The worlds of stage and screen collided at the Apollo Victoria Theatre this weekend as Wicked film director Jon M. Chu stepped on stage to greet the London company of the long-running West End musical phenomenon.
Chu — who helmed Universal Pictures’ global hit Wicked and this year’s epic conclusion, Wicked: For Good (in UK cinemas 21 November 2025) — joined the cast ahead of a performance and was presented with a 3D-printed mini replica of the show’s iconic Oz head, created by West End Head of Lighting Paul Turner. “I’ve never stepped onto the stage of a Wicked stage production before… It’s stunning,” Chu said. “To be part of the Wicked family is the dream of a lifetime.”
Now in its 20th year in London, Wicked recently marked its 19th anniversary at the Apollo Victoria, having been seen by more than 13 million people and played nearly 7,500 performances in the capital. The current company features Emma Kingston (Elphaba), Zizi Strallen (Glinda) and Carl Man (Fiyero), among others.
Wicked composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz and book writer Winnie Holzman collaborated on the two-film adaptation, directed by Chu and produced by Marc Platt and David Stone. The first film, released in November 2024 and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, became the highest-grossing Broadway film adaptation and earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Wicked director Jon M. Chu meets the London cast of the stage musical
Watch the trailer for Wicked: For Good
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are back as Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked: For Good, the second and final instalment of the Wicked movies, in cinemas from 21 November 2025.
The blockbuster film also stars Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater and Marissa Bode, along with Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James and Sharon D. Clarke.
Cynthia was nominated for an Oscar for the first Wicked movie, and it was revealed last week that she will be put forward in the Best Actress category next year for her work on Wicked: For Good. Her co-star Ariana Grande is going to be put up for the Best Supporting gongs.
Wicked Live on Stage
Wicked continues at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, London – now booking to 3 January 2027.
See Wicked Live in London Reading about the latest updates is just the start. Experience the musical phenomenon for yourself at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. View Best Seats & Book Wicked Tickets
Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
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