Former 'Glinda' Louise Dearman Returns to WICKED as 'Elphaba'; Becomes 1st to Play Both Starring Roles

Wicked, the smash hit West End musical, has announced that Louise Dearman, who played 'Glinda' to from March 2010 to December 2011, will return to star as 'Elphaba' from today, Monday 29 October 2012. It is the first time that a leading lady will have starred in both roles in the nearly decade-long history of the global musical phenomenon.

Louise Dearman is a musical theatre star, recording artist and presenter. In addition to 'Glinda' in Wicked, her major musical theatre roles have included: 'Eva Peron' in Evita, 'Grizabella' in Cats and 'Sarah Brown' in Guys and Dolls. She has released two albums, including the recent 'Here Comes The Sun'.

Louise Dearman commented: "As an actress, you strive to challenge yourself to play as many diverse roles as possible throughout your career, and right now I feel like the luckiest girl in the history of musical theatre. I still can't quite believe that in two months' time I'll be back in Wicked, but this time I won't come and go by Bubble, I'll be on a broomstick!"

UK Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: "From her wonderful performance as Glinda, audiences already know that Louise possesses a stunning voice and remarkable acting abilities, so we are genuinely excited to now welcome her back to Wicked as Elphaba. We have all been awestruck by the way Louise has channelled her incredible talents to inhabit this iconic role, and I've no doubt that audiences will be equally thrilled".

The multi award-winning Wicked has already been seen by over 4.5 million people since its West End premiere in 2006 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. It is now one of the Top 20 longest-running musicals in West End history.

Wicked has music and lyrics by Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the best-selling novel, 'Wicked – The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West', by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. UK Executive Producer: Michael McCabe.

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG. The theatre is 1 minute from London Victoria Mainline and Underground Stations. 5 minute walk from Victoria Coach Station.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk.