West End's Wicked Announces Major Cast Change with Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen

In a significant announcement for London theatre, the Apollo Victoria Theatre's long-running production of Wicked has revealed major cast changes. From March 25, 2025, Emma Kingston will step into the role of Elphaba, while acclaimed performer Zizi Strallen will take on the role of Glinda, bringing fresh energy to the beloved musical.

Star Power

The casting brings together two of musical theatre's most accomplished performers. Both Kingston and Strallen bring considerable West End experience to their roles, promising new interpretations of these iconic characters while maintaining the high standards audiences expect from this flagship production. Kingston is best known for her roles in Les Miserables, In the Heights, Heathers: The Musical and Strallen is best known for her Olivier nominated starring role in Mary Poppins.

Wicked London welcomes Carl Man (from & Juliet) back as Fiyero, a role he previously played to rave reviews during the UK and Ireland 2023–2025 tour, as well as in the 15th-anniversary London cast. Sarah Ingram joins the principal cast as Madame Morrible, with Michael Matus as The Wizard. Hannah Qureshi stars as Nessarose, David McKechnie as Doctor Dillamond, and Ross Carpenter as Boq. Laura Emmitt returns as Alternate Elphaba, having previously covered the role in the West End, and Lydia Gerrard joins as Standby for Glinda after covering the role on the recent tour.

The 2025/6 company also features a talented ensemble, including Iroy Abesamis, Zac Adlam, Steph Asamoah, Meg Astin, Rebecca Bowden, Shaun Chambers, Erin Gisele Chapman, Grace Durkin, Onyemachi Ejimofor, Aaron Elijah, Aimee Hodnett, Nat Ingham, Holly Lawrence, Jemima Loddy, Josh Lovell, Rory Maguire, PaddyJoe Martin, JoJo Meredith, Ayden Morgan, Rina Punwani, Abbie Quinnen, Jemma Revell, Jeanie Ryan, Charlotte Anne Steen, Chris Tarsey, Hannah Taylor, James Titchener, and Jacob Young.

The production team has expressed excitement about the fresh perspectives these performers will bring to their roles. While maintaining the show's signature elements, the new cast will have the opportunity to bring their own interpretations to these beloved characters.

The incoming cast will begin rehearsals shortly, working with the production's creative team to ensure a seamless transition. The show's complex staging and technical elements require careful preparation, particularly for the demanding role of Elphaba.

This casting announcement reinforces Wicked's position as one of the West End's flagship productions. The show continues to attract top-tier talent, demonstrating its ongoing significance in London's theatrical landscape. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among theatre enthusiasts. Both Kingston and Strallen bring devoted followings to their new roles, potentially attracting new audiences while satisfying long-time fans.

With these appointments, Wicked appears set for another successful chapter in its West End run. The combination of fresh talent and proven material suggests the production will maintain its position as one of London's must-see shows. The show remains a cornerstone of the West End, consistently attracting both new audiences and returning fans.

As the new cast prepares to take over in March, the production continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the West End's most enduring successes, promising audiences both familiar magic and fresh perspectives.