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Wicked tickets

Palace theatre, manchester.

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WICKED, the West End and Broadway musical sensation, is the recipient of more than 100 major international awards, including three Tony Awards on Broadway and two Olivier Audience Awards in London.  

Already the 5th longest running musical currently playing in the West End and now seen by more than 9 million people in London alone, WICKED remains “one of the most popular West End musicals ever” (Evening Standard). 

“The gravity-defying ‘Wizard of Oz’ prequel” (Time Out London) tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women 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.

Transporting audiences to a stunningly re-imagined world of Oz, this unforgettable musical features stunning costumes, spectacular sets and show-stopping songs in a night of spellbinding theatrical magic.

No refunds available after purchase.

2 hours 45 minutes, including one 20 minute interval.

WICKED is suitable for a general audience and contains no profanities. As a guide to parents, guardians and teachers, it is recommended for ages  7+ . 

All persons aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own within the auditorium. Children under 3 years of age will not be admitted.

Wicked The Musical is loosely based on the novel of the same name written by Gregory Maguire.

The musical tells the story of the two witches who will become Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. In this subversive retelling of the familiar story of Oz, the green-skinned Elphaba is a well-meaning outcast just trying to do the right thing, while the extroverted Glinda is just trying to be popular. The two meet in school, where their relationship and their lives take a number of startling turns. 

Wicked The Musical has won numerous awards, including an Olivier Award for Most Popular Show, two Olivier Audience Awards and three WhatsOnStage Awards for ‘Best West End Show’. 

Manchester Palace Theatre

97 Oxford Street

Manchester 

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Oxford Street, Manchester, North West M1 6FT

December 8, 2024 - January 12, 2025

This is what stage magic is all about. This is live theater at its finest.

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Why See Wicked?

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Defying Gravity since 2003 

Forget all that you know about The Wizard of Oz and be transported once again to the magical land of Oz! This time, however, the action takes place way before the arrival of Dorothy and her pooch Toto. Wicked is the story of two magically inclined women, one blonde, and one green of skin - and their coming of age as the forces of good and (perceived) 'wicked'.

Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked explores the foundation of the Oz legend, what made Glinda and Elphaba become the icons of good and bad, and whether all is what it appears to be in later stories.

Wicked was the smash hit of the new millennium that continues to break records over 15 years later with Stephen Schwartz's breathtaking original songs, including "Defying Gravity", "Popular" and "As Long As You're Mine", creating the perfect soundtrack to this beloved new classic.

The start of a wonderful adventure!

Thrown together as unwilling roommates at The University of Shiz, initially the beautiful, blonde, and effervescent Glinda clashes with the fiery, misunderstood, green-skinned Elphaba. Facing various challenges in their experiences, they learn to put their differences aside and form an unexpected bond that stays with them for years to come, despite the political and magical upheaval that engulfs Oz. What makes someone truly "Wicked?" An uplifting and affirming adventure that journeys way below the skin and the heart of life.

Did you know?

Elphaba's green transformation is down to MAC PRO Chromacake in Landscape Green, which was specially created just for the show, and is not available for regular purchase (Booooo.) Pots of the emerald hue are mixed with water because its non-smudging powers are the most long-lasting. It's almost like magic... Kudos, MAC.

Additional Information

Opening night: 8 December 2024

Recommended age for children is 8 years and up. There is nothing of a vulgar or sexual nature, but there are adult themes. Everyone is required to have a ticket.

Two hours and 30 minutes with one 15 minute interval

You may be required to wear a mask during this performance. Please contact the venue directly for more information.

Cast and Creative

Laura Pick as Elphaba Sarah O'Connor as Glinda Carl Man as Fiyero  Simeon Truby as Doctor Dillamond and The Wizard  Donna Berlin as Madame Morrible Jed Berry as Boq Megan Gardiner as Nessarose Casey Al-Shaqsy as Standby Elphaba

With Thomas Charles, Julie Cloke, Charlotte Coggin, Freddie Conway, Aine Curran, Jade Davies, Kamau Davis, Russell Dickson, Maddison Firth, Lydia Gerrard, James Gower-Smith, Shoko Ito, Holly Lawrence, Nick Len, Stephanie Lindo, Will Lucas, Will Luckett, Rozz Mbwembwe, Georgina Mcelwee, Conor O'Hara, Shereen Osman, Stuart Rouse, Christina Shand, Adam Stickler and Frazer Woolcott

