This is London Magazine February Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 4
WICKED MAKES HISTORY AT THE
APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE
Wicked, the West End phenomenon
that tells the untold story of the Witches
of Oz, has made history at the Apollo
Victoria Theatre, becoming the longestrunning show ever at the venue and the
ninth longest-running production in
West End history.
The milestone was celebrated
following a packed Saturday matinee,
marking over 7,406 performances since
the show opened in London in 2006. In
achieving this record, Wicked surpassed
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight
Express, which previously held the
Apollo Victoria Theatre’s longevity
record. To commemorate the
achievement, a plaque was presented to
representatives of ATG Entertainment
and key members of the Wicked cast.
Stephen Schwartz and Winnie
Holzman’s celebrated musical is based
on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel
and tells the story of two unlikely friends
whose choices shape their destinies as
Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch
of the West.
www.wickedthemusical.co.uk
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
PERFORM DON QUIXOTE
In the first revival of his acclaimed
2022 production, Director Carlos Acosta
is to present a vibrant interpretation of
Don Quixote for Birmingham Royal Ballet,
offering richly layered entertainment for
audiences of all ages. Drawing on the
enduring appeal of Cervantes’ beloved
novel, the ballet introduces the eccentric
knight Don Quixote, his loyal companion
Sancho Panza, and the spirited lovers Kitri
and Basilio, alongside a lively cast of
supporting characters.
Don Quixote is renowned for its
electrifying pas de deux, virtuosic solos,
and ensemble dances that pulse with
vitality and precision.
Sun-drenched Spanish settings, bold
characterisation, and joyous choreography
combine to create an atmosphere of
celebration and escapism. Birmingham
Royal Ballet brings this exuberant classic
to London at Sadler’s Wells from 23 to 25
April, offering audiences the opportunity
to experience a life-affirming production
that remains as thrilling and accessible
today as ever.
Visit www.brb.org.uk
THE GREAT BIG BUG SHOW
National Poetry Day Ambassador and
acclaimed children’s author Simon Mole
and musician and TikTok sensation
Gecko are to present a brand new family
show The Great Big Bug Show at two
London venues: artsdepot in North
Finchley on Thursday 19 February and
Half Moon Theatre in Limehouse on
Saturday 28 February.
The Great Big Bug Show is packed
full of poems, raps and songs about all
your favourite bugs (and some you
haven’t heard of yet!).
Which beetle has a blaster on its
bottom? Which many-legged minibeast
took the first ever steps on land? Which
eight-legged hunter has fangs as big as
a cheetah’s claws?
Photo: Hugo Glendinning
Zizi Strallen as Glinda. Photo: Matt Crockett
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As well as being packed full of
delightfully disgusting and wonderfully
weird facts, the show is an inspirational
call to action to appreciate the smaller
creatures in our world. Expect
Minibeasts and Massive Beats. In this
show, every tune is an earworm – even
the ones about woodlice!
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
