WICKED 10: Gregor Stewart

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I was in the 2009/10 cast when Alexia Khadime was Elphaba, I was Ensemble and understudy Fiyero.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I do, I saw it in Previews when Idina Menzil was playing Elphaba, that night one of the big Flat heads (think that's what they are called... Big costume with clown feet) fell over and just lay there for one of the stage management to come out and drag them off stage it was hilarious. Also the Oz Head didn't work and Idina performed a time step and said that's live theatre before walking off for a show stop, it was brilliant.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I remember watching Wicked with my Parents and saying to my mum "I'll play that part one day" and a year later I got the chance, I was so proud that night.

WICKED 10: Gareth Chart

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I played Frex, Elhpaba's father and I understudied and played Doctor Dillamond and the Wizard in 2010 and 2011.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I remember seeing Wicked for the first time in its first year, I had some friends in the show and I got to see Kerry Ellis and Olly together which was awesome. And the brilliant Martin Ball as Doctor Dillamond.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I didn't really imagine being in the show when I saw it because I didn't know what I could really do in it! I danced a bit but nowhere near the level of the choreography of Wicked, i'm not short enough to play Boq I'm not handsome enough to play Fiyero! Of course as it turned out all it took was a shaving of the head and some make up and I just about got away with being in it!

WICKED 10: Lauren James Ray

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I first joined WICKED in 2009 as ensemble (fainting girl some people call it) and 2nd cover Nessarose and left in 2011. I rejoined WICKED originally for 5 months during 2014 as ensemble (fainting girl), shared 1st Glinda, 2nd Nessarose. I then continued my contract until 2016 as first cover Nessarose, 2nd cover Glinda. All in all I’ve been a part of the show for 4.5 years!

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I do! It was in London 2006 and it was my birthday treat. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

From seeing the show, I knew I wanted to do it and I always hoped I’d be in it. I was thrilled when I finally got to be a part of it in 2009 and even more so when I went back in to it in 2014 with a Glinda cover.

WICKED 10: George Ure

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

My adventure with the show started in 2008 when I joined the London company as 2nd U/S for Boq. In 2009 I was promoted to 1st U/S, and in 2010 I took over the role. I came back to the show in 2013 as part of the Original UK/Irelend Tour.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I remember it like it was yesterday. I saw the first week of previews in London, 2006 which was the start of my 2nd Year at drama school. I payed £6.50 for my ticket (I still have the ticket….) and sat in Circle Row S. I didn't care how far away I was - just being there was electric.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I truly hoped I would be, but it honestly felt like such a far off reality. On the evening mentioned above, I stood in the Circle Bar and said quite firmly to my friend…”I’m going to be in this”. Fast forward to April 2008 and the phone call came. The rest, as they say, is history.

WICKED 10: Joseph Connor

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I was Ensemble in the Original London cast back in 2006.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I never saw the show before I started rehearsals so I had no clue what the show was about or what I was about to do.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I didn't really think I would ever get the show. I went to the first open calls for experience. I was ready to go off to a dance college. So when I got offered the show I was incredibly shocked.

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?

My best memory of the show was not just one thing; the whole year was a crash course in theatre for me so learning daily from performers I had seen in other shows was the best memory I have. I learnt so much from so many incredible performers!

WICKED 10: Sarah Earnshaw

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I started in the ensemble, covering Glinda and Nessa, then became Standby for Glinda in my second contract. I was in the original cast and left in 2011. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

Yes, I saw it on Broadway after I'd been offered the job. It was quite overwhelming watching it knowing I was about to start rehearsals. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

Not at the time, I knew and loved the songs but I hadn't been out of drama school for long, so I didn't even expect to be seen for it. At my first audition I got the wrong address and turned up at a dentist. Not the best start!

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?

I'll never forget the first preview, I've never experienced an atmosphere like that in a theatre before or since. The first time I played Glinda was terrifying but a great feeling. But I also had a brilliant time backstage and really did meet some fantastic people. 