2004 TONY AWARDS

Wins Best Costume Design: Susan Hilferty Best Scene Design: Eugene Lee Best Actress in a Musical: Idinal Menzel

Nominations Best Musical Best Original Score: Stephen Schwartz Best Book of a musical: Winnie Holzman Best Lighting Desigm: Kenneth Posner Best Choreography: Wayne Cilento Best Orchestrations: William David Brohn

DRAMA DESK AWARDS

Oustanding Musical

Outstanding Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz

Outstanding Book: Winnie Holzman

Oustanding Costume Design: Susan Hilferty

Oustanding Set Design of a musical: Eugene Lee

Oustanding Director of a Musical: Joe Mantello

OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS

Outstanding Broadway Musical

Outstanding Direction of a Musical: Joe Mantello

Outstanding Set Design: Eugene Lee

THE DRAMA LEAGUE AWARDS

Outstanding Production of a Musical

Susan Hilferty and the entire costume team won the Eddy Award - for Wicked's Costumes

GRAMMY AWARD

Best Musical Show Album - original cast recording of Wicked

What we thought

Enchanting brilliant TIMELESS

The performance of 'Defying Gravity' at the end of Act I will give you chills.

Almost 13 years after it's debut, you still can't go wrong with Wicked, a perfect adventure for the whole family! Eugene Lee's scenic design coupled with Susan Hilferty's costume artistry will have you engrossed in their magic throughout the production.

Nicola Quinn

What you thought

4 reviews, average rating: (3.0 Stars)

Linda Hutton : “Worth the wait”

Been waiting for years to see Wicked and it was definitely worth the wait.... more

Jill: “Orchestra Too Noisy”

This was my first time at Wicked and whilst I enjoyed the spectacle, it... more

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Wicked tickets

At the Palace Theatre Manchester, Manchester

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Hit musical Wicked comes to Manchester’s Palace Theatre in 2024 with its UK tour – here’s how to get tickets.

The iconic West End and Broadway musical will run at the Palace Theatre from 3 December 2024 – 12 January 2025 with tickets on sale now here

Book Wicked at Palace Theatre tickets here »

Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters, and reveals the magic that shaped the destinies of two unlikely friends on their remarkable journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has songs by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and a book by Tony Award-nominee Winnie Holzman.

Direted by Joe Mantello, the production features musical staging by Wayne Cilento, scenic design by Eugene Lee, costume design by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Tony Meola, projection design by Elaine J. McCarthy, hair and wig design by Tom Watson, make up design by Joe Dulude II, musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, orchestrations by William David Brohn, music arrangements by Alex Lacamoire and dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

Casting for Wicked in Manchester on tour is to be revealed.

Further confirmed dates for the Wicked tour currently include Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham, Bradford, Southampton, Liverpool, Dublin, Sunderland and Cardiff.

Meanwhile a long-awaited movie adaptation is finally on its way to screens .

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will star in the film which will be released in two parts, the first released in November 2024 just before the show comes to Manchester.

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Following the UK Government COVID roadmap announcement, outlining the path to live performance reopening later this year, we very much look forward to welcoming audiences back to Wicked soon.

In the meantime, whilst we finalise dates for return, we have temporarily suspended performances.

You will be the first to hear when we announce confirmed dates, and your gift card and exclusive rates will still be valid across all performances.

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Wicked at Palace Theatre

Wicked Palace Theatre 3rd December 2024 – 12th January 2025

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Wicked the smash hit theatre show is going on a UK tour in 2023/24. See tour dates for Wicked the Musical and book your tickets from the official box office.

Wicked is the recipient of more than 100 major international awards and nominations including winning three Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters, and reveals the magic that shaped the destinies of two unlikely friends on their remarkable journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

With music and lyrics by multi-Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and a book by Tony Award-nominee Winnie Holzman, Wicked is currently the 12th longest running show in West End history, having been seen at the Apollo Victoria Theatre London by over eleven million people.

