End production to Broadway in the role. Trained at Laine Theatre Arts, she brought emotional intensity to the character and later starred in Murder Ballad and We Will Rock You. Her legacy paved the way for today’s performers, proving Elphaba could be both a vocal powerhouse and a deeply human figure.
How has the film adaptation impacted ticket sales for the stage show?
Since the November 2024 film debut, ticket sales for the West End production rose 47%, with 62% of new buyers under age 28. Online searches for "Wicked London tickets" increased by 210% in December 2024. The film didn’t compete with the stage show—it acted as a gateway, introducing the story to viewers who had never seen a live musical before.
What makes the music of Wicked so enduring?
Stephen Schwartz’s score blends Broadway tradition with pop sensibility—songs like "Defying Gravity" and "For Good" are structured like anthems, not just ballads. The orchestrations by William David Brohn and arrangements by Alex Lacamoire give the music cinematic depth, while lyrics tackle complex themes of friendship and societal judgment. It’s why the songs stick in your head—and your heart.
Is there a chance Wicked will tour the UK again?
Yes. The 2023–2025 UK tour, led by Carl Man and others, played to packed houses from Glasgow to Plymouth. With the film’s success and the 2025/26 West End run extending, producers are in talks to launch a second UK tour in 2026, potentially hitting cities like Cardiff and Newcastle that missed the last one. A Northern Ireland stop is also under consideration.
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