WICKED 10: Sophie Linder-Lee

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I joined the company in 2010 as swing. I was understudy Glinda from 2011-2013 and Standby Glinda from 2013-2015. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
I was in Mamma Mia at the time in 2006 and I went on my own on the weds matinee and saw the original cast. I was way up in the circle and everyone was teeny tiny. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
I honestly didn't. I thought it was one of those dream shows that I just wouldn't be lucky enough to crack into. I used to sing the soundtrack in my car to and from work every day for 2 months when I was working 3 jobs and living at my Mum's house. It was a life saver. 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
It has to be the first time I went on for Glinda.  I had 90 of my friends and family in and the noise that hit me when I came down in that bubble was unreal. I'll never forget that.

WICKED 10: Gemma Atkins

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I was ensemble, 1st cover Elphaba and 1st cover Nessarose.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
It was on Broadway in 2006! 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
 I dreamt and hoped of being in the show!

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
Playing Elphaba for the first time. It was an absolute dream role.

Tell us one embarrassing story from your time in the show…
When I fell on my bum in Emerald City in my fishtail dress and had to be carried off because the dress was so tight I couldn't stand up!

WICKED 10: Adam Pettigrew

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I played Boq during 2011-2012. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I do remember my first time seeing Wicked, I took my sister for her birthday when it first opened London and Kerry Ellis was playing Elphaba. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

After seeing the show I thought the role would be good for me, however I'm not sure I ever thought I would actually be up on stage at the Apollo Victoria until getting to the final auditions for the show. 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?

Probably doing "Come Dine With Me" between shows with Gina Beck, Matt Willis, Lillie Flynn and Christopher Howell.

WICKED 10: Nadine Cox

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I played Shen Shen and understudy Madame Morrible in the original London cast for three years. So 2006 to 2009. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I hadn't seen Wicked. I'd heard the music and seen clips of the show. I was blown away. I thought it was phenomenal. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I honestly didn't think I'd get an audition. I was so thrilled to get the audition and just thought I'll enjoy it and just see what happens. Then I got through more and more rounds. It was the best feeling I've ever had to be offered that job. 

WICKED 10: Cassidy Janson

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I was first cover then stand by elphaba. From 2006-08

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I saw it on Broadway first time with Idina. It blew me away. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I hoped and I dreamed. And sometimes dreams come true.

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
Probably the first time I went on for elphaba. It was the best feeling. It's such a epic role and to finally get on and do it was tremendous. 

Tell us one embarrassing story from your time in the show…
In previews I fell over in the flathead costume and had to be dragged off stage. The whole cast stopped singing as they were laughing so much. 

WICKED 10: Thomas Sutcliffe

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I was in the Ensemble, first cover to the role of Boq, which I played many times. I joined the West End cast at the start of 2010 and left at the end of 2011.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I saw Wicked for the first time in the West End in 2006.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

When I first saw the show I was in my first year of Drama School. At that age I wasn’t really in tune with my own casting potential and didn’t really know where I fitted in within the industry. I don’t remember thinking ‘I could see myself in that show’ I just fell in love with the music and story. It was only when I saw the show again a year or so later I remember thinking, ‘I could see myself playing Boq’.

WICKED 10: Alexia Khadime

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
Elphaba in 2008 then 2009-2010. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
The first time I saw Wicked I was in Chicago. It was in its early days still and I was visiting a friend who was doing Lion King at the time. I passed the theatre where wicked was playing in Chicago en route to meeting my friend. And decided to buy a ticket for that night. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
I didn't. Even after seeing the show I didn't think I would do it. 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
What was awesome was, although being nervous on my first night it was birthday so it was an awesome gift to be a part of such a fantastic show and the cast were just brilliant. 