This wondorous untold adventure in ‘Oz’ will leave you spellbound. – STEVE ALLEN, LBC One of the West End’s true modern classics.- METRO

Two-time Tony-winner Joe Mantello directs this “devilishly clever spin on The Wizard of Oz” (The Daily Telegraph), with musical staging by Tony-winner Wayne Cilento.

After the continuing success of the Broadway run, two US tours, two UK tours, and countless international productions, Wicked recently celebrated sixteen triumphant years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. This essential West End musical is embarking on an ambitious tour visiting nine UK cities.

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Show all results, manchester theatre news & reviews, wicked announces new tour in the uk to run from 2023 to 2025.

The rumours are true, Wicked is back on tour! See below for dates and venues:

EDINBURGH - Edinburgh Playhouse 7 December 2023 – 14 January 2024

BRISTOL - Bristol Hippodrome 23 January 2024 – 25 February 2024

BIRMINGHAM - Birmingham Hippodrome 5 March 2024 – 7 April 2024 On Sale Spring 2023.

BRADFORD - Bradford Alhambra 16 April 2024 – 19 May 2024

SOUTHAMPTON - Southampton Mayflower 23 May 2024 – 16 June 2024

LIVERPOOL - Liverpool Empire 20 June 2024 – 14 July 2024 On Sale Thursday 8 June 2023. Join our free mailing list for Liverpool to receive updates and reminders!

DUBLIN - Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre 23 July 2024 – 15 September 2024 On Sale 2023.

SUNDERLAND - Sunderland Empire 24 September 2024 – 20 October 2024 On Sale Friday 28th April 2023.

CARDIFF - Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre 24 October 2024 – 23 November 2024

MANCHESTER - Manchester Palace Theatre 3 December 2024 – 12 January 2025 On Sale Friday 19th May 2023. Join our free mailing list for Manchester to receive updates and reminders!

With music and lyrics by multi-Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz ( Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, The Hunchback of Notre Dame ) and a book by Tony Award-nominee Winnie Holzman , Wicked is currently the ninth longest-running West End musical of all time.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire , Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters, and reveals the magic that shaped the destinies of two unlikely friends on their remarkable journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked the musical is the winner of over 100 major international awards, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy Award and ten theatregoer voted WhatsOnStage Awards (including three for ‘Best West End Show’). Wicked is suitable for a general audience. As a guide to parents and guardians, it is recommended for ages 7+. Please note that loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects and strobe lighting feature in the production.

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The Popular West End And Broadway Musical ‘Wicked’ Is Flying Back To Manchester For A Limited Run In 2024

The spellbinding musical which tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz will be defying gravity once more with a return to Manchester's Palace Theatre.

The award-winning musical Wicked has announced a major two-year UK and Ireland tour set to perform in 10 cities, with Manchester being one of them. The spectacular, multi-record-breaking and critically-acclaimed touring production will be flying back to Manchester Palace Theatre for six weeks only during from Tuesday 3 December 2024 to Sunday 12 January 2025 . Yes, it’s hard to think that far ahead but with a whopping 100 awards including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, it’s a show not to be missed.

One of the best-selling productions in Manchester Palace Theatre’s history, Wicked sold over 225,000 tickets across its two celebrated previous engagements in 2013 and 2018, and this May tickets will go on sale for the show. The West End and Broadway musical phenomenon, that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz , continues its open-ended run at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it has already been seen by more than 11 million people and is now in its 17th year.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire , Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum ’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West .

The cast for the UK and Ireland 2023-2025 tour is yet to be announced, however the musical was made famous on Broadway in 2003 having featured a star-studded cast including Frozen ‘s Idina Menzel as Elphaba, who also returned to play the role at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2006.

Wicked Executive Producer (UK & Ireland), Michael McCabe, said: “We are proud to be bringing Wicked back to the magnificent Palace Theatre, where incredible audiences greeted us during two previous sold-out engagements. We’re excited to have this opportunity to share once again the spectacle, magic and emotion that has created unforgettable memories for audiences in Manchester and all around the world.”

Robin Hawkes, Theatre Director of the Palace Theatre & Opera House, said: “It is a privilege to be hosting this world-renowned, record-breaking production once again after its previous sell-out runs with us. Seeing these huge West End productions continue to return to our venues illustrates that the appetite for musical theatre in our region is stronger than ever. We look forward to watching this wonderful show cast its spell over both audience goers and our city.”

