Meet the Superfans Celebrating 20 Years of Wicked in London
In September 2006, the West End became a bit more magical, and a lot more green. With its swankified special effects and heartwarming story of friendship, bravery and self-belief, Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s Wicked musical is one of London’s longest-running shows.
It’s also built a passionate fanbase who have returned to Oz again and again, finding community, friendship, and maybe even their own Elphie or Glinda along the way! As Wicked celebrates its 20th anniversary in the West End, we spoke to three superfans about their relationship with the musical, their favourite memories, and what keeps them coming back.
James – 150 Shows
James (jamesflockhart) is celebrating the anniversary in style with his 150th visit to the Emerald City!
First Visit: October 2006 a few weeks after it opened. I remember I was Row C in the middle and I was just blown away by the show, the music, the cast which of course included the incredible Idina Menzel.
Why Wicked? I was a huge fan of Idina Menzel and then London’s first British Elphaba Kerry Ellis. There’s something so empowering and magical about the show and the casts are just phenomenal.
Favourite Moments: I love the energy and excitement when Elphaba first runs out, it’s just a great moment in the show. And you can’t beat the Act 1 finale!!
Favourite Seats: I’m a Stalls person, I love to be close. Front row is a must! But there’s not really a bad place to sit in the Apollo Victoria.
Magical Memories: When I saw the show for the 100th time my friend jokingly made me a 100th show badge. Seeing the show in New York and the North American tour in St Louis have been true highlights. I’ve seen a lot of Elphies and Galindas over the years, the principal cast, the standbys and the understudies and they have all been phenomenal. I’m not an expert but I know what I like and Wicked certainly knows how to cast the best of the best!
…Side note, when are we going to get Bonnie Langford as Madame Morrible?
Katrina – 61 Shows
Katrina (treenaaa) has been a fan of Wicked for 15 years, and has written down every show, date and cast she’s seen.
First Visit: September 2011
Why Wicked? The music, the story, and the cast are incredible, always, but the feeling Wicked gives you reminding you no matter what, YOU BELONG, is truly so special.
Favourite Moments: “Thank Goodness” is my favourite song of the show, and the portrayal of G(a)linda has always stood out to me, the spectacle of this number juxtaposed with her feelings in this moment, her heart breaking beneath the mask of joy she’s showing the city. Gets me every single time.
Favourite Seats: A23, Stalls. (90% of my shows were in this seat I think!).
Magical Memories: Cast change performances hold a special place in my heart, it always felt like an event AND the chaotic muck up matinees! My 50th ever Wicked viewing was the 10th anniversary, with my favourite Elphaba leading the show. The friendships made at the day queue, or stage door. And I think most of all, getting to see Rachel Tucker’s final shows (both times) but her last show as Elphaba she became my most seen Elphaba (15 times!) and as she was the reason I first came to see Wicked, it feels pretty meant to be.
Lauren – 48 Shows
Lauren (laurenmaytheatre) has been a fan of Wicked since she was a teenager, and still loves it almost 20 years later.
First Visit: The summer of 2007, when I was 14 years old.
Why Wicked? I fell in love with so many aspects of the show. As a teenager I was having a difficult time at school and in my life and I think I resonated with Elphaba’s struggles and character which connected me deeply to the story and the friendship between Elphie and Glinda. Growing up returning to Wicked many times made it a huge part of my life and I felt a big comfort and sense of escapism in the theatre.
Favourite Moments: Of course I have to say “Defying Gravity”! It has always made me emotional. But I also love “No Good Deed” and the lion cub scene before “I’m Not That Girl”.
Favourite Seats: The front few rows of the Dress Circle are an amazing place to sit, but I also spent many visits in the first few rows of the Stalls.
Magical Memories: I always remember the May 9th 2009 cast change performance when it was Kerry Ellis and Dianne Pilkington’s final show (until Kerry returned later on!). I went to the Apollo Victoria at 6am with my friend to get day seats. That was an amazing atmosphere and performance. I have made many friendships through the show over the years and I still keep in contact with people, even 17 years later!
Wicked Celebrates 20 Years in the West End
Wicked officially celebrates 20 years on 27 September 2026, marking two decades since Elphaba and Glinda first bewitched West End audiences. Want to take a walk down memory lane? Check out our timeline of Wicked in London for all the major events from 2006 to now, or share your own memories in the comments.
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