WICKED 10: Jason Winter

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I was ensemble and first cover Fiyero from 2012-2013. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
In February 2005 I saw it on Broadway. It blew my mind! The only time in my life I've ever been truly speechless. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
I always told myself I would be, it was a massive dream, but I don't think I ever really thought I'd get it. And I definitely never thought I'd get to play Fiyero 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
It's hard to pick one, but I'd have to say my first shows on as Fiyero, they were the last two shows before Christmas, best present ever! 

WICKED 10: Sam Lupton

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I played Boq in the London company from October 2012 to September 2015

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
I do! It was 2006 and I was watching Idina Mentzel play Elphaba in the origional London Run. I believe the show was still in previews. I also watched Katie Rowley Jones play Nessa Rose in that performance who I got to perform alongside for my time in the show. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
I didn't. I thought it was a job or show that was out of reach. I believed I would never have the dance ability to be in the show. I worked for years to try to get to that level and a few years later was lucky enough to get an audition for the show.

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
Too many. My opening night is still a strong memory. It was incredible. That music played such a part in my love of musical theatre as a teenager, I'd listened to it for years. Hearing the score being played by the orchestra and me getting to sing along for the first time, it was pretty incredible. Other great memories are from cast change days which are always a roller coaster of emotion. Laugh and crying whilst saying goodbye to the people who are leaving. 

WICKED 10: Katie Rowley Jones

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
Nessarose, 2006-2008; 2012- present. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
I never got to see Wicked before I was in it (I was in the original cast here), but I remember being given the soundtrack to listen to it and being really struck by it.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
It was certainly my dream and something I threw out to the universe!

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
The buzz of opening a brand new show with so many highly accomplished performers. I felt totally alive and well and truly on my toes!

Tell us one embarrassing story from your time in the show…
Having brain freeze and forgetting my words! Luckily it happens rarely (*Katie touches wood*), but when it does, my heart goes to my mouth!

WICKED 10: Lucy Van Gasse

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
Glinda (standby) 2012-2013. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
I saw it at the Apollo theatre in about 2008/9. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

At that time I was working in a hedge fund and didn't think I'd ever be in a musical But I dreamed I would one day be in it and low and behold!

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
My first ever performance with fellow standby Hayley Gallivan! We'd joined the cast together and were so excited and we worked so hard and then finally we get to be Glinda and Elphaba together. 

Tell us one embarrassing story from your time in the show…
I mixed up my words in For Good and that was embarrassing but also terrifying with a couple of thousand people watching you!

WICKED 10: Simon Hardwick

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I was Chistery in the original London cast. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
First time I saw it was on Broadway after we opened.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
I hadn't heard of the show until I was cast in it.

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
When we did the sitzprobe while band. It was such an awesome experience hearing that music for the first time.

Tell us one embarrassing story from your time in the show…
Not so much embarrassing but on the first preview, Glindas bubble didn't work for her entrance so I got to do my entrance climbing down the rope and turning the crank twice. That was a pretty cool moment because the energy in the audience doubled with anticipation for the second time.

WICKED 10 : Lucyelle Cliffe

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I was midwife 1st cover Madame Morrible October 2013 - January 2015. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
My birthday in 2008 at the Apollo Victoria.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
Like every performer I wanted to be in the show and knew I had to work my tail off to get there. 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
The first time I stepped on that stage.

Tell us one embarrassing story from your time in the show…
There was a moment when I felt my skirt loosen so I had to perform 'One short day' with my skirt nearing my knees.

WICKED 10: Justin Thomas

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I was a Swing from 2013-2015 and covered Fiyero in the second year too. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
I got taken to see Wicked by a friend as a birthday present I think in 2007 at Apollo Victoria Theatre. It was the 3rd show I ever saw! 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
Not at all! Always wanted to be but never thought it would all work out the way it did! 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
There are so many amazing memories from doing the show. It was 2 of the best years of my life and I have made some great friends from it too! But the highlight for me has to be meeting my now Fiancé Lauren Stroud and also getting to play Fiyero!