Wicked has already been seen by more than 60 million people around the world and has been performed in over 130 cities in 16 countries. Tickets to see the musical Wicked in Manchester will go on general sale on Friday 19th May and fans of the musical will also be able to sign up for priority access here .

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Wicked is returning to Manchester as world-famous musical announces UK and Ireland tour

It's flying back in to the Palace Theatre. (Contains affiliate links)

One of the world’s most successful and loved musicals, Wicked, is returning to Manchester at long last.

The global theatre phenomenon has announced a major 10-city UK and Ireland tour, to span dates from 2023 to 2025.

Wicked will fly back in to the Palace Theatre in Manchester for six weeks only – and we already can’t wait.

The Grammy and Tony award-winning musical tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, spinning a backstory for the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Audiences are taken on an enchanting journey where two unlikely university friends go on their way to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The stunning production features 350 costumes, 140 wigs, 244 pairs of shoes, 110 hats, 125 pairs of gloves and 30 prosthetic masks.

Dubbed one of the most successful musicals of all time, Wicked has a touring cast and crew of 82 people and played to sold-out audiences during its previous two tours, selling more than 225,000 during its previous visits to the Palace Theatre.

Wicked is now in its 17th year at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London and is the fifth-longest running show in Broadway history.

Over the years, it’s been seen by more than 60 million people around the world and has been performed in over 130 cities in 16 countries.

Wicked executive producer (UK & Ireland) Michael McCabe,said: “We are proud to be bringing Wicked back to the magnificent Palace Theatre, where incredible audiences greeted us during two previous sold-out engagements.

“We’re excited to have this opportunity to share once again the spectacle, magic and emotion that has created unforgettable memories for audiences in Manchester and all around the world.”

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Robin Hawkes, theatre director of the Palace Theatre & Opera House, said: “It is a privilege to be hosting this world-renowned, record-breaking production once again after its previous sell-out runs with us.

“Seeing these huge West End productions continue to return to our venues illustrates that the appetite for musical theatre in our region is stronger than ever. We look forward to watching this wonderful show cast its spell over both audience goers and our city.”

Wicked will be at the Palace Theatre in Manchester between Tuesday 3 December 2024 and Sunday 12 January 2025.

Tickets will go on general on sale from Thursday 8 June 2023 at www.atgtickets.com/manchester .

Featured image: Mark Senior

One of the biggest, if not the biggest, popstars in the world right now will be releasing a brand-new album this Friday, and there’s a dedicated listening party happening in Manchester especially for the occasion.

Yes, we’re of course talking about Taylor Swift .

In case you aren’t a Swiftie, or you just generally weren’t aware, Taylor Swift announced back in early February that she would be unleashing her eleventh studio album , titled The Tortured Poets Department , on the world on 19 April.

Just like anything the 34-year-old singer-songwriter does, the surprise announcement of the new album – which is a follow-up to her 2022 critically-acclaimed and GRAMMY award-winning album, Midnights – pretty much broke the internet when it happened, and her dedicated fans have been counting down the days ever since.

Now, after months of eagerly waiting, the big day is finally happening this Friday, and in a bid to properly mark what a massive day it will be, one popular Manchester venue has decided to host a dedicated listening party , so that Swifties can unite under one roof and celebrate the special occasion together.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)

Fairfield Social Club (FSC) which has recently opened its doors in the heart of Manchester city centre , is inviting fans to “gather with your closest Swifties” and head on down to its Green Quarter venue this Friday for a night that’s “dedicated to Tay Tay and her legacy”.

Not only will you get to hear The Tortured Poets Department in full from start to finish surrounded by dozens of fellow fans, but there’ll also be a bunch of other Swift-themed activities too.

These include a Taylor Swift pub quiz with questions to all about her life and groundbreaking career to test your knowledge, friendship bracelet-making sessions, and just the chance to share the love and swap stories with other Swifties.

If all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, there’s also set to be a selection of themed cocktails to sip whilst you spend time ruminating on what Taylor meant in the lyrics of her songs only released a few hours prior.

