How Long Has Wicked Been In London
So, you’re scrolling through your feed, and you see a friend’s photo from London—huge Wicked billboard behind them, grinning ear to ear. It makes you wonder: how long has that...
So, you’re scrolling through your feed, and you see a friend’s photo from London—huge Wicked billboard behind them, grinning ear to ear. It makes you wonder: how long has that green-tinted magic actually been casting its spell over the West End?
Well, grab a cuppa, because the answer might surprise you. Wicked first flew into London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre way back in September 2006. That’s nearly eighteen years of defying gravity, darling.
Think about that for a second. Eighteen years ago, you were probably still using a flip phone, uploading your “friends” list on MySpace, and wondering what an “iPhone” even was. Wicked has been in London longer than most pop songs have stayed on the charts.
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I remember my first trip to see it in 2008. I was a broke student who saved up for months, and I cried during “For Good” like a leaky faucet. Since then, that same theatre has hosted countless other people’s first, fifth, and fiftieth visits.
To put it in everyday terms: if Wicked were a child, it would be getting ready for its A-levels by now. It’s older than the current generation of TikTok influencers, and it’s still packing the house every single night.
That’s not just a show—that’s a survivor. It’s the mate who still shows up to the pub after everyone else has moved to a different city.
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The funny thing is, while the London production has been running for almost two decades, the Broadway original opened even earlier—in October 2003. So when Londoners say, “Oh, it’s been here for ages,” we mean ages.
But here’s the kicker: the show has never actually closed. No hiatus, no pandemic break longer than the mandatory shutdown. It just kept going, like that one friend who never cancels plans.
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For context, since Wicked opened in London, the UK has had five Prime Ministers, hosted the 2012 Olympics, and watched season one of Strictly Come Dancing come and go. And Elphaba is still belting her heart out.
Why Should You Care About a Show That’s Older Than Your Cousin’s Baby?
Because longevity in theatre is like a stamp of approval from the universe. If a show sticks around for eighteen years without a break, it means it’s good—not just good, but beloved.
Think about your favourite coffee shop. The one that’s been on the corner for a decade, where the barista knows your order. That’s Wicked. It’s a comforting constant in a chaotic city.
Plus, if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re timing is perfect. The cast changes, the sets get refreshed, and the magic only grows. Seeing it now is like catching a classic album on vinyl—it feels new and timeless all at once.
Real-Life Proof: The “Wicked” London Effect
I once had a colleague who swore she’d never like musicals. “It’s all overacting,” she said. Then she saw Wicked for her hen do. She came back humming “Popular” for a solid month. That’s the power of a show that’s had millions of Londoners under its spell.
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And here’s a fun fact: the Apollo Victoria Theatre itself is a historic art deco gem, built in 1930. It’s been a cinema, a bingo hall, and now—for almost eighteen years—the permanent home of Oz. The building has seen things.
So when you say “How long has Wicked been in London?” you’re really asking: “How long has a piece of my city’s soul been on stage?” The answer is: long enough to feel like family.
The Bottom Line (No Green Shade Required)
If you’re visiting London for the first time, or you’ve lived here your whole life, Wicked is a rite of passage. It’s not just a show; it’s a landmark—like Big Ben, but with more sparkly costumes.
And if you’ve already seen it five times? You’re part of the club. The “I’ve been going to Wicked since before you were born” club. Wear that badge with pride.
So next time you walk past that purple-and-green poster, just smile. Because that show has been there, quietly defying gravity, for nearly two whole decades. And if you haven’t booked your tickets yet… well, what are you waiting for? Oz isn’t going to close itself.
