Wicked at the Apollo Victoria: Your Complete Guide

Wicked has been running at the Apollo Victoria Theatre since 2006, making it one of the longest-established musicals in the West End. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel and set in the world of Oz before Dorothy's arrival, it tells the story of two women whose friendship shapes their very different destinies. If you are planning to see it, here is everything you need to know. Wicked reimagines the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, two witches whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined when they meet as students. The musical follows their friendship, their rivalry and the choices that lead each of them down a very different path. It draws on the mythology of L. Frank Baum's Oz while building an entirely original narrative around characters audiences will recognise from that world. The music is by Stephen Schwartz, whose score includes the West End showstoppers Defying Gravity and Popular. The show is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel of the same name, and the book and lyrics were written by Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz respectively. Wicked works on two levels: as a crowd-pleasing spectacle with memorable songs and large-scale production design, and as a story about identity, friendship and the way the world judges people. Both levels reward attention. Wicked suits a wide range of audiences. It is recommended for children aged seven and above, and children under five are not admitted. Anyone aged 15 or under must sit directly next to an accompanying adult aged 18 or over. This is particularly worth planning for if your group includes young teenagers who might prefer to sit separately. The show works well for those new to musical theatre, for those who grew up with the source material, and for anyone who enjoyed the 2024 film adaptation and wants to see how the stage production compares. Adults without children find it equally rewarding; the themes and craft of the production go well beyond what a younger-skewing musical might suggest. Be aware that Wicked uses strobe lighting, loud sound effects and smoke during the performance, which is worth keeping in mind for anyone with sensory sensitivities. Wicked runs for approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including one 15-minute interval. This is one of the longer running times in the West End, so factor it into your plans for the evening or afternoon. Latecomers may only be admitted at suitable breaks in the performance, which can be around 25 minutes after curtain-up, so arriving on time is particularly important here. Wicked plays at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, located at 17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG. The theatre sits directly opposite Victoria Station, one of London's busiest transport hubs. The nearest Underground station is Victoria, which is essentially on the theatre's doorstep, around a one-minute walk away. Victoria serves the Victoria, Circle and District lines. National Rail services also run through Victoria Station, making the venue straightforward to reach from outside London as well as from across the city. For more detail on the venue's history, seating layout and facilities, see our Apollo Victoria Theatre visitor guide. The best starting point is the Wicked show page on BritishTheatre.com, where you can browse availability and plan your visit. To book tickets, use tickadoo, which lists current dates and seat options across the West End. Wicked is a consistently popular show, so booking in advance is advisable, particularly for weekend performances and school holiday periods. Midweek matinees and Tuesday to Thursday evenings generally offer the widest choice of seats. If you are planning to bring children, a Wednesday or Saturday matinee is often the most manageable option for a younger group. If you are also considering other big West End musicals, you might look at The Lion King or Les Misérables, both of which appeal to a similarly broad range of audiences. Arrive early. The Apollo Victoria is a large venue and the queues at the box office and merchandise stalls can build up before the show. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before curtain gives you time to find your seats, buy a programme and settle in without rushing. The theatre is opposite Victoria Station. This makes it one of the easiest West End venues to reach, but the area around Victoria is busy at commuter times, so leave a little extra time if you are travelling during the evening rush. There are good dining options along Wilton Road and in the surrounding streets. Seating. The Apollo Victoria has two main levels: Stalls and Dress Circle. The Stalls run deep and the stage is elevated, so the very front rows (A to E) can require a sharp upward angle. Rows F through H are often recommended as a strong balance of closeness and comfort. The Dress Circle offers a broader view of the stage picture and is worth considering for a show with this much scale. Some seats in the early rows of the Dress Circle have a rail in the sightline, though most patrons find it does not significantly obstruct the view. Accessibility. Wheelchair positions are available in Row F of the Circle, with access via platform lifts from the Vauxhall Bridge Road entrance. The venue offers the Sennheiser MobileConnect system for sound amplification, an infrared hearing loop, audio-described performances, captioned performances and relaxed performances. Touch tours and Braille cast lists are available on request. Contact the box office directly for specific access requirements. Is Wicked suitable for children? Wicked is recommended for ages seven and above. Children under five cannot be admitted. Anyone aged 15 or under must sit directly next to an adult aged 18 or over. The show uses strobe lighting, smoke and loud sound effects. How long does Wicked run for? The total running time is approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute interval. What theatre is Wicked at in London? Wicked plays at the Apollo Victoria Theatre at 17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG, directly opposite Victoria Station. How do I book Wicked tickets? Check availability on the Wicked show page at BritishTheatre.com and book through tickadoo. Can I take photos during Wicked? Photography and recording are not permitted during the performance. The Apollo Victoria does not allow mobile phones to be used in the auditorium.