16 November 2017
Newsdesk
WICKED, the acclaimed stage musical that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, has been voted ‘Best Theatre Production for Schools’ by educators for a second consecutive year at the School Travel Awards. The production continues an open-ended run at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is now in its 12th year, and is also touring the UK & Ireland throughout 2018.
Organised by School Travel Organiser Magazine, the School Travel Awards recognise the best venues, attractions and companies for educational visits, in order that teachers can organise first class experiences when it comes to learning outside the classroom. The awards were presented at the Royal Garden Hotel in London on Thursday 9 November 2017 and presented by Fiona Bruce.
Michael McCabe, Executive Producer (UK) of WICKED said: “We are honoured that educators have chosen to present the ‘Best Theatre Production for Schools’ award to Wicked, especially for a second consecutive year. The remarkable story of integrity and tolerance at the heart of the show resonates strongly with young people and we are privileged that so many teachers continue to engage with, and champion, the production. We are also incredibly proud of the education and outreach work that surrounds the show. At a time when education professionals are being forced to argue the case for arts education harder than ever before, we remain committed to providing every possible opportunity to support the social development and cultural enrichment of young people in this country.”
WICKED provides a range of engaging learning activities for educators including:
FREE online lesson plans and resources (suitable for Key Stages 2-5).
Official workshops that can be tailored to the requirements of educators and their students for cultural and educational enrichment.
Schools can also purchase tickets for a performance with savings of up to 65%, with one FREE teacher (or accompanying adult) ticket per 10 tickets purchased.
The production’s education and outreach programmes proudly support the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the National Literacy Trust and the Woodland Trust.
Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG
WICKED EDUCATION
WICKED poses the question ‘was the Wicked Witch of the West really wicked or the innocent victim of a corrupt regime?’ and its topical story of friendship, acceptance, integrity, self-esteem, peer pressure, victimisation and propaganda has proved relevant for PSHE and Citizenship teaching and whole-school Anti-Bullying strategies. Highly pertinent for all students studying BTEC Nationals in Performing Arts, as well as a wealth of other subjects, the song ‘Defying Gravity’ is also now a set work for the Edexcel GCSE Music qualification.
The production provides comprehensive and free online education resources and lesson plans for Key Stages 2-5 that our designed to enrich the educational experience. Developed with teachers, the resources cover topics provoking discussion about the staging, themes and narrative of the production, combining the experience of live performance with classroom-based activities linked to the National Curriculum.
Discover more at: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk/Education
OFFICIAL WICKED WORKSHOPS
Developed with the production’s creative team, the OFFICIAL WICKED WORKSHOP programme offers an authentic insight into current West End practice. Curriculum focused and tested with teachers, each workshop is tailored to meet the specific needs of educators and their students. Suitable for Key Stage 2 and up, there are workshops in Musical Theatre, Drama, Singing, Dance and Anti-Bullying (in association with the Anti-Bullying Alliance).
Discover more at: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk/Education
WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS
The WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS were created by the producers of WICKED in 2010, in collaboration with Michael Morpurgo, the National Literacy Trust and Patron HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity and develop writing talent in young people. Last year over 600 primary and secondary schools and colleges entered, as well as thousands of individuals, from all over the UK. Open to anyone aged 5-25, the closing date for entries for next years awards is 12 March 2018.
Schools and individuals can download entry forms and find tips and videos about the award at: www.WickedYoungWriterAwards.com
WICKED
Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, WICKED tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Now in its 12th year in London and acclaimed as “one of the West End’s true modern classics” (Metro), WICKED has already been seen by over 8.5 million people in London alone and is the recipient of over 100 major awards worldwide, including ten theatregoer-voted Whats On Stage Awards (winning ‘Best West End Show’ on three occasions) and two Olivier Audience Awards in the UK.
Discover more at: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk
Tickets for schools can be puchased via Group Line Schools on 020 7206 1174.
WICKED is suitable for a general audience and recommended for children aged 7+.
Gregory Maguire’s ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ is published in the UK by Headline.
The book is recommended for readers aged 16+
