Wicked Celebrates 20 Years in West End—What You Need to Know
Two Decades of Green and Pink in Our West End
If you’ve walked past the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Wilton Road over the past 20 years, you’ve witnessed one of London’s most remarkable theatrical achievements. This month, Wicked celebrated its landmark anniversary—a moment that deserves recognition from anyone who cares about our cultural scene. On 27 September, the production released striking new photography of its principal cast, including current stars Emma Kingston as Elphaba and Zizi Strallen as Glinda, capturing the magic that’s kept audiences enthralled through two decades. The show’s milestone is particularly significant when you consider London’s theatre landscape. Wicked now ranks as the ninth longest-running production in West End history, having staged more than 7,700 performances and welcomed its 14 millionth guest just days before the anniversary. That’s not just a statistic—it represents countless date nights, school trips, and theatre-goers discovering the untold story of how two unlikely friends became Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. For those of us who live and work in this neighbourhood, it’s a source of genuine local pride that a musical with this calibre continues drawing audiences from across the globe to our doorstep.
A Weekend Celebration That Brought the Theatre Family Together
The anniversary weekend wasn’t just a single matinee performance—it was a genuine celebration of the show’s legacy and the people who’ve made it special. Over the weekend of 26-28 September, the Apollo Victoria transformed into a gathering place for witches past and present. Current standby Lydia Gerrard and alternate Elphaba Laura Emmitt led moving speeches, joined by alumni performers including Gina Beck, Dianne Pilkington, Savannah Stevenson, Helen Woolf, and original West End Glinda Helen Dallimore. For theatre enthusiasts across South London and beyond, this meant witnessing the rare opportunity to see both generations of performers sharing the stage—a moment that underscored just how much this production means to the community. The theatre also hosted custom photo booths, costume displays throughout the venue, and special ‘Pink’ and ‘Green’ performances dedicated to each protagonist. The gala performance on Sunday drew alumni company members, creating an atmosphere that acknowledged everyone who’s contributed to keeping this show alive. Current leads Zizi Strallen and Emma Kingston closed out performances with their own speeches, passing the torch while honouring those who came before. It’s the kind of community moment that reminds us why the West End matters—it’s not just entertainment; it’s a living, breathing cultural institution.
Planning Your Visit: What Local Residents Should Know
If you’ve been meaning to experience Wicked but haven’t made it yet, now’s an excellent time to visit the Apollo Victoria Theatre before the show’s booking window closes on 30 May 2027. Located at 17 Wilton Road, the theatre is easily accessible whether you’re taking the Tube via Victoria station or travelling through central London near landmarks like Big Ben and Trafalgar Square. The production runs Tuesday to Saturday evenings at 7.30pm, with matinee performances Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2.30pm. The show is recommended for ages 7 and up, though children under 5 aren’t admitted—helpful information if you’re planning a family outing. The current company is exceptional: Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen lead an ensemble directed by three-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento. Whether you’re a first-time theatre-goer or a seasoned West End regular, Wicked offers something genuinely special. Visit Apollo Victoria’s website to check availability and book tickets. This is your chance to be part of a show that’s already made theatre history—and who knows? You might just catch alumni performers making surprise appearances during your visit, keeping the spirit of this 20-year milestone alive.
Source: Wicked releases character photos celebrating 20th anniversary | West End Theatre