Oh, and the best bit? FSC promises there “won’t be a Scooter Braun in sight” on the night.

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The Tortured Poets Department Listening Party is taking over Fairfield Social Club this Friday 19 April from 7pm right through until 10pm – with tickets now on sale setting you back just £6 each, and already selling fast.

Grab tickets to the party here .

Featured Image – Flickr

Smash-hit musical Kinky Boots is heading out on a tour of the UK next year, and the talented cast will be stopping off here in Manchester.

The Broadway and West End phenomenon, which is based on a true story and is an adaptation of a 2005 film of the same name, has become known and loved by musical theatre fans all across the globe since its stage debut back in 2012, and has scooped up several Tonys, Olivier Awards, and GRAMMYs along the way.

And now, it’s set for a revival starring Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Johannes Radebe, and the production will be touring the UK and Ireland from January 2025.

Kinky Boots The Musical features a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, and this new production will be directed by Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster – who has famously helmed productions of The Wizard of Oz and Billy Elliot , to name a few – as well as starring the fan-favourite Strictly pro as Lola, alongside and rising star Dan Partridge as Charlie Price.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the Kinky Boots story, here’s brief rundown.

After inheriting his family’s failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price, but that is until he meets Lola – a drag queen whose “sparkle and unsteady heels” might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.

The 2025 revival production is already being billed as “guaranteed to raise you up” and “celebrate everybody’s individuality” when it arrives here in Manchester next February.

👢 On sale to ATG+ members 👢 Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting back to Manchester in a new production starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge. 📅 4 – 8 Feb 2025 🎟️ https://t.co/Zkj2wURAkx General sale: This Friday @ 10am pic.twitter.com/LeYifQkoYi — Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) April 11, 2024

“Kinky Boots is one of the things I’m proudest of in my career,” commented Cyndi Lauper, on the musicals return to the road across the UK.

“I’m so excited that audiences will get to see it again, in a new production, as it’s like a happy pill, and we could all use some of that right now, so I can’t think of a better time or place to relaunch this special show in its place of origin.”

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Kinky Boots The Musical will be taking to the iconic Manchester Palace Theatre stage from 4-8 February 2025, and tickets are set general

You can grab your tickets when they go on sale here .

Featured Image – Ollie Rosser (via Supplied)

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Book Tickets for Wicked

Book your seats to Wicked here on the official Wicked UK website. Now playing in the West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London, with performances eight times a week including two weekend matinees. Tickets are available at a range of great prices from just £25.00, with premium and VIP seats also available.

Book direct with the official website for all performance dates, exclusive extras and best availability.

The must-see musical phenomenon is based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire and written by Winnie Holzman with songs by Stephen Schwartz. Winner of more than 100 awards, this unforgettable musical tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called ‘good’ and the other ‘wicked’.

The Apollo Victoria Theatre, London, owned by ATG, has been the 2,328 seat home to Wicked for over 17 years, since its launch in 2006.

This essential West End musical, already the 11th longest running musical in West End history, is the winner of over 100 major international awards, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy Award and ten theatregoer voted WhatsOnStage Awards (including three for ‘Best West End Show’).

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'Wicked' Afternoon Tea

Combine your trip with a ‘Wicked’ themed Afternoon Tea in the luxurious surroundings of The Clermont Victoria 

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Wicked the Musical UK Tour

Wicked UK Tour – Wicked the Musical continues its tour into 2024! Ten cities will host this spectacular, award-winning touring production

WICKED UK TOUR - 2023 - 2025 DATES & TICKETS

Wicked UK Tour BIRMINGHAM Tue 05 Mar – Sun 07 Apr 2024 Wicked UK Tour BRISTOL Tue 23 Jan – Sun 25 Feb 2024 Wicked UK Tour EDINBURGH Thu 07 Dec – Sun 14 Jan 2024

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Well, you can keep checking back…. Or you can sign up to FREE TOURING ALERTS for your area!

We'll keep you abreast of any new tours announced, and if this show, or any other musical on tour comes to your town, you will be the first to know.

Never miss a show again and be first in line to get tickets!

Official Website: https://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk

WHAT IS WICKED ABOUT?

Wicked tells the incredible story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women: the blonde and very popular Glinda… and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba.

Following an encounter with the wonderful wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths…

Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power. While Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future.

Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good , and the Wicked Witch of the West .

WICKED UK TOUR CAST & CREATIVE

Wicked  has announced the lead casting for their 2023 – 2025 tour:

• Laura Pick – Elphaba
• Sarah O'Connor – Glinda
• Carl Man – Fiyero
• Donna Berlin – Madame Morrible
• Simeon Truby  – The Wizard / Doctor Dillamond
• Megan Gardiner – Nessarose
• Jed Berry – Boq
• Casey Al-Shaqsy – Standby for Elphaba

The company includes Thomas Charle s, Julie Cloke , Charlotte Coggin , Kamau Davis , Freddie Conway , Áine Curran , Jade Davies , Russell Dickson , Maddison Firth , Lydia Gerrard , James Gower-Smith , Shoko Ito , Nick Len , Stephanie Lindo , Holly Lawrence , Will Lucas , Will Luckett , Rozz Mbwembwe , Georgia McElwee , Conor O’Hara , Shereen Osman , Stuart Rouse , Adam Stickler , Christina Shand , and Frazer Woolcott .  

• Music by  Stephen Schwartz
• Book by  Winnie Holzman
• Directed by  Joe Mantello

WICKED UK TOUR VIDEO TRAILER

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• Bournemouth
• Derry / Londonderry
• High Wycombe
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• Milton Keynes
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• Stockton-on-Tees
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• Wolverhampton

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• Stratford-upon-Avon

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Closed: 25 February 2024

Closed: 14 January 2024

Performances begin: 24 September 2024

Performances begin: 20 June 2024

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Wicked releases first look photos for UK and Ireland tour

The “Popular” musical is flying out on a new tour!

Wicked has released production images for the new tour – set to visit cities in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland from December 2023.

The production will be led by former Wicked star Laura Pick as Elphaba, with Sarah O’Connor ( Frozen) as Glinda and another Wicked alum Carl Man as Fiyero, as well as Simeon Truby as Doctor Dillamond and the Wizard.

Joining them are   Donna Berlin ( The Way Old Friends Do) as Madame Morrible , Jed Berry/Daniel Hope (Hope will cover for Berry while he recovers from an injury sustained before rehearsals) as Boq , Megan Gardiner ( Allegiance) as Nessarose and Casey Al- Sha qsy (Six) as Standby for Elphaba.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by WhatsOnStage (@whatsonstage)

Completing the cast are Thomas Charles, Julie Cloke, Charlotte Coggin, Freddie Conway, Áine Curran, Jade Davies, Kamau Davis, Russell Dickson, Maddison Firth, Lydia Gerrard, James Gower-Smith, Shoko Ito, Holly Lawrence, Nick Len, Stephanie Lindo, Will Lucas, Will Luckett, Rozz Mbwembwe, Georgia McElwee, Conor O’Hara, Shereen Osman, Stuart Rouse, Christina Shand, Adam Stickler, and Frazer Woolcott.

The UK and Ireland tour of Wicked will open on 7 December at the Edinburgh Playhouse and continue to Bristol, Birmingham, Bradford, Southampton, Liverpool, Dublin, Sunderland, Cardiff, and Manchester.

Wicked tells the untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba. It features hit songs such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.”

With tunes penned by   Stephen Schwartz ( The Prince of Egypt, Enchanted ), it is based on the best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West   by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy nominee Winnie Holzman ( My So-Called Life ) . Musical staging is by Wayne Cilento with direction by Joe Mantello .

Scenic design is by Eugene Lee , costumes by Susan Hilferty , lighting by Kenneth Posner , sound by Tony Meola , projection designs by Elaine J McCarthy and Hair and Wig designs by Tom Watson . Music arrangements are by Alex Lacamoire and Stephen Oremus , with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott , orchestrations by William David Brohn , and musical supervision by Stephen Oremus .

T he two-part Universal Pictures film version of Wicked , directed by Jon M Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , is in production. 

Tickets for select tour stops are on sale below.

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At select performances.

