Hit musical, Wicked has become the ninth longest-running production in West End history and has also surpassed the original London run of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express, which previously held the title of longest-running production at Wicked’s West End home, the Apollo Victoria Theatre
The achievement was marked with a commemorative plaque, and copies will be displayed backstage and in both of the front-of-house Ambassador Lounges.
Wicked’s producer, David Stone said of the landmark moment: “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.”
ATG Entertainment’s chief content officer, Michael Lynas, added: “As the owners of the Apollo Victoria Theatre, we are immensely proud that Wicked has become the venue’s longest-running show. This remarkable musical is a jewel in the crown of the West End and shines as brightly as when it opened more than 19 years ago. We are delighted to host a show which has been entertaining London audiences since 2006, and we pay tribute to the producers, the creative team, the performers and musicians, and everyone working backstage and front of house at the Apollo Victoria.”
What are the ten longest West End productions ever staged?
The ten longest-running West End stage productions in British history are:
- The Mousetrap
- Les Misérables
- The Phantom of the Opera
- The Woman in Black
- Mamma Mia!
- Blood Brothers
- The Lion King
- Cats
- Wicked
- Starlight Express
The current cast and the timeless story
The London company currently stars Emma Kingston (Elphaba), Zizi Strallen (Glinda), Carl Man (Fiyero), Sarah Ingram (Madame Morrible), and Michael Matus (The Wizard).
Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s celebrated stage musical is based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire and imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Wicked 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’.
From the stage to the silver screen
Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman have collaborated on the two-part Universal Pictures film version of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Marc Platt and David Stone.
Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, part one of the blockbuster opened in November 2024 and has become the highest-grossing film, based on a stage musical, in history. Wicked: For Good will be released in the UK on 21st November 2025.
West End performances for Wicked continue between Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7.30pm, and Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2.30pm.
Find out more about the show at WickedTheMusical.co.uk.
