Wicked, the hit musical which tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, has opened to rave reviews at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.
The production is playing at the theatre until 16 November before embarking on a major two-year tour of the UK and Ireland.
The Manchester Evening News called the show “a richly layered production that provides many spellbinding treats for young and old.”
With over 125,000 tickets now sold, it is already one of the most successful stage productions ever to be produced in Manchester.
Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “We have all been overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the audiences in Manchester. The whole city seems to have embraced Wicked and we are hugely grateful for the ecstatic reception we’ve received from both audiences and critics alike”.
In a joint statement, Wicked stars Nikki Davis-Jones and Emily Tierney said: “On behalf of the entire company, we want to say a massive thank you for the incredible welcome we’ve received here in Manchester. We are so proud of this fantastic production and thrilled that audiences are having such a brilliant time”.
Stacey Broadmeadow, theatre manager, added: “We are extremely proud to be home to the premiere of the Wicked tour, and we are delighted by the response to the show since it opened.
“It’s wonderful to see the joy and excitement that this spectacular show is bringing to the city and to our audiences, who have truly taken the show to their hearts. We know the rest of the run will be just as spellbinding!”