Wicked Theatre and Hotel Packages
Theatre: Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, SW1V 1LG (Victoria Tube and rail station)
Dates: long-running; packages booking to 29 May 2027
Running time: about 2 hours 45 minutes, including an interval
Age guidance: 7+; under 5s not admitted
Theatre breaks: Book your Wicked break
What’s it about?
Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and explains how one came to be called good and the other wicked. The clever idea is that it is all happening “off stage” from The Wizard of Oz, so we catch glimpses of the familiar story as we follow this one. Spotting the references makes the audience feel rather pleased with itself, and it adds to the fun without ever taking over. You will discover that you have not been told the whole story about the land of Oz.
The Sunday Express called it an “eye-poppingly lavish show”, and it is: a fantasy world of wizardry and spells, with special effects, a proper band, and amazing scenery and costumes. And it’s a good story too. The music is big, modern American musical theatre, with dazzling chorus numbers, massive power ballads and dramatic underscoring, but there is light and shade, with quieter moments that give the characters room to think.
The team behind it
The music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz and the book is by Winnie Holzman, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, which came from his idea of how interesting it would be to hear the other side of Dorothy’s adventure. The Broadway cast recording won a Grammy, and the original sets and costumes both won Tony Awards. The Daily Mail called it a “West End sensation”, and after two decades in London it still is.
Planning your break
Until the end of the year, Evening performances are at 19:30, Tuesdays to Saturday, with matinees at 14:30 on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Sundays. After 03 January, the Sunday matinee will be dropped and instead there will be a Monday evening show.
Having said that the matinee works well for families with younger children, leaving the evening free for dinner.
The Apollo Victoria stands away from the main Theatreland streets of Soho and Covent Garden, close to Victoria Station and just behind Buckingham Palace. The area has a good choice of hotels, especially four-star hotels, which makes Wicked one of the best-value theatre breaks in town.
The Clermont London Victoria is the show’s Official Hotel Partner, so do make sure you have a look at that hotel when you come to design your theatre break. You can select it when you chose the dates of your stay or compare it in the list with the other nearby hotels.
The Park Plaza Victoria is an excellent modern hotel with friendly service, and the Rochester Hotel by Blue Orchid has more traditional charm. But nowhere will you find the relaxed friendliness of the Rubens at the Palace. It is my personal favourite in London, and whenever I have a few extra quid, that is where I head.
Victoria is one of London’s main terminals for both rail and coach, so you can add discounted rail or coach travel to your package and arrive almost at the theatre door.
Before you book
Is the stage show like the films?
It is the same story, with the songs you know, and if you have enjoyed the films, you will love it live. The main difference is that the stage show tells the story of both films in one evening, so it moves much faster.
Is Wicked suitable for children?
It is recommended for ages 7 and over, and children under 5 are not admitted. Anyone aged 15 or under must sit next to an adult aged 18 or over.
How do I get there from Euston or King’s Cross?
Take the Victoria line direct to Victoria, about ten minutes from Euston and a little more from King’s Cross St Pancras. Turn right out of the Underground station’s main entrance and you will see the Apollo Victoria, with its big green Wicked sign.
Wicked Theatre Breaks Reviews
Want to write your own review?
My two friends and I have just returned from our theatre break to see Wicked, staying at the Grosvenor Victoria.
We had a great time. We were very impressed with the hotel, which had old style charm and didn't appear 'corporate' in any way. Also our seats were excellent too at the theatre for an enjoyable show. My friends thought the whole package was such good value, they said they will look on your website when they next want a trip.
Thank you for your hotel recommendation, and assistance with our 'break'.
Wicked is a must see show!
Wicked was superb. Cast and staging were fantastic. Defying Gravity left me in tears it was sung so well and powerfully.
Absolutely fantastic by far the best musical i have seen in a long time. If you take children , make sure the see Wizard of Oz afterwards