Zizi Strallen, the star of hit musical Wicked in the West End, has performed at the VE Day 80th anniversary service of thanksgiving, held at Westminster Abbey today, 8 May 2025.
In the presence of Their Majesties The King and Queen, Zizi Strallen sang wartime anthem ‘(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover’, made famous by Dame Vera Lynn in 1942.
Two minutes’ silence were held at 12 noon at the start of the service, and observed throughout the UK to remember those who fought in World War 2.
“VE Day 80: The Nation Remembers” featuring the service and Zizi’s performance, is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Zizi Strallen joined the London company of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in March 2025, and plays Glinda in the show, alongside Emma Kingston as Elphaba.
Later today, the BBC will broadcast VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, a special concert from Horse Guards Parade in London, presented by Zoe Ball.
A wealth of stage and screen stars will perform at the concert, including the cast of hit West End show Operation Mincemeat, West End star Samantha Barks (Frozen), who will sing ‘We’ll Meet Again’, Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman); and the new star of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Fleur East.
Celebrated West End actor Brian Cox (Succession will deliver a powerful re-enactment of Winston Churchill’s iconic wartime speech during the event. Also audiences will be able to enjoy a nostalgic revival of Dad’s Army, featuring Kevin Eldon, Iain Glen, Nigel Havers, Sir Derek Jacobi, Larry Lamb, Alex Macqueen and Daniel Mays.
VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember will broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm today, 8 May 2025. You can watch the concert on BBC iPlayer live, or after the event.
Book tickets to Wicked starring Zizi Strallen at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London
Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
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