As far as West End debuts go, it’s a spectacular one: former EastEnders star David Witts will take on the role of Fiyero in the global hit musical Wicked this Summer.
Best known on these shores for his portrayal of Joey Branning in the BBC soap opera, Witts will return from three years of starring in American television to begin performances at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from Monday 23 July. Bradley Jaden will play his final performance as Fiyero on Saturday 21 July.
Further new casting, to begin performances at the same time, is expected to be announced.
Of the announcement, Witts said: “After three amazing years living and working in Los Angeles, I am excited to be getting back on stage again and to be coming home to make my West End debut in the incredible musical Wicked. I can’t wait to start rehearsals and to join everyone at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from 23 July”.
David Witts will play Fiyero in Wicked (Photo: Darren Bell)
It won’t be Witts’ first time hitting the high notes; on stage, he starred as Link in the Leicester Curve Theatre’s production of the musical comedy, Hairspray. David also trained at the National Youth Theatre and the National Youth Music Theatre.
As Joey Branning, Witts won Best Newcomer at the 2013 National Television Awards, as well as an Inside Soap Award, and he was nominated for a British Soap Award. For American television, he has most recently been a series regular in Recovery Road (for ABC/Freeform) and I Ship It (for the CW Network).
Wicked currently stars the likes of Alice Fearn (Elphaba), Sophie Evans (Glinda) and Bradley Jaden (Fiyero). The musical is based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, set in the world of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, and explores the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students.
Book your Wicked tickets today!