THIS IS LONDON SUMMER ISSUE 2025 - Flipbook - Page 6
Photo: Troy David Johnston
6
WICKED WELCOMES 13 MILLIONTH
VISITOR
WICKED, the West End stage musical
phenomenon that tells the incredible
untold story of the Witches of Oz,
welcomed its 13 millionth visitor to
London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre in
June. Theresa Lalim and her daughter,
Hannah attended the performance – the
production’s 7199th – on a trip to
London from the USA, a gift to 22-yearold Hannah following her recent
graduation from the University of North
Dakota. The visit marked the first time
that Theresa had seen the show. Theresa
and Hannah made a last-minute decision
to see the show on Tuesday evening,
instead of Wednesday. They were
delighted by the fun surprise and the
opportunity to meet the cast.
‘One of the most successful musicals
of all time’ (BBC News), Wicked opened
in London in 2006 and is already the
10th longest-running West End
production in history. Winner of more
than 100 global awards, the production
has now been seen by 13 million people
in London alone and celebrated its
7000th performance at the Apollo
Victoria Theatre on Friday 15 November
last year.
Stephen Schwartz and Winnie
Holzman’s celebrated stage musical is
based on the acclaimed novel by
Gregory Maguire and imagines a
beguiling backstory and future
possibilities to the lives of L. Frank
Baum’s beloved characters from The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Wicked reveals
the decisions and events that shape the
destinies of two unlikely university
friends on their journey to becoming
‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch
of the West’.
Wicked has music and lyrics by
multi-Oscar® and Grammy® Award
winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell,
Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, Disney’s
Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre
Dame and Enchanted). It is written by
Emmy® and Tony Award® nominee
Winnie Holzman (creator of the landmark
American television series ‘My SoCalled Life’).
Performances continue Tuesday Saturday at 19.30, with matinees on
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at
14.30 and 19.30.
For tickets, visit the website at
www.wickedthemusical.co.uk
BARNET FOOD FESTIVAL 2025
AT THE RAF MUSEUM
Get ready for a weekend of culinary
delights and family fun as the Barnet
Food Festival launches at the RAF
Museum London on 13 – 14 September.
Nestled in Colindale, this vibrant event
offers North London families an
unforgettable experience blending food,
entertainment, and aviation history.
With over 40 food and drink stalls,
attendees can savour a diverse array of
global cuisines – from wood-fired pizzas
and spicy curries to sweet treats and
artisan coffees. For those seeking a
refreshing beverage, the Barnet Beach
Bar, operated by Luxuria Events, serves
up cocktails, with VIP ticket holders
enjoying a complimentary drink.
Entertainment abounds for all ages.
Children can learn circus skills like
juggling and plate-spinning with Arthur
Hyam, the British Young Juggler of the
Year. Meanwhile, live music on the
Spitfire Stage features performances by
Sound of Soul, Jimmy B, Lucy
Alexandra, Aruna, The Barn-Ettes, and
Lara throughout the weekend.
Beyond the festivities, families can
explore the museum's impressive
collection of historic aircraft, offering a
unique backdrop to the event.
Don't miss this opportunity to indulge
in delicious food, enjoy live
entertainment, and immerse yourself in
aviation history. www.rafmuseum.org.uk
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
