For weeks, rumours that beloved West End star ALICE FEARN will appear in the Wicked movies as Glinda’s mother have whirled around Oz like so many Kansas houses. On the latest episode of The Mayor of Musical Theatre podcast (in association with Musical Theatre Review), The Mayor took the opportunity to take the question directly to Fearn herself.
Fearn has become a West End favourite through her stunning performances as Elphaba in the London production of Wicked and as Captain Beverley Bass in Come From Away. She is now starring in a brand-new British musical: Then, Now & Next by Christopher J Orton and Jon Robyns at the Southwark Playhouse.
After a discussion of this exciting new show and the irresistible prospect of hearing Fearn’s glorious belting vocals in the relatively intimate environment of the Southwark Playhouse, The Mayor broached the subject of those Wicked film rumours:
Mayor: Well, on the subject of movie musicals, there are a lot of rumours about the new Wicked movie, and about… maybe you’re involved in that in some way? I’m sure there are a million confidentiality contracts in place if that’s so but, I dunno, have you seen Ariana Grande recently? Have you seen Cynthia Erivo recently? I have to ask!
Fearn: [laughs] Gosh, I couldn’t confirm or deny anything! But I’ve definitely seen some clips of her, and I think she is going to be the perfect Glinda, I have to say. I think actually, what I see in her – in the small clips I’ve seen of her – is just she absolutely adores it.
I think it’s the most important thing: her passion for that show and that role is undeniable. But also, the way she is as a person, is very Glinda-like and there are a lot of qualities that she can take and put into Glinda that are actually just sort of natural, that come out of her naturally. So, I think she’s going to be amazing.
I know Cynthia a little bit as well and when that casting came out, I thought, that is brilliant. The clips I’ve seen, the sets they’ve built are extraordinary. It’s in the very early stages, obviously, but I think it’s going to be the perfect movie musical of Wicked.
Mayor: For something with so little content put out for the public yet, there’s so much buzz about it. Everyone who’s worked on it says it’s going to be the best thing ever and, I mean, we haven’t all been lucky enough to meet Ariana Grande in real life but if you say she’s a perfect Glinda, I’ll take your word for it…
Fearn: Again, couldn’t confirm or deny if I’ve met her or not! [laughs] I’ll get told off for it. But no, from what I’ve seen, I’m very excited for it.
Download the full episode now for plenty more Wicked chat, plus an exploration of the musicals that mean the most to Fearn.
And don’t forget to explore the back catalogue of incredible podcast guests including Carrie Hope Fletcher, Kerry Ellis, Olivier Award winner Matt Henry MBE and Tony Award winner Lena Hall.
Each episode’s guest chooses a show for each of the mayor’s categories (funniest musical, best movie musical, etc.), before deciding on one show that they would order run in the West End forever if they had the power of (made-up position) The Mayor of Musical Theatre.
The Mayor of Musical Theatre is a new podcast produced in association with Musical Theatre Review as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations. Host Ian Bowkett is a theatre writer/photographer and the composer of recent cult favourites The Sam Neill Experience: A Dance Musical and Sisyphus: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical.
Then, Now & Next starring Alice Fearn plays at the Southwark Playhouse until 29 July, 2023. For dates and tickets.
- The Mayor of Musical Theatre podcast is available from Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
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