Wicked sets new West End milestone

Wicked has become the ninth longest-running production in West End history, following the completion of Saturday’s matinee performance at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

The musical has also overtaken Starlight Express to become the longest-running show in the history of the Apollo Victoria. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production previously held the record with 7,406 performances between March 1984 and January 2002.

The occasion was marked with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to representatives of ATG Entertainment, including Ross Verity-Williams, Kamaal Hussain, and company members Abbie Quinnen and Iroy Abesamis. Copies of the plaque will be displayed backstage and in the theatre’s front-of-house Ambassador Lounges.

Producer David Stone said: “We are thrilled that Wicked has become the ninth longest-running production in West End history and the longest-running production in the history of the Apollo Victoria Theatre, surpassing Starlight Express.

“This milestone is a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of the many performers, musicians, backstage teams and theatre staff who have sustained the production with such care and commitment. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the millions of audience members whose continued enthusiasm and support have made this remarkable achievement possible.”

The ten longest-running West End productions are now The Mousetrap, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, The Woman in Black, Mamma Mia!, Blood Brothers, The Lion King, Cats, Wicked and Starlight Express.

The current London cast of Wicked includes Emma Kingston as Elphaba, Zizi Strallen as Glinda, and Carl Man as Fiyero. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The production is directed by Joe Mantello with musical staging by Wayne Cilento.

The story of the witches of Oz continues on screen with Wicked: For Good, the second part of the film adaptation directed by Jon M Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, set for release on 21 November 2025.