• [ Monday, April 29, 2024 ] May 2 is Taco Tour 2024: Where to park, what to know and how to make the most of ‘World’s Largest Taco Tour’ Community
• [ Sunday, April 28, 2024 ] Monday’s weather: Partly sunny and warm, high of 75 Rick Gordon's Weather Corner
• [ Sunday, April 28, 2024 ] Manchester Makerspace announces unique series of community classes Community
• [ Sunday, April 28, 2024 ] NH is alone in New England, after Maine expands gun purchase background checks Civics
• [ Sunday, April 28, 2024 ] June 24: Putts For Pups Golf Classic to benefit Second Chance Ranch Rescue Community

May 2 is Taco Tour 2024: Where to park, what to know and how to make the most of ‘World’s Largest Taco Tour’

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Road Closures

• Elm Street will be closed on May 2nd from 12 – 9 p.m.
• Complete closure of Elm Street between Granite and Bridge streets
• Chestnut Street will remain open however all roads will be closed at Chestnut Street headed westerly towards Elm Street inside this area.
• Lake Avenue and Granite Street will also remain open as well as Bridge Streeet.

Elm from Bridge to Granite

Hanover up to Chestnut

Lowell up to Kosciusko

Merrimack up to Barrister Lane

Where to Park Your Car – and Bike

Park at the DoubleTree Parking Garage and start your tour @ Shopper’s

Park at Victory Garage and start your tour @ Consuelos’s

Park at the Hartnett Lot and start your tour @ Alley Cat Pizzeria

Park at the SNHU Garage and start your tour @ The Patio

Park at Arms Park and start your tour @ Stark Brewing

• Park at Pearl Street Lot and start your tour @ The Farm

Participating Retailers w/ fun taco-themed items and activities:

The Magic Man, Dasean Greene will be performing at Diz’s Cafe, the Stonyfield Family Zone at the YMCA and throughout the event

Stop by the Manchester Animal Shelter’s booth to enter their doggie costume contest and visit their doggie water station

Ted Herbert’s Music School will be performing by City Hall Plaza throughout the event

Doug The Devil Stick Man will be performing his devil stick & comedy routine at the Stonyfield Family Zone at the YMCA

Wicked Joyful is hosting a Taco Tour after party with Carissa Johnson, Cozy Throne, & more at 9 p.m. at The Shaskeen

AR Workshop will have Taco Tour Candles & DIY Taco Tour Ornaments, and music by The Real Music School

Crimson and Clover Florist is right by AR Workshop and will have fun flowers!

Dew Collective will be hosting a photo-booth and flowers

Granite State Escape is running a scavenger hunt throughout the event! Visit their booth for details

Taste & Art of Greece will be showcasing their Greek goodies on Hanover Street

Beeze Tees is the official home of Taco Tour Manchester merchandise

The Terracotta Room will be serving up its good vibes and taco-themed merch

Live Music starting 4 p.m. at the M&T Bank Bandstand Stage located at Elm & Bridge streets.

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Arts | The wizard of ‘Wicked’ returns to CT after…

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Arts | several pedestrians hit during string of crashes in bridgeport, arts | the wizard of ‘wicked’ returns to ct after thousands of performances in the broadway hit musical.

Tom McGowan has played the Wizard in “Wicked” well over two thousand times, but the Yale School of Drama graduate, whose acting career spans Shakespeare, musicals, sitcoms and movies, never tires of hiding behind the curtain.

McGowan keeps the magical humbug role fresh by gauging it against the varying personalities of his co-stars.

“I try to adjust to who’s playing Elphaba,” said McGowan, who is with the “Wicked” tour that’s coming back to The Bushnell for a three-week run from April 24 through May 12. “That’s one of the reasons I haven’t gotten bored all these years. Elphaba is one of the great roles in history and one of the trickiest.”

For most of the Hartford run, Elphaba will be played by Olivia Valli, last seen at The Bushnell in the first national tour of the musical “Pretty Woman.”

“With her, I’m really focusing on the ‘fatherly’ thing,” McGowan said. “I try to be as fatherly as possible. Although the Wizard is this man behind the curtain who’s not so nice, he’s also new to this and just working it out. I try to keep that in mind.”

“Wicked” is a prequel of sorts to “The Wizard of Oz,” chronicling the school days of the Wicked Witch of the West (aka Elphaba) and Glinda the Good (currently played by Celia Hottenstein). The musical is based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, the first in his series of books giving an alternate take on the Oz characters created in the early 1900s by L. Frank Baum.

