New casting is announced for Agatha Christie’s iconic thriller The Mousetrap, the longest running play in the world, which continues to enthral audiences at London’s St Martin’s Theatre.
From 18 November 2024, the full new cast will include Lara Lemon (Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall) as Mollie Ralston, Harry Bradley (The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre) as Giles Ralston, Richard Leeming (The Haunting at the New Vic) as Christopher Wren, Rekha John-CheriyanThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on national and international tour) as Mrs Boyle, Owen Oakeshott (Land of the Free at Southwark Playhouse)as Major Metcalf, Grace Darling (Queen at Edinburgh Fringe Festival) as Miss Casewell, Alasdair Buchan (Accolade at Theatre Royal Windsor and on tour) as Mr Paravicini, and Daniel Rainford (Laughing Boy at Jermyn Street Theatre)as Detective Sgt. Trotter. Additional members of the company include Liv Koplick,Clive Marlowe, Richard Parnwell, Ben Riddle, and Cathryn Sherman who will understudy various roles.
The Director of The Mousetrap is Philip Franks. Denise Silvey is the Artistic Director.
As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at Monkswell Manor, a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst. One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim?
Genre-defining murder mystery The Mousetrap, written by Agatha Christie, the world’s best-selling novelist of all time, premiered at Theatre Royal Nottingham in 1952 and toured the UK before opening in the West End. It continues its record-breaking engagement at the St Martin’s Theatre, entering its 73rd year on 25 November 2024 and playing its 30,000 performances on the 19 March 2025.
The Mousetrap is produced by Brian Fenty. This cast will play until 10 May 2025. The Mousetrap is currently booking at the St. Martins Theatre until the 27 September 2025.
An Aria Entertainment and Sheffield Theatres Production
· THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED WORLD PREMIERE OF KENREX FROM THE CREATOR OF THE OLIVIER NOMINATED CRUISE WILL TRANSFER TO SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH FROM 14 FEBRUARY – 16 MARCH 2025.
· PART TRUE CRIME, PART WESTERN, KENREX IS WRITTEN BY BOTH JACK HOLDEN (WHO ALSO PERFORMS) AND ED STAMBOLLOUIAN (WHO ALSO DIRECTS), WITH AN ORIGINAL SCORE PERFORMED LIVE BY JOHN PATRICK ELLIOTT.
Aria Entertainment and Sheffield Theatres are thrilled to announce that the world premiere of KENREX will transfer from Sheffield Theatres’ Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse to Southwark Playhouse Borough from 14 February – 16 March 2025. Following a sold-out run in Sheffield where it garnered multiple five-star reviews, KENREX is part True Crime, part Western, with a foot-stomping live Americana soundtrack, devised by Jack Holden (Olivier-nominated Cruise) and Ed Stambollouian.
‘911, what’s your emergency?’
‘My husband… they shot him… they all did.’
July 10th 1981. Skidmore, Missouri. A man is shot dead in broad daylight. There are sixty witnesses — but no one saw a thing.
Jack Holden (Marriage, BBC; War Horse, National Theatre) performs the one-person show, jumping between characters in a high-octane blend of vocals, sound effects and song. He is accompanied on stage by composer and musician John Patrick Elliott (award-winning composer, recent album includes My Role in the Show), and directed by co-writer Ed Stambollouian (Animal Farm, Royal & Derngate; More More MoreJoe Lycett, UK Tour).
The full creative team includes co-writers Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian, original music writer and performed by John Patrick Elliott, direction by Ed Stambollouian, design by Anisha Fields; lighting and video design by Joshua Pharo; sound design by Giles Thomas, movement direction by Sarah Golding and production management by James Anderton.
An album, KENREXMusic from the Play by John Patrick Elliott via Carbon Moon Records is now available to stream. The album brings together Elliott’s songs and instrumental compositions that feature in the play, as well as additional bonus tracks from the development of the piece.
