Jon M. Chu, director of the upcoming film Wicked: For Good, made a surprise visit to the Apollo Victoria Theatre this weekend to meet the cast of the West End’s long-standing hit musical Wicked. The event brought together the worlds of cinema and live theatre, celebrating the continuing success of Wicked London and its enduring cultural impact.
Jon M. Chu’s Special Encounter with the London Wicked Company
Before a performance, Jon M. Chu joined members of the London Wicked company and was honored with a miniature 3D-printed replica of the show’s famous Oz head, crafted by Paul Turner, the West End’s Head of Lighting. Chu expressed his admiration for the production, stating,
“I’ve never stepped onto the stage of a Wicked stage production before… It’s stunning,”
and added,
“To be part of the Wicked family is the dream of a lifetime.”
This visit highlighted the connection between the stage musical and the film adaptation, fostering enthusiasm among cast and crew alike.
Wicked has been a fixture in London for two decades, celebrating its 19th anniversary at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. With nearly 7,500 performances to date and over 13 million audience members, the show continues to captivate theatre lovers. The current cast features Emma Kingston as Elphaba, Zizi Strallen as Glinda, and Carl Man as Fiyero, maintaining the high standard the production is known for.
The Film Sequel: Wicked: For Good Sets Its Release Date
The Wicked film series, directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Marc Platt and David Stone, is nearing the release of its second installment, Wicked: For Good, which will premiere in UK cinemas on 21 November 2025. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their acclaimed roles as Elphaba and Glinda, joined by a distinguished cast including Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, and Sharon D. Clarke.
The first film installment, released in November 2024, broke records as the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation and earned ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Cynthia Erivo’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination, and it was recently announced she will be submitted for Best Actress consideration for Wicked: For Good, while Ariana Grande is set to be entered in the Best Supporting Actress category.
Ongoing Success of Wicked on London’s West End
The original Wicked stage production continues to play to enthusiastic audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, with tickets now available through 3 January 2027. The long-running West End show remains a pillar of London’s theatre scene, attracting both new and returning fans eager to experience its magical storytelling and memorable music live on stage.
Wicked’s enduring popularity in the capital reflects its status as a cultural landmark, bridging theatre and film through compelling performances and visionary leadership by creators like Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, who penned the show’s music, lyrics, and book, respectively.
