Greenwich has been given a Wicked makeover to tie in with the hotly anticipated film’s arrival in cinemas.
The royal borough has temporarily become ‘GreenWitch’ in a nod to the movie, which will feature Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the two leading roles.
Until Sunday, November 24, fans who visit ‘GreenWitch’ can follow a walking trail to see newly installed signs along a route that passes spots including The Green Café and Greenwich Picturehouse. Visitors can download a map of the trail here.
The Mayor of Greenwich helped launch the project on Tuesday, November 12, unveiling a plaque celebrating the borough’s temporary and enchanting new name.
Greenwich isn’t the only London spot embracing all things Ozian in honour of the movie’s release, as St Pancras station has got in on the action by unveiling a Wicked-themed Christmas tree.
The upcoming Wicked movie is the first of two directed by Jon M Chu, whose previous projects include Crazy Rich Asians and the big-screen adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, as the popular theatre show has been split into two parts for the film.
The movies were filmed back to back and the second part will be released in November 2025.
They will see Oscar nominee Erivo transform into Elphaba, a role originated by Idina Menzel when Wicked debuted on Broadway, while pop star Grande stars as Glinda, who was first played by Kristin Chenoweth.
The duo are joined by Michelle Yeoh, as the headmistress of the university where Elphaba and Glinda meet, while Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey plays carefree prince Fiyero.
Tony-nominated Broadway actor Ethan Slater plays Boq, another student, while Jeff Goldblum stars as the Wizard of Oz himself.
This isn’t the first time London landmarks have been renamed as part of a promotional activity.
Last September, Bond Street station became Burberry Street thanks to a collaboration with the designer brand, while Old Street became Fold Street as part of a tie-in with Samsung.
Wicked arrives in cinemas on Friday, November 22.