THE LOWRY THEATRE, SALFORD – SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2024
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), premiered in 1791 and tells a magical story in two acts. It is a cherished opera known for its enchanting elements, profound themes, and beautiful melodies. The libretto, written by Emmanuel Schikaneder, is being presented in English through Jeremy Sams’ adaptation. Opera North’s revival of their 1978 production offers a dynamic and refreshing interpretation of Mozart’s timeless opera. The use of English and subtitles displayed on screens, both sides of the stage, makes it easier to follow. The opera combines elements of a modern musical with spoken dialogue and engaging musical numbers, alongside traditional singing. This combination makes it an inviting and delightful experience for both opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Last night’s performance featured integrated British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, Sarah Cox and Richard Jackson. It was truly an experience to witness them not only interpreting the dialogue and singing but also conveying the music itself!
Director James Brining allows the audience to experience the opera from a child’s perspective. We first and last see a little girl, which beautifully frames the enchanting chaos that unfolds throughout the performance.
The stage design by Colin Richmond showcases striking, angular shapes that help create a captivating environment. The set moves seamlessly between fantastical and more stark elements, reflecting the contrasting themes of light and darkness within the opera. Richmond also designed the costumes, which offer a lively mix of classical and creative styles. Characters wear outfits that represent different roles; from the grand priest Sarastro, who appears to lead a group of devoted followers dressed in robes reminiscent of the TV version of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, to a Maleficent-meets-Elizabeth Taylor glamour for the Queen of the Night. This unique and thoughtful appearance effectively links the opera’s imaginative narrative to its deeper emotional themes.
Chris Davey’s stunning lighting, along with Douglas O’Connell’s video designs, produces engaging on-stage effects through projections. These features, including creative props like lightsabres, work together to enrich the storytelling. Opera North’s rendition of The Magic Flute provides a visual experience that encourages interaction and enjoyment for everyone involved.
The evening featured outstanding performances, with the Three Ladies contributing enjoyable comedy amidst beautiful harmonies. However, it is Emyr Wyn Jones who truly enhances the show. His comedic skills, excellent timing, and unique physical portrayal of the character Papageno make each of his scenes a pleasure to watch, engaging the audience throughout the performance.
The performance that garnered a strong ‘Bravo’ and applause was Anna Dennis’s rendition of ‘Der Hölle Rache‘ from The Queen of the Night’s Act Two. This aria, one of Mozart’s most famous pieces, is particularly notable for its rapid high C repetitions and numerous high F notes. It presents a significant challenge for many sopranos, showcasing remarkable vocal skills.
You’ll get another chance to see this exciting opera at The Lowry next March!
Image credit: TOM MANN – GHOSTLIGHT STUDIOS @ghostlightstudios_
Electric Press Productions in association with West End Best Friend Productions are thrilled to announce that the Drama Desk-nominated Outstanding Musical, THE MAD ONES will play a limited run at the Other Palace Studio from Wednesday 7th May – Sunday 1st June 2025.
Following a 5-Star run at the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham last April, The Mad Ones will transfer to The Other Palace Studio for a four-week run in May 2025, where it will make it’s London debut.
The musical, which was an instant viral hit on YouTube, tells the tale of Samantha Brown – a senior in high school who, after the tragic death of her vivacious best friend Kelly in a car wreck, loses not only her closest confidante, but also the part of herself that was learning to be brave. Now, Sam has to make a decision: to follow the path her mother has set out for her, or to summon the courage to drive away from her friends and family into a future she can scarcely imagine.
Featuring music by Bree Lowdermilk, with book and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan, this touching and hilarious musical traverses the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics and the universal experience of high school relationships, and will have its audience members connecting with the true meaning of ‘Freedom’ (and perhaps even asking each other to ‘Run Away with Me’!)
This announcement comes hot on the heels of news that Kerrigan’s The Great Gatsby will be transferring to the West End from Broadway next April, which means a double whammy of London shows for the Broadway Lyricist and book writer next spring.
