Actress Withdraws From Iconic Musical Wicked

After hearing that Nikki Davis-Jones has withdrawn from Wicked, I ask this week on the Simon Morris blog; what next for the West End hit?

Nikki Davis Jones Sparkled on Stage as Elphaba in Wicked

Whilst I adore the Broadway version of the production, in my personal opinion, nothing can compare to the West End’s take on modern musical blockbuster. Opened by original Elphaba, Idina Menzel herself, it has since gone on to enchant audiences around the world, including one musical theatre blogger by the name of Simon Morris.

Which is why I cheered when I heard that Nikki Davis-Jones was set to take up the role of Elphaba, both on the UK tour version of Wicked, and on the West End stage. With past credits including the role of The Girl in Blues in the Night at the Hackney Empire, and RENT’s Maureen at the 20^th Anniversary Concert tour, the actress was a great edition who has shined since she first joined the UK tour of Wicked.

Davis-Jones Announces Her Departure from Wicked

She was due to jump ship from the tour to the West End version of Wicked on the 27^th October. Yet now, it appears that not only will Davis-Jones not do so, but that she has left the tour production as well.

According to The Stage, the actress has left both. Michael McCabe, executive producer of the show, commented on the news, saying that he was “extremely sorry” that the actress has withdrawn from the show. He added that “we all fully support Nikki’s position and very much look forward to working with her again in the future.”

When One Elphaba Leaves, Another Arrives

Whatever the reason for the withdrawal, it is a move that could potentially damage the West End version of Wicked. The fact that they are losing the actress set to take over their main role is naturally one that will rock the show as it scrambles to recover.

Yet it seems the show has handled the move quite well. Jemma Alexander has stepped into the role on tour, with acclaimed West End Elphaba Ashleigh Gray set to take over when the show comes to the Liverpool Empire on the 16th September.  Her experience in the role will ensure the show quickly gets back on its feet, and it’s only a matter of time until the West End version of Wicked finds a stunning replacement for Davis-Jones as well.

A Show is More Than the Sum of its Parts

What this goes to show, Simon Morris readers, is that a show is more than the sum of its parts. Yes, it’s a loss to see a leading lady depart. However, for a role as powerful as Elphaba, there is always an actress who is just as talented, ready to step into her shoes, and take the audience on a journey they will never forget.