Sunderland Echo

Wicked’s new cast for 2018 return to city

- By Katy Wheeler Katy.Wheeler@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @KatyJourno

The cast of Wicked are getting ready to wow Wearside next year - and here’s a first look at the cast in their new roles.

Last month it was announced that, fresh from his dramatic departure in Eastenders, Aaron Sidwell will perform in Wicked as Fiyero when the much-loved musical flies back to Sunderland Empire on its 2018 tour.

Donning the famous witch’s hat will be Amy Ross as Elphaba and Helen Woolf as Glinda. Meanwhile, Steven Pinder will return as The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond and Kim Ismay will play Madame Morrible.

The cast are in the full swing of rehearsals for the UK tour, which starts in January, and now they’ve been trying on their iconic costumes for size.

After recently playing Steven Beale in Eastenders, Aaron, whose musical theatre appearance­s innist, clude roles in Grey Gardens, American Idiot and Loserville, says he’s enjoying being back treading the boards.

He said: “It was nice to have a little 18-month break being back in Eastenders. We’re three weeks into rehearsals for Wicked now and it’s refreshing to be back in theatre, especially in a show like this.

“I’d seen the musical a couple of times before in the West End and I had some friends in it previously. It’s a new challenge for me as Fiyero as he’s not the protago- so it’s nice to be able to take a step back.”

One of the most successful production­s in the Empire’s history, Wicked was previously seen by more than 56,000 people during its celebrated North East debut in March/April 2015.

Wicked is at Sunderland Empire for a four week run from September 4 to 29, 2018.

Tickets available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022 or online at www.ATGtickets. com/Sunderland

 ??  ?? Helen Woolf as Glinda and Amy Ross as Elphaba.
Helen Woolf as Glinda and Amy Ross as Elphaba.
 ??  ?? Helen Woolf as Glinda and Aaron Sidwell as Fiyero.
Helen Woolf as Glinda and Aaron Sidwell as Fiyero.

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