The Mad Ones, formerly known as The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown, opened off-Broadway (Prospect Theater Company at 59E59) on November 17, 2017.
Even before licensing rights became available in December 2019, The Mad Ones sold 15,000+ individual pieces of digital sheet music, amassed millions of YouTube views, and inspired thousands of fan videos.
Theatre Fan: ‘Beautiful, Soulful, Heartbreaking… Welcome to your new Musical Theatre
Obsession!’
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Musical Theatre Review: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
THE MAD ONES is helmed by director Emily Susanne Lloyd, with musical direction by Callum Thompson, and artwork by Tom Mann of Ghostlight Studios.
The show’s Producer, Samantha Creswick, says “We are so proud and excited to be bringing this show to a London audience, and connecting with a wider group of fans, many of whom have been listening to it in their bedrooms and cars since before the pandemic! It’s such a rich and resonant coming-of-age story that is perhaps even more relevant to audiences now than when it was first written, and we couldn’t be more proud to have found its perfect home in The Other PalaceStudio.”
This is an Electric Press & West End Best Friend production, presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Limited.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
The Mad Ones
Wednesday 7th May – Sunday June 1st 2025
The Other Palace Studio – Tickets are available NOW.
SOCIAL MEDIA
@themadones_uk – Instagram @themadones_uk – Tiktok The Mad Ones UK – Facebook
The Swan Theatre Stratford-Upon-Avon – until 19th January 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
4****
The RSC’s rendition of The Red Shoes is a devilishly delicious treat. The Hans Christian Anderson tale has been revamped and reworked in a way to tantalise and terrify. Permeated with loss and laughter, its gruesome and gripping from its theatrical opening to its touching ending. Directed by Kimberley Rampersad and written by Nancy Harris, this version employs wonderful regional accents, cinematic scores and deceptively simple sets to enhance the storytelling.
16-year-old orphan Karen is left alone and temporarily mute by the devastating loss of her mother. Adopted by the wealthy, self-absorbed and self-serving Nugent Family, she soon realises she is their badge of philanthropy. Karen finds no love or care from her adoptive parents, Bob and Mariellla, and she is terrorised by her adoptive brother Clive, who is obsessed with chopping up and stuffing animals. Her only solace is the family’s kind housekeeper Mags, and her love for dancing. Needing new shoes for a charity event, Karen encounters the mysterious shoemaker Sylvestor, who persuades her to reject the sensible shoes Mariella insists she buys and instead offers her a pair of alluring red shoes. The shoes fit her perfectly and turn her world upside down, allowing her to express herself fully through dance and be seen, but they are not all that they appear to be.
This production presents some beautiful scenes to tell the story. Aside from the stunning dance pieces there are some moving moments and surprisingly hilarious retort amongst the characters. The dinner party scene is a triumph, the ball scene is dreamy, and the final dance will touch your heart.
Colin Richmond’s set and costume design is striking. The stage predominantly set in red is beautifully juxtaposed by costumes being on the other end of the colour palette in shades of green. A garish portrait of the Nugent’s doubling as a mirror fully exposing their ego’s is a joy to behold. Actors depicting taxidermy animals, disembodied legs displaying shoes and animatronic feet, all the stuff of true nightmares. Ryan Day’s lighting is atmospheric, bathing the stage in red, casting shadows and highlighting/lowlighting to add some true eeriness to the piece.
Nikki Cheung is wonderful as Karen whose exceptional dancing skills makes us believe that the shoes are imbued with magic. Dianne Pilkington balances her performance as hideously hypercritical Mariella perfectly. James Doherty completely embodies Bob’s conceitedness matching Mariella as the truly awful adoptive parents. Joseph Edwards is fascinating to watch as creepy Clive. Sebastien Torkia excells as Sylvestor/Priest, rhyming and scheming, plotting and preening. Sakuntala Ramanee is delightful as Mags, master manipulator of Mariella, but for all the right reasons.
