A Wicked show is coming to Scotland

The show Wicked has been a worldwide success.

If last year’s big Scottish theatre event was The Lion King, there is no doubt 2014’s must-see show is Wicked.

The alternative story of the witches from Oz has become one of the most popular musicals in the world and now it’s coming to Scotland for the first time.

For cast member George Ure, it’s a big moment in his life.

The 26-year-old, from Airdrie, can’t wait to come home as part of one of the biggest shows to ever grace the stage.

“When I was a youngster I always went to the King’s in Glasgow to see touring productions and the panto, so to work in a show like this at home is a one-off. It really is a dream come true.

“Glasgow is completely sold out, so you can’t help but be enthused.”

George plays Boq, a munchkin in love with Glinda the Good Witch. But he only got involved with acting to stop him being bored at the weekend.

“My parents took me to North Lanarkshire Children’s Theatre in Coatbridge when I was eight it was something to do on a Saturday.”

From there he attended youth theatres and eventually landed a scholarship in London. He won a role in the London West End production of Wicked after graduating, before moving on to other major shows that took him around Europe.

“There’s no expense spared in the touring version. The production value is tremendous and hasn’t lost its spectacle.

“On Wicked, every person gets tailor-made customs and the shoes are sculpted around our feet. There are 350 pairs of shoes in the show. The time, money and effort involved is amazing.”

There are nine productions of Wicked running concurrently around the world and it has now been performed in more than 100 cities. An incredible 38 million people have now seen the show.

Executive producer Michael McCabe says there are many reasons for its worldwide success, but at the heart of it all is the story.

“The idea of putting familiar characters into a surprising circumstance appeals, as does the spectacular stage production.

“Glasgow sold out quicker than anywhere and, with it being the Scottish premiere, it’s one we’re really looking forward to.”

Wicked is at the King’s in Glasgow from May 6-31, Edinburgh Playhouse from November to January and at His Majesty’s in Aberdeen in May 2015.