Schools outside of London can apply for free or subsidised tickets to the West End show as part of the collaboration, now in its third year.
Producers of Wicked have donated £10,000 worth of tickets for the West End production to theatre works!, a charity dedicated to making theatre accessible to young people facing economic and social barriers.
Schools can apply to theatre works! for financial support to attend Tuesday to Thursday performances during term time. The charity has provided tickets for over 33,000 disadvantaged children and young people in the UK and USA since it was founded in 2021, over 1,000 of which have been for Wicked.
Wicked Active Learning
The donation comes as part of the production’s acclaimed Wicked Active Learning programme, which provides teachers with free resources for pre-trip planning and lesson plans, discounted tickets and the opportunity to book exclusive workshops and Q&As.
The workshops can be booked without a theatre visit and focus on three different themes linked to the production: well-being, anti-bullying and musical theatre. These are held in-person either at school or in a central London venue.
Schools going to see Wicked also have the option of adding a post-show Q&A session with members of the cast and production team.
Sharon Studer, co-founder and chair of theatre works!, said: “For over 1,000 students supported by theatre works!, seeing Wicked has been far more than a memorable day out. It has been a first encounter with live theatre and a chance to discover the imagination, craft and hard work behind a major production.
“The post-show Q&As that many attend have been an especially valuable part of that experience, helping young people understand that theatre is created by many different talents, both on stage and behind the scenes.”
About Wicked
The London production is now in its 21st year at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
It tells the story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood, green-skinned girl named Elphaba.
Following an encounter with The Wizard, the friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
About theatre works!
The charity aims to broaden the horizons of pupils who may otherwise miss out on experiencing theatre on such a grand scale, and enhance their appreciation for the arts and live performing.
Schools can apply for a grant through theatre works! via its website, providing they meet the entry requirements. These include being located outside of the M25 with a minimum of 40% Pupil Premium/Free School Meals (or regional equivalent).
Describing their experience watching Wicked through theatre works!, a teacher from Academy of St Francis of Assisi, Liverpool, said: “The educational and emotional value of the experience was clear. Not only did students enjoy a world-class production, but many also gained new perspectives on social justice, self-expression, and empathy.
“The trip has also sparked renewed interest in the performing arts among our students, with some already asking about future theatre opportunities.”
For more information about theatre works! grants go to: theatreworks.global. To find educational resources and tickets for Wicked visit: wickedactivelearning.co.uk.
