Wicked Tickets

So, you call yourself a West End theatre buff? We don’t doubt you. But if you’re a burgeoning musical obsessive or you just want to test your show tune knowledge, have we got a list for you! We’ve gone through the history of musical theatre songs - that’s almost 100 years of banging tunes - to come up with a list of 20 songs every musical theatre fan should know. Some of them are the mega hits from their respective shows. Some are the hidden gems that only dedicated musical theatre fanatics will know straight away. So, how many of the 20 songs every musical theatre fan should know do you know? One Day More - Les Miserables Let’s start with an easy one. Possibly the most iconic song in musical theatre history, One Day More is the epic Act One Finale from Les Mis. Not only does the rousing number bring all the show’s characters together and make you eager to return to your seat after the interval, it also features themes and motifs from key songs and moments within the show. Packed full of passion, hope, and a tiny bit of foreshadowing, it is one of the best, if not the best, songs in musical theatre history. And seeing as Les Mis is the world’s longest-running musical, it has earned its place at the top of our 20 songs every musical theatre fan should know list. Defying Gravity - Wicked Wicked has been enchanting audiences since it opened on Broadway in 2003. Since it crash landed at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2005 and had a global moment thanks to its record breaking film adaptation. This tale of an outcast refusing to conform to society has struck a chord with millions of people around the world. And the pivotal song, Defying Gravity, has become an anthem for both musical theatre lovers and those standing up for what’s right. Originally performed by Idina Menzel, Defying Gravity has a massive range, which tests musical theatre performers and karaoke singers alike. And if you haven’t attempted to hit that high F, can you really call yourself a musical theatre fan? Satisfied - Hamilton Okay, hear us out. Most people would say the opening song, Alexander Hamilton, or My Shot are the stand-out songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. But we say that Satisfied is the song every musical theatre fan should know. Not only is it performed by Angelica Schuyler, a criminally underused character in the show, it also provides insight and exposition from another perspective, offering historical, societal, and personal context we’d otherwise lack. It’s also a banging song that echoes classic ‘90s R’n’B and features fun wordplay and quips. Seasons of Love - RENT We wish we could feature 525,600 songs in this list, but we can’t. These are the 20 songs every musical theatre fan should know. And if you do know your musical theatre, you’ll be aware that 525,600 minutes is how we measure a year in theatre talk. The beautiful, uplifting and hopeful anthem from Jonathan Larson’s era-defying musical encourages us not to measure time passing in clinical minutes and hours, but in moments of love, compassion, and connection. RENT is a gritty show that deals with wealth inequality and the realities of the HIV/AIDS crisis, yet the eternal message is humanity and love is always present. Summertime - Porgy and Bess Some songs live a life outside of their musical. And that’s exactly what’s happened with Summertime by George Gershwin. Though it’s now part of general pop culture, the aria was first written and performed in the 1935 opera, Porgy and Bess, which was based on the book Porgy by DuBose Hayward. However, the swooning, haunting song soon became a jazz standard and was performed by the likes of Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. In fact, it’s often cited as the most recorded song in history. Don’t Rain On My Parade - Funny Girl Not only did this song step out of its musical, it also popularised a saying frequently used in everyday life. Don’t Rain On My Parade was originally sung by Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl in 1964. It has since had a reprisal thanks to TV shows like Glee. The Heat Is On - Miss Saigon No, not the 1980s classic by Glenn Frey. If that’s where your brain went, you really need this 20 songs every musical theatre lover should know list! The Heat Is On is the opening number from Miss Saigon. It sets the scene and establishes the dynamics and prejudices featured throughout the story. Though sordid and misogynistic, it helps us understand the expectations put upon our leads Kim and Chris. The Phantom of the Opera - Phantom of the Opera Phantom of the Opera creates irresistible drama. Atmospheric, haunting, and gritty, it’s a unique and iconic sound that is as popular today as it was when the show first opened in 1986. Suddenly, Seymour - The Little Shop of Horrors If we told you that one of the most romantic, heart-melting ballads in musical theatre history came from a dystopian show about a people-eating monster plant, you probably wouldn’t believe us. Unless you’ve heard Suddenly, Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors. This beautiful duet depicts the moment our show’s protagonist seizes the opportunity to confess his feelings to the girl he loves, and in return, she realises she loves him too. It really is an ode to the truly good guys and the joy found in giving them a shot. Somewhere - West Side Story West Side Story is packed with bops. Between America, Tonight and Cool, the show is dominated by upbeat, “loud” songs. But Somewhere is a quiet moment of reflection and hope from our leading lady, Maria. It’s beautiful. It’s dreamy. It’s a song every musical theatre fan should be familiar with.​

Congratulotions! Wicked is celebrating 20 years in the West End with three special anniversary performances at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026. Leading the celebrations are Emma Kingston as Elphaba and Zizi Strallen as Glinda, joined by Jordan Litz, who recently joined the London company as the longest-running Fiyero in Wicked history after performing the role more than 1,700 times worldwide.  What are the three Wicked20 celebration performances? The celebrations begin with the 2.30pm "Pink" performance on Saturday 26 September, honouring Glinda with exclusive costume displays, a commemorative Wicked20 programme and a themed gift bag for every ticketholder. That evening, the 7.30pm "Green" performance celebrates Elphaba with special costume displays, a Wicked20 commemorative programme and an exclusive green gift bag. The anniversary weekend concludes with the 2.30pm Gala performance on Sunday 27 September, where every audience member will receive a commemorative programme and complimentary anniversary gift bag to mark two decades of Wicked in London.

In 2006, an unbreakable spell was cast on the West End when Wicked first took to the stage at Apollo Victoria Theatre. And it’s continued to enchant audiences ever since. The charming, PG stage-adaption of Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name focuses on the origin story of the Wicked Witch Of The West, while reimagining the events of The Wizard of Oz. With themes of friendship, justice and prejudice, it’s a powerful story that has changed how we view the Emerald City villain for good. But now you’ve clicked your heels three times and you’ve returned home, you may be wondering what to watch after Wicked. From strong female leads to belting show stoppers, magical girls to wicked witches, the West End has loads of musicals similar to Wicked for you to choose from.

Jordan Litz, the longest-running Fiyero in the history of Wicked, will join the West End cast from 19 May 2026 as part of the show’s 20th anniversary. The milestone will be marked with special performances on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026. Litz has performed the role of Fiyero more than 1,700 times and previously appeared in the New York production during its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2023. He is joined by Olivier Award nominee Claire Machin (The Girls, Les Misérables) as Madame Morrible, alongside Yara Fabricante, who makes her West End debut as Nessarose. Emma Kingston, who recently won ‘Best Takeover Performance’ at the WhatsOnStage Awards, continues as Elphaba, opposite the ever Popular Zizi Strallen as Glinda. Also continuing are Michael Matus as The Wizard, David McKechnie as Doctor Dillamond and Ross Carpenter as Boq. Laura Emmitt remains as Alternate Elphaba, having previously covered the role in the West End, while Lydia Gerrard stays as Standby for Glinda following her run on the UK and Ireland tour.

We break down the biggest differences between Wicked For Good and the Wicked stage musical. We explore how the film expands Oz with deeper backstories and fuller emotional beats. We dive into the meaning of the two new songs, “No Place Like Home” and “Girl in the Bubble.” Fans of Wicked have waited a year to see how the two-part film adaptation expands the world of Oz, and Wicked For Good delivers a far deeper look at events than the stage musical - no shade, because seeing it live will always be the best way to experience the world of Oz, but there’s obviously only a certain amount that can fit into 2 hours and 45 minutes (including a 20-minute interval). And, trust us, if they ever extended the stage version to 5 hours with parts 1 and 2 we would 100% be here for it!  While the overarching story remains the same, the second film takes full advantage of cinematic scope to explore characters, settings, and emotional beats with more detail than the musical’s second act. Below, we break down the biggest differences — spoilers ahead! A Fuller Conclusion for the Animals of Oz One of the most striking changes in Wicked Part Two is the way the film gives the animals a more complete and satisfying resolution. The musical hints at their liberation, but the film takes the time to show what this looks like on screen with Glinda starting to fight for their rights at the end. Their return to speech and agency becomes a powerful thread rather than a footnote, grounding the political heart of the story in a way the stage show simply isn’t able to do in the timeframe.  We also learn that the iconic Yellow Brick Road was actually built through animal slave labour, and Elphaba gets a new song, “No Place Like Home,” urging the animals to stay and fight for a land that belongs to them too. Oh, and Dulcibear is back — yaaaaaas! The Glinda–Fiyero Wedding Brought to Life Where the musical only references Glinda and Fiyero’s engagement, the film allows the audience to witness the wedding in vivid detail. It’s lavish, intimate and heartbreaking, especially knowing what Glinda doesn’t. The scene adds emotional weight to Glinda’s storyline and gives a more three-dimensional look at her future role as Oz’s leader. The wedding decor and dress are top tier, and the bird helping Glinda get ready was such a cute touch, but surely the best part were the parallel shots of Glinda walking down the aisle vs Elphaba simultaneously walking down the Wizard’s secret dungeon passageway, only to discover Dr Dillamond and hundreds of other animals caged up and unable to talk. This extended scene really heightens the Wizard’s deception after he appeased Elphaba by setting the monkeys free. It’s followed by the brilliantly chaotic scene where the animals escape and stampede through the wedding; in the commotion Fiyero is able to lock up the Wizard and flee with Elphaba.  A Deeper Wizard–Elphaba Confrontation The film inserts an extended encounter between the Wizard and Elphaba, heightening the tension between them. In the musical he frees the monkeys but in the film Elphaba commands him to prove himself to her this time too.  We then launch into the song Wonderful, and beneath its jaunty melody, the song lays the Wizard’s hypocrisy bare—he downplays his lies, excuses his corruption, and flatters Elphaba in a bid to win her over. The song reveals how he relies on showmanship and charisma to cover both his deceit and his readiness to exploit others, exposing the darkness under Oz’s cheerful façade. Making Glinda part of the song in the film underscores how strongly the Wizard’s temptation resonates with her; especially given how much she’s driven by appearances.