Where this production struggles a little is with the songs. They don’t fully fit. Reminiscent of Hadestown but not as evocative, they struck an odd chord. However, Marc Teitler’s music, along with the band of seven, sat above the stage was majestic.
The RSC’s adaptation of The Red Shoes is entertaining, enchanting and an exciting alternative traditional Christmas production.
THE ORIGINAL LIVE WEST END CAST RECORDING OF MULTI AWARD-WINNING HIT MUSICAL HADESTOWN WILL BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER 2024.
PRE-SALE FEATURING “POP-UP” VINYL EXCLUSIVE COMMENCES FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER
MUSIC, LYRICS AND BOOK BY ANAÏS MITCHELL
HADESTOWN AT THE LYRIC THEATRE IN LONDON NOW BOOKING UNTIL 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 uk.hadestown.com
It is announced today, that HADESTOWN – LIVE FROM LONDON, the highly anticipated original West End cast album for Tony®and Grammy® Award-winning ‘Best Musical’ Hadestown, recorded live at the Lyric Theatre in London where it is currently performing, will be released by Sing It Again Records on Friday 6 December 2024, with pre-orders from Friday 15 November 2024.
HADESTOWN – LIVE FROM LONDON will be released in three physical formats – standard black vinyl, a limited-edition deluxe gatefold “pop-up” vinyl and compact disc – alongside digital download and streaming services.
Anaïs Mitchell said:I’m so thrilled to share this audio document of our glorious, once-in-a-lifetime, original West End company and all the ways they made this show their own! Almost the entirety of the recording comes from one single show- the final matinee performance of Dónal and Grace- and is a record of the company as it bids goodbye to two beloved members. You can hear it in the performers giving their all, as much to each other as to the audience. I’m so grateful we caught this magic on tape- a definitive moment in an ever-evolving show.
FORMATS AND PRE-ORDER INFO:
DELUXE GATEFOLD POP-UP VINYL: Hand-numbered limited edition of just 3,000 copies complete with a unique “pop-up” scene featuring the London cast and stage set. 47 minutes of highlights plus plot precis, credits and exclusive production photos. Pre-order from Friday 15 November exclusively from the official online Hadestown store hadestown.lnk.to/LiveFromLondon
VINYL: 47 minutes of highlights from the West End production with exclusive production photos, plot precis, credits and exclusive production photos. Pre-order from Friday 15 November from hadestown.lnk.to/LiveFromLondon
CD: 69 minutes of highlights, packaged with exclusive featuring essay by Hadestown composer / author Anais Mitchell, plot précis, credits and exclusive production photos. Includes more than 20 minutes of additional music not included on the vinyl. Pre-order from Friday 15 November from hadestown.lnk.to/LiveFromLondon
STREAMING: 69 minutes of highlights can be experienced in surround sound via one of the very first dedicated Dolby Atmos mixes to be created for a West End musical.
While stocks last, fans pre-ordering the album from the official UK store in any one of the three physical formats will receive an exclusive print of the cover art signed by Anais Mitchell. This offer is limited to one print per order.
SIX LEADING STARS OF THE WEST END AND BROADWAY WILL PERFORM 5 EXCLUSIVE CONCERTS AT THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE NEXT SPRING
CASSIDY JANSON IN CONCERT – MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY
A COUPLE OF SWELLS STARRING JOE STILGOE WITH LIZA PULMAN – MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY
AIMEE ATKINSON IN CONCERT – MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY
LEE MEAD THE BEST OF ME – MONDAY 10 MARCH
KERRY ELLIS QUEEN OF THE WEST END – MONDAY 17 MARCH
Westway Music is pleased to announce details of the Westway Sessions, a series of Monday night concerts featuring six leading stars of the West End and Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre in 2025.
