Wicked is set to return to Manchester, bringing the untold story of the Witches of Oz to the Palace Theatre in 2018.
The West End and Broadway musical phenomenon’s touring production returns following its previous Palace Theatre run which was witnessed by almost 150,000 during its 2013 run.
Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “We were overwhelmed by the incredible response from audiences and critics alike when we premiered the UK & Ireland Tour of Wicked in Manchester back in 2013, and it is extraordinary to think that almost 150,000 people came and saw us. The whole team at the Palace Theatre showed such tremendous enthusiasm and support, and we’re all really delighted to return to this magnificent venue and great city.”
Sarah Bleasdale, General Manager of the Palace Theatre, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming back Wicked for Christmas 2018. It’s a perfect show for the festive period and we know our audiences of all ages – who have been eagerly awaiting the show’s return – will be as excited as we are!”
Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students and their extraordinary adventures in Oz, which will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Based on the acclaimed, best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines the stories and characters originally created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Wicked has become a global phenomenon featuring astounding technical wizardry, stunning costumes and show-stopping songs by three-time Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz.
Wicked, which has been seen by over 50 million people across more than 100 cities in 15 countries, is already the 17th longest running show in West End theatre history and recently celebrated a decade of performances at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it continues an open-ended run. Around the world, WICKED has now been seen by over 50 million people in 15 countries, and won over 100 major awards.
Wicked runs at the Palace Theatre from 4 December 2018 until 5 January 2019.