This is a sponsored article on behalf of Wicked.
We're absolutely spoilt for bank holidays this year — there's another four-day weekend at the start of June, and if you're looking for ways to fill it, we've got just the ticket; Wicked.
The long-running, enchanting musical is a staple of the London theatre scene. If you've already seen it, you know what we're talking about — and if you're looking for a sign to go back and see it again, this is it. New to Wicked? Read on for five magical reasons to book for the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend.
1) Enduring popularity
Wicked has been going in London for an incredible 16 years, and is the ninth-longest running musical in West End history, so really, it's about time you saw it. An incredible 10 million people have already seen the show in London alone, not to mention the many others who've been enchanted in theatres all over the world.
2) A beguiling backstory
Did you know that Wicked has its roots in Frank L. Baum's beloved story, The Wizard of Oz? Wicked is based on a novel by Gregory Maguire, which imagines the backstories and possible futures of L. Frank Baum's characters. The story shows off an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women, whose lives take very different paths following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard, allowing them to fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good, and The Wicked Witch of the West. Currently, West End royalty Helen Woolf and Lucie Jones play those roles, with Gary Wilmot as The Wizard.
3) An award-winning show
The (metaphorical) Wicked trophy cabinet is absolutely creaking under the weight of more than 100 major awards worldwide, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy Award — and those guys really know what they're talking about. Audiences love it too: it's received 10 WhatsOnStage Awards (including 'Best New Musical' and three for 'Best West End Show'), which are voted for by theatregoers like you.
Plus, Wicked's composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz is the recipient of (deep breath) three Oscars, four Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, an Honorary Tony Award, and 16 Lifetime Achievement honours. He's also worked on films including Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and The Prince of Egypt. Now that's some talent.
4) A great day out
Wicked is on at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, which is handily located right across the road from Victoria station. Even better for the Jubilee weekend, it's just a few minutes' walk from Buckingham Palace and The Mall where many of the Jubilee celebrations are taking place, so you're right in the heart of the action. The Royal Mews, the Queen's Gallery, Westminster Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster (including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben) and Westminster Abbey are all within walking distance too, so it slots perfectly into a day of sightseeing.
5) Free prosecco to toast the Jubilee
You don't really need any more reasons to book Wicked, but here's one last sweetener — a free glass of prosecco. The offer is valid on Sunday-Friday performances between 24 May and 31 July — including the bank holiday Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June. Just click here to book with this offer, and make sure you choose a seat labelled 'Promo Seat' in Bands A-F on the seating plan.
T&Cs: strictly subject to availability, over 18s only — ID must be shown on collection.
Wicked is at Apollo Theatre Victoria, currently booking until May 2023. Find out more and book tickets.
