How did you react when you found out you had a part in the show?
Alexia Khadime (Elphaba) - When my agent had told me I got the part of Elphaba I didn't actually believe him and thought he was joking. I think I must have asked him if he was serious about 10 times. It was very exciting. I couldn't believe it!
Dianne Pilkington (Glinda) - I was unable to process it for about a week!
Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero) - I was over the moon! It is a rare thing nowadays to be part of something that not only sells out show after show but also is actually a wonderful piece of theatre. The general public loves it and the real theatre enthusiasts love it as well so it's the perfect combo.
Harriet Thorpe (Madame Morrible) - I was absolutely ecstatic and in disbelief. I didn't audition for the part, it was offered to me out of the blue. I was driving along and was told by my agent to stop driving as he had some news for me. I was very blessed not to have to audition.
Alex Jessop (Boq) - I was really excited because it was a part that I always wanted to play.
David Stoller (Doctor Dillamond) - I was just thrilled to be part of a big show.
Ashleigh Gray (standby Elphaba) - I was over the moon! I went to Broadway way back in 2004 to see the Original Cast with my friend, James Gillan. We were both totally blown away by the show. At the end, we turned to each other and said that we would play the parts of Elphaba and Boq one day - and we did!
What's your favourite memory of appearing in the show?
AK - I think my favourite memory was my first night as it was also my birthday. I was nervous and excited. It was a lovely birthday present.
DP - It was the Halloween show, which was for the Mousetrap Foundation. It allowed kids to see the show that wouldn't normally be able to. It was like a rock concert!
OT - In the very first preview I had opening line "Look, it's Glinda!" but the bubble with Glinda in it stayed firmly out of sight from the audience because the automation had shut down! THE most anticipated performance of a musical for as long as anyone can remember had started and 30 seconds in STOPPED on my line. I must add ever since then there have never been any problems like it. I guess we will just think of it as a false start and a memorable one at that.
HT - It's too hard to think of just one memory but one that does stand out for me is sharing all the laughs with the performing family of Wicked and spending a part of everyday with them.
AJ - Our opening night.
DS - When I played both Dr Dillamond and the Wizard on the same night!
AG - Wicked is my first big West End show so when I joined the cast in 2007 as Phannee and cover Elphaba, our opening night was pretty special. There were a few of us making our West End debut in the show so when we were all in the 'clump' at the beginning waiting for the Oz map to fly out we were all really nervous and excited. Then came my first ever show as Elphaba, which was just amazing! Waiting behind the doors ready for my first entrance, I was so excited! I had to calm myself down so that I didn't overshoot my mark and end up in the pit!
Who was your favourite celebrity that had come back-stage after the show?
AK - I think it was Ant (as in Ant & Dec) as he was so lovely when he came back stage. And Joan Collins who I had met before while doing The Lion King (she remembered me) was a really lovely lady.
DP - Joan Collins.
OT - Every time a big celebrity has come back stage I have been on holiday and I hardly ever take holiday. I missed Meat Loaf, Matt Damon, etc but we did have Stephen Hawking watching one night, and being a genius also that meant a lot to me. Finally someone was watching who could understand my hugely intellectual choices as an actor. JOKE!
HT - Joan Collins for the glamour and also Meat Loaf. It was very surreal.
AJ - Meat Loaf.
DS - Meat Loaf.
