Former Blue Peter presenter Mark Curry will join the cast of London’s hit musical Wicked this spring to take on the pivotal role of The Wizard.
The radio and television star will join a company including Emma Hatton and Savannah Stevenson from 25 March, taking over from Tom McGowan, who plays his final performance on 12 March. Sean Kearns, who is currently playing Doctor Dillamond in the show, will step into the role from 12 to 24 March.
Based on the international best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, the hugely popular West End hit tells an extraordinary story of the unlikely but life-changing friendship between two sorcery students. While at first meeting they couldn’t seem more different, their adventures in Oz ultimately lead them to fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
While Curry is best known for his successful radio and television career, the highlight of which for many will be his time presenting the legendary children’s show Blue Peter from 1986 to 1990, his role as Oz’s enigmatic leader follows a string of theatre credits. As an actor he most recently appeared in the UK tour of And Then There Were None and London credits include Victor/Victoria at the Southwark Playhouse and Victoria Wood’s Talent at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Wicked recently extended its run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre to 29 April 2017. You can book tickets to see the Olivier Award-winning production through us here or, for performances until 12 February, through our annual discount promotion Get Into London Theatre.