Westway Sessions celebrates the very best talent of musical theatre and the recording label Westway Music that in the past three years has become the home to leading stars of the West End, Broadway, and musical theatre.
The series opens on 3 February with West End Leading Lady and award winning actress and singer Cassidy Janson in concert. Star of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and & Juliet for which she was awarded the 2020 Oliver Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical.
Cassidy Janson said, “I cannot wait to perform at the Vaudeville! I’ll be singing my favourite songs and sharing stories from my career in show business over the decades!”
On 10 February, a musical match made in heaven follows with the inspired pairing of Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe performing their hit show A Couple of Swells.
“Saw this last night. Ooooh it’s SO good.” Dawn French.
Liza and Joe said, “We are thrilled to be bringing our show back to the West End as part of Westway’s season of Monday evening concerts at The Vaudeville theatre . With its history of vaudeville and musical revues there couldn’t be a better venue in town than this one for a Couple Of musical Swells!”
On 17 February, Aimie Atkinson, star of Six the Musical and Pretty Woman, returns to the West End stage performing songs from her new album due for release next year, alongside career defining songs that have propelled her to leading lady status.
Aimie said, “Absolutely thrilled to be joining the Westway sessions at the incredible Vaudeville Theatre. I’m so looking forward to sharing new music with you all, along with songs that have shaped my career.”
Aimie is followed on 10 March by TV star and award-winning West End actor Lee Mead and his brand-new show The Best of Me, where he introduces audiences to some of the musical influences that help define him as a performer, including classic songs alongside a sneak peek of his brand-new EP.
Lee said, “Following my recent successful sell out tour of the UK I’m thrilled that I’ve been approached to bring my show to the heart of the West End again. The last time I played London with my show was four years ago at the London Palladium. I’ve always wanted to play the Vaudeville after performing there with a concert called The West End Men in 2013. It will suit my more intimate show perfectly, so I hope to see you all there for a great evening of music and another sell out!”
The season closes on 17 March with Kerry Ellis in her acclaimed touring show Queen of the West End. From My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You, from Les Misérables to Wicked, Kerry looks back at her illustrious career performing songs and telling stories of her journey to become the Queen of the West End.
To access the exclusive pre-sale for all performances, sign up to the Westway mailing list before 10am on Monday 18 November here.
Tickets go on general sale on the Thursday 21 November at 10am and can be accessed here:
This season (2024 – 2025), Opera North is on tour with a selection of exceptional operas, with drama taking centre stage in productions like Mozart’s enchanting masterpiece, The Magic Flute, and Gilbert and Sullivan’s extraordinary ghostly tale, Ruddigore. Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the remarkable operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, composed by Benjamin Britten.
Opera North’s rendition offered a captivating and creative interpretation of Shakespeare’s cherished comedy, seamlessly intertwining its enchanting elements with the musical brilliance of Britten’s renowned opera.
Last night, the beautiful combination of Benjamin Britten’s rich, atmospheric score and Shakespeare’s enchanting story of love, mischief, and mistaken identities was expertly brought to life. Opera North’s production, directed by Martin Duncan for the original staging and Matthew Eberhardt for the revival, was not only visually stunning but also vibrant with physical theatre and musically captivating elements.
The set design by Johan Engels, which features translucent Perspex and large bubbles, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that amplifies the story’s ethereal qualities. Coupled with vibrant and imaginative costumes by Ashley Martin-Davis and innovative lighting by Bruno Poet, the audience is fully immersed in the enchanted forest, where the interplay of fairy magic and human folly unfolds beautifully. The staging choices do not overshadow the essence of the opera; rather, they enrich the timeless themes of love, jealousy, and transformation by introducing a new dimension. Originally composed by Britten in 1960, this production by Opera North draws inspiration from that era.
Henry Waddington shines as Nick Bottom, showcasing his exceptional theatrical instincts and remarkable vocal talent, which remain the standout features of the performance. He is wonderfully complemented by his fellow mechanicals during their lively Bergamasque dance!
