The phenomenon that is ‘Wicked’ is coming to Sunderland this September. ‘Wicked’ is one of the most award-laden musicals this century with three Tony Awards, Two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy tucked neatly under its witches hat. The show recently celebrated seventeen triumphant years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, and this essential West End extravaganza is now embarking on a UK tour that will be replete with all the spellbinding magic that has made it such a spectacle. It tells, of course, the beguiling backstory of two of L. Frank Baum’s most well-known characters – Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West – as these two unlikely friends embark on their remarkable journey in Oz.

Wicked, 24 September-20 October, Sunderland Empire, 7.30pm (mats Wed, Sat and Sun 2.30pm), from £25, atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire