Sophie Evans to return as Glinda when Wicked resumes performances in London

Sophie Evans as Glinda in Wicked. Picture: Matt Crockett

Sophie Evans will step back into the role of Glinda when Wicked returns to weave its magic in the West End once again at the Apollo Victoria from 15 September 2021.

Commenting on her return visit to the hit show, Evans who first found fame appearing on the Wizard of Oz TV talent search Over the Rainbow, said: “Playing Glinda in the West End for two years was a dream come true and I am overjoyed to be given the opportunity to play this iconic role again. To be able join all of the returning cast bringing this incredible show back to London is an absolute thrill for me.”

Evans, who previously played Glinda from 2017-2019 will star opposite Laura Pick who continues her acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba. The returning reopening cast will also include Alistair Brammer (Fiyero), Kim Ismay (Madame Morrible), Andy Hockley (The Wizard), Simeon Truby (Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose), Nicholas McLean (Boq) and Amy Webb (standby for Elphaba). UK and Ireland touring cast member Charli Baptie will join the production as standby Glinda.

The ensemble will include newcomers Nick Len (The King & I, London Palladium), Bird College graduate Emmie Ray and Natalie Spriggs (Thoroughly Modern Millie, UK tour).

Former ensemble cast members returning include Lauren Brooke (London), Grace Chapman (UK and international tour), Conor Crown (London), Joseph Fletcher (London), Fraser Fraser (London), Will Lucas (London), Stacey McGuire (London, UK and international tour) and Samantha Thomas (London).

The company is completed by returning ensemble members Meg Astin, Rebecca Botterill, Michael Colbourne, Lewis Easter, Nolan Edwards, Rebecca Gilliland, Lucie Horsfall, Nicole Lupino, Stuart Maciver, Carl Man, Rhidian Marc, Jessica-Alice McCluskey, Scott Sutcliffe, Genevieve Taylor, Grant Thresh, James Titchener, Libby Watts, Chiarina Woodall and Tom Wollaston.

Performances are due to resume just two weeks before the Broadway and West End hit marks its 15th anniversary at its London home with a special celebratory performance on 28 September. The new booking period runs through until May 2022.

The ninth longest-running West End musical of all time, Wicked has been seen by ten million people in London alone and played almost 6,000 performances. The multi-award-winning tale of the Witches of Oz has won over 100 major international awards including three Tonys and two Oliviers.

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel which was written while the American author was living in London in 1990 and takes its inspiration from the creations of L. Frank Baum brought so vividly to life in the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, Wicked has music and lyrics by multi-Grammy and Academy award winner Stephen Schwartz (Disney’s Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame).

Adapted for the stage by Winnie Holzman (cult TV series My So-Called Life), the musical staging is by Wayne Cilento and the production is directed by Joe Mantello. Music arrangements are by Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton) and Stephen Oremus (Disney’s Frozen).

Angela Thomas