The opera is performed in English, accompanied by subtitles displayed on screens on both sides of the stage. It lasts just over three hours and consists of three acts, with two intervals.
Whether you are a fan of Britten or Shakespeare, this production provided something truly unique—an enchanting fusion of opera, theatre, and visual storytelling that brought the mystical world of the play to life in the present moment.
“The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical…Against the odds, the “Operation Mincemeat” gang has found its way to the big time.”
Peter Marks, The Washington Post
#1 2023 Theatre Show
“Despite all that Hollywood firepower, my top pick was a homegrown musical about the UK’s role in World War II”
Sarah Rappaport, Bloomberg
“a little show with a very big future”
David Benedict, Variety
“My far-and-away favorite production—and a complete surprise to me—was the musical “Operation Mincemeat… a comedy that has been cheerfully dismantling jingoism builds a stirring vision of real fellowship in its place.”
Helen Shaw, The New Yorker
“the feel-good West End musical of the summer… The reviews for the show have been ecstatic… the overwhelming impression is of hopefulness, expansiveness, possibility and joy.”
Alexis Soloski, The New York Times
74 ★★★★★ reviews and counting
Friday 15th November – Following back-to-back tenth and eleventh extensions at the West End’s Fortune Theatre and the announcement of Operation Mincemeat’s Broadway debut with the original cast at the Golden Theatre on 20th March 2025, ATG has now granted an incredible twelfth extension until 7thJune 2025 in London — its third announced within just two months.
Until 15th February, when Broadway previews begin, tickets will be available exclusively in London. After that, Operation Mincemeat will run simultaneously in both New York and London.
West End Extension tickets are available on General sale on Friday 29th November at 10am from the Official Box Office here. Broadway’s fan pre-sale is on Monday 18th November, ahead of the General on- sale on 20th November. More info and tickets here.
Following the success of the Monday ballot, it has now expanded to include Tuesday and Saturday shows to ensure tickets get into the right hands. Monday ticket prices remain frozen at £39.50, and the popular fortnightly £25 ticket lottery continues here. The first ballot draw for the new booking period from 21st April to 7th June 2025 will take place on Thursday 28th November at 2pm. Link here.
The announcement comes shortly after the release of the show’s Christmas schedule, which, for the first time, features a special New Year’s Eve event, The New Year’s Eve That Never Was. The celebration will involve bottomless drinks, including the iconic Sparkling Sangria, along with cheese and charcuterie boxes, plus other surprises, until 1 a.m.
Operation Mincemeat began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at the London Fringe New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on 9th May 2023 at the Fortune Theatre, where it won the Olivier and WhatsOnstage Awards® for ‘Best New Musical’, alongside garnering 74 five-star reviews and counting, and has become the ‘Best reviewed show in West End history.’
The decision to write the musical was the last roll of the dice from a quartet of young British creatives after years of performing sketch shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and echoes the journey of Beyond the Fringe from the world-famous quartet Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1960, before moving to the Fortune Theatre and later to the Golden in 1962.
Operation Mincemeat entered its second year in London on the 13th May 2024 with a debut performance of the new cast, Emily Barber, Seán Carey, Chlöe Hart, Christian Andrews and Claire-Marie Hall , with George Jennings and Jonty Peach joining Holly Sumpton and Geri Allen to form the Company.
The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.
Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?
The production is directed by 2023 Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – 2023 Best New Musical Olivier Award winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at theNational Theatre on the creative team are: 2023 Olivier Award nominated Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award and Bafta Award winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer. Grammy Award winning and Tony, Emmy & 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Steve Sidwell (Beautiful:The Musical, Broadway & Aldwych Theatre) is Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger, while 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Joe Bunker is Musical Director. Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Pearson Casting. The extraordinary debut musical is written and composed by SpitLip – David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts.
