This is London Magazine New Year Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 12
Zizi Strallen as Glinda. Photo: Matt Crockett
12
Photo: Troy David Johnston
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.
Producer David Stone said: ‘We are
thrilled that Wicked has become the ninth
longest-running production in West End
history and the longest-running
production in the history of the Apollo
Victoria Theatre. This milestone is a
testament to the extraordinary talent and
dedication of the performers, musicians,
backstage teams and theatre staff who
have sustained the production with such
care and commitment. We offer our
heartfelt thanks to the millions of audience
members whose continued support has
made this achievement possible.’
ATG Entertainment praised Wicked as
‘a jewel in the crown of the West End,’
highlighting the show’s continued
popularity nearly 20 years after its
London debut. Claire Walker, Co-CEO of
the Society of London Theatre & UK
Theatre, added: ‘Wicked has been a
defining part of London’s theatrical
landscape, and we look forward to many
more spellbinding performances.’
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. With its extraordinary
music, enchanting staging, and enduring
popularity, Wicked continues to be a
must-see show for anyone visiting
London. www.wickedthemusical.co.uk
PLANETARIUM GO MARKS
UK DEBUT
A brand-new experiential pop-up is
coming to the UK for the first time this
year, as Planetarium Go UK prepares to
make its London debut at Battersea
Power Station. Arriving in the UK from
Spain, Planetarium Go UK will bring a
cutting-edge mobile planetarium to the
riverside neighbourhood, which will
introduce families and young explorers
to immersive, science-led storytelling in
an exciting new way.
Opening on 30 January in Power
Station Park, the next-generation mobile
planetarium will bring the magic of
astronomy to life with stunning highresolution projections inside a premium
structure. Combining cutting-edge
technology, sustainability, and mobility,
and offering an innovative programme
dedicated to scientific outreach, the
planetarium will be perfect for families,
curious minds, and anyone looking for
an unforgettable day out in London.
With more than 150 shops, bars,
restaurants and leisure experiences now
open throughout Battersea Power
Station, it’s the perfect destination for
Planetarium Go UK visitors to enjoy a
full day out with family and friends.
José Jiménez, CEO of Planetarium Go
UK and AstroÁndalus, said: ‘Our
purpose is to bring science to more
places and offer immersive experiences
that spark curiosity and inspire STEM
pathways from an early age. Planetarium
Go UK blends education and excitement
to transform learning into a memorable
experience.’
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