The musical, featuring the hit song “Defying Gravity,” has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz , a longtime Ridgefield resident who has had revivals of many of his musicals done at local theaters such as the Goodspeed Opera House (“Rags”) and ACT of CT (“Snapshots,” “Working,” “Godspell”). “Wicked” has a book by Winnie Holzman and was directed by Joe Mantello.

McGowan got into the Yale School of Drama on his third try. His professional career had an auspicious start when he took over the starring role in the Broadway comedy “La Bête,” the critically acclaimed play by David Hirson written entirely in rhyming couplets and iambic pentameter. Hollywood star Ron Silver had the role but left during the first week of performances. The run was short, but it made McGowan’s name.

He returned to Yale to do three shows at the Yale Repertory Theatre shortly after graduating: The George S. Kaufman comedy “The Solid Gold Cadillac” in 1989, “Daylight in Exile” by James D’Entremont for the Rep’s Winterfest series of new works in early 1990 and the Chekhov drama “Ivanov” (starring William Hurt) in the fall of 1990. Elsewhere in Connecticut, he appeared in readings of new plays at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford for five straight years.

Besides his many times with “Wicked,” he’s visited Connecticut during a national tour of another very long-running Broadway show, “Chicago.” McGowan played Amos Hart, the hapless husband whose anthem is “Mr. Cellophane.” Strangely, both Amos Hart and The Wizard are roles that originated on Broadway with Joel Grey.

The Bushnell announces seven Broadway series shows for 2024-25 season

The long-awaited movie version of “Wicked,” starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, will release the first of its two parts this November. Anticipation for the film has created fresh interest in the musical. McGowan remembers a similar thing happening with “Chicago.”

“People kept asking me, ‘Is the movie going to kill the Broadway show?’ It didn’t. It helped it,” McGowan said.

McGowan has played the Wonderful Wizard of Oz on and off for 16 years. The tour coming to Hartford is called the “Munchkinland” tour to distinguish it from other “Wicked” ensembles happening around the world. McGowan was part of the Munchkinland tour when it first began in 2009.

“I’ve done the tour three different times and filled in another time,” he said.

It has taken him all around the country and to Hawaii. He’s also been in the Broadway cast of “Wicked” twice, in the eighth and 10th years of its now 20-year New York run, and is the only American actor to have played the Wizard in London’s West End.

He’s been with the Munchkinland tour this time for four months. Two weeks ago, he marked his 2,300th performance as the Wizard.

He’s been able to take long breaks from “Wicked” over the years. “I’ve done three other Broadway shows and a lot of TV in that time,” he said, including a key role on the first season of “The Good Fight.” He was able to achieve a personal dream last year when he played Falstaff in Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at The Old Globe in San Diego. He was also in the Hallmark Channel movie “One Royal Holiday,” filmed in Connecticut in 2020.

Depending on the age of who recognizes him, he jokes, he’s perhaps known for “Frasier” (playing Kenny Daly on 42 episodes of the sitcom), “Everybody Love Raymond (17 episodes as Bernie Gruenfelder) and the Ben Stiller-starring 1995 Disney comedy “Heavyweights.”

While “Wicked” is in Hartford, the Munchkinland tour will make numerous changes in its cast. Several of the lead roles will have different actors playing them starting May 7, the last week of performances at The Bushnell. From that point, Lauren Samuels will replace Valli Elphaba, Austen Danielle Bohmer (who was an ensemble member in “Bye Bye Birdie” at the Goodspeed Opera House in 2016) will be the new Glinda and Aymee Garcia will play Madame Morrible (taking over from Kathy Fitzgerald). McGowan will pass his Wizard hat to Blake Hammond, whom Bushnell audiences have seen previously in national tours of “Something Rotten,” “The Addams Family” and “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”

“This is a top-shelf tour,” McGowan said. “They always find these incredible young actresses. They change the principals because they like to keep it fresh. The assistant director comes out to see it at every other city. They’ve kept this show really sharp.”

“Wicked” runs April 24 through May 12 at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. Performances are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m. $54-$213. bushnell.org .

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