Emma Kingston is a British-Argentinian actress and singer who has worked extensively in musical theatre. She earned global recognition when she landed the role of Evita through an international casting search led by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself. Since then, she has continued to take on varied and challenging roles in the West End and on international tours, so there’s no need to cry for her, she’s doing pretty well! Where have I seen her before? In 2014, Kingston starred as Vanessa in the original London production of In the Heights, directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Drew McOnie. She later appeared alongside Waylon Jacobs in The Last Five Years, bringing vulnerability to the intimate two-person musical. In 2022, she joined the cast of the European premiere of The Band’s Visit at the Donmar Warehouse. Wasn’t she in Heathers? Umm, are Corn Nuts the greatest snack in history? Yes! Kingston played Heather Chandler, the leader of the Heathers, at the Other Palace from 2021 to 2022. Her performance captured the sharp wit and commanding presence associated with the character, handling the show’s satirical edge with ease. 

An award-winning dancer, singer and actor, Zizi Strallen is a true triple threat! Born into one of theatre’s most famously “stagey” families, she grew up surrounded by performers, dancers and storytellers. With an aunt like Bonnie Langford and three sisters - Scarlett, Summer and Saskia - all working actresses, it’s no surprise that Zizi’s rise feels inevitable. Her parents, Sandy Strallen and Cherida Langford, were also professional performers, making the Strallen household a true theatrical dynasty. Who is Zizi Strallen? Zizi Strallen is a British actress, singer and dancer known for her standout work in musical theatre and dance-led productions. Trained from childhood and steeped in a family of performers, she seamlessly blends classical dance training with modern musical-theatre technique. She has earned industry acclaim, including the National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Performance (Modern) in 2015. Her family connections run deep in the arts: her sisters Scarlett, Summer and Saskia Strallen are all professional actresses, and her aunt is beloved stage icon Bonnie Langford. Her sister Scarlett Strallen notably played Mary Poppins in the Broadway, West End and Sydney productions, a role Zizi herself would later make her own. Where have I seen her before? Strallen’s career includes standout turns across dance, musical theatre and acclaimed revivals. She first caught major attention Off West End as Meg Kincaid in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s 2013 production of Merrily We Roll Along, before landing the role of Lana in Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man, where she won the National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Performance. She then went on to star in the National Theatre’s celebrated 2017 revival of Follies, playing Young Phyllis.

Lucie Jones’s powerful vocals, emotional honesty and effortless charm have made her a firm favourite among UK theatregoers. Equally at home in sweeping musicals and intimate concert settings, she has carved out a wide-ranging career - though she does have a fondness for playing Jennas… Who is Lucie Jones? Lucie Jones is a Welsh singer, actor and model who first rose to prominence on series six of The X Factor. Her striking voice and natural charisma took her all the way to the live shows, earning her national recognition and a devoted fanbase that has followed her ever since. Though she didn’t take home the X Factor crown, it gave her something bigger, a launchpad to a successful, and longrunning, career on stage and screen. Where have you seen her before? If you’ve seen Les Misérables, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Lucie. She made her West End debut in the production back in 2010, playing Cosette. Lucie embodied the hopeful young heroine whose voice soars above the barricades, and returned to the show 11 years later to play Fantine, where her moving portrayal of the tragic mother earned rave reviews. The audience couldn’t get enough, and Lucie couldn’t either, reprising the role in 2023. She also performed at a special gala performance in 2025 marking Les Misérables’ 40th anniversary. Outside of revolutionary France, Lucie took centre stage as Jenna Hunterson in the hit musical Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre. 

November’s Theatre Blog Of The Month is ‘Theatre Therapy’, run by theatre fan Alison Willman. Alison has written an exclusive blog post for London Theatre Direct about the power of theatre and why it makes some of us more teary than others...

Spoiler warning: Wicked: For Good – better known as Wicked Part 2 – brings the story of Elphaba and Glinda to its emotional conclusion. Set to be released in UK cinemas on 21 November 2025, the film covers Act II of the Broadway and West End musical, revealing what happens after Elphaba’s dramatic escape and how her fate intertwines with that of Glinda, Fiyero, and the Wizard himself. If you’re wondering what happens in Wicked Part 2, this guide breaks down the full Wicked Part 2 plot, the key twists, and how it all connects to The Wizard of Oz. For more about the film’s production, see our article on Wicked Part 2. At a Glance: Wicked Part 2 (Major Spoilers) Here’s a quick summary for those searching what happens in part 2 of Wicked: Elphaba becomes a fugitive, branded “The Wicked Witch of the West.” Glinda rises in the Wizard’s court as “Glinda the Good.” Nessarose rules Munchkinland but her power isolates her. Boq is transformed into the Tin Man. Elphaba turns Fiyero into the Scarecrow to save him. Dorothy arrives in Oz via tornado. Elphaba’s “melting” isn’t what it seems… The Wizard’s true identity is finally exposed. Find out what else we learned from watching the Wicked Part 2 trailer.