Operation Mincemeat won the 2024 ‘Best New Musical’ and ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical’ Olivier Awards, following receiving six nominations. These awards trail winning the 2024 ‘Best New Musical’ WhatsOnStage Award and the ‘Best West End Show’, ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Best Understudy’ West End Wilma Awards. Previously on the show’s journey, Operation Mincemeat has picked up the Off-West End award for ‘Best Musical Production’ and ‘Best Company Ensemble’ and The Stage Debut Award for ‘Best Composer/Lyricist’.
Operation Mincemeat is produced in the West End and Broadway by Avalon (in association with SpitLip). The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.
WICKED, the West End stage musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, will tonight play its 7000th performance at the Apollo Victoria Theatre London, where it continues as the 10th longest-running West End production in history.
To celebrate,550,000 new tickets have been released, extending public booking to Sunday 4 January 2026. It is the long-running production’s 38th extension.
Performances continue Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, and Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2.30pm. The following ten added shows are also now on sale, including Christmas 2025: Thursday 7 August 2:30pm, Thursday 21 August 2:30pm, Thursday 30 October 2:30pm, Friday 19 December 2:30pm, and Monday 22 December 7:30pm, Tuesday 23 December 2:30pm, Monday 29 December 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Tuesday 30 December 2.30pm 2025 and Friday 2 January 2:30pm 2026.
Groups and Trade tickets are also on sale exclusively to the Groups and Travel Trade market for all performances until 31 May 2026.
“One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), Wicked opened in London in 2006 and is already the 10th longest-running West End production in history. Winner of more than 100 global awards, the production has now been seen by more than 12 million people in London alone.
Wicked currently stars Alexia Khadime (Elphaba), Lucy St. Louis (Glinda), Ryan Reid (Fiyero), Sophie-Louise Dann (Madame Morrible), Michael Fenton Stevens (The Wizard), Caitlin Anderson (Nessarose), Graham Kent (Doctor Dillamond), Joe Thompson-Oubari (Boq), Laura Harrison (Standby for Elphaba), Christine Tucker* (Standby for Glinda), Zac Adlam, Conor Ashman, Meg Astin, Jessica Aubrey, Jeremy Batt, Felipe Bejarano, Rebecca Botterill, Asmara Cammock, Joshua Clemetson, Conor Crown, Effie Rae Dyson, Aston Newman Hannington, Aimee Hodnett, Kate Leiper, Jemima Loddy, Josh Lovell, Rory Maguire, PaddyJoe Martin, Darnell Mathew-James, Millie Mayhew, Ayden Morgan, Rishard-Kyro Nelson, Aiesha Naomi Pease, Jeanie Ryan, Natalie Spriggs, Charlotte Anne Steen, James Titchener, Micaela Todd, Taela Yeomans-Brown, and Jacob Young. *Maternity cover for Lisa-Anne Wood.
Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman are collaborating on the forthcoming two-part Universal Pictures film version of Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, to be released in November 2024 and November 2025.
A spectacular touring production of Wicked continues engagements until January 2025. Currently playing at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium until 23 November, the critically acclaimed production will then continue to Manchester, where it concludes its year-long tour with a Christmas season at the Palace Theatre.
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’.
Wickedhas music and lyrics by multi-Oscar® and Grammy® Award winner Stephen Schwartz (‘Godspell’, ‘Pippin’, ‘The Prince of Egypt’, Disney’s ‘Pocahontas’, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’and ‘Enchanted’). It is based on the multimillion-copy best-selling novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of theWest’ by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy® and Tony Award® nominee Winnie Holzman (creator of the landmark American television series ‘My So-Called Life’). Musical staging is by Tony Award®winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award® winner Joe Mantello.
The stage musical Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe.
Through its ‘For Good’ charitable endeavours and acclaimed Wicked Active Learning cultural and social education programme, the London production of Wicked proudly supports and champions the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the National Literacy Trust, and Theatre Works!, the charity providing theatre tickets to disadvantaged children across the UK.
The Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG
