Wicked characters in Darlington to celebrate film release

The town’s own Elphaba and Glinda – known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Good Witch of the South – posed for pictures with kids at the Dolphin Centre.

(Image: STUART BOULTON) A trail was launched across the town for a chance to win cinema tickets to see the film by answering questions and completing a spell.

Five-year-old Matilda Morris from Darlington was mesmerised as she met the two witches.

Matilda Morris, 5, meets Elphaba and Glinda (R-L). (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Meanwhile there was face painting in the Queen Street Shopping Centre and crafts and a ‘magic mirror’ photo station in the Cornmill.

Seven-year-old Kobi-Lee Fowler with the witches hats he made in Darlington's Cornmill Centre. (Image: STUART BOULTON) Charlotte, aged 11, and Daniel, aged 8, Armstrong using the magic mirror photo station in Darlington's Cornmill Centre. (Image: STUART BOULTON) (Image: STUART BOULTON) The hotly anticipated motion picture hit the big screen on Friday (November 22), with part two expected in November 2025.

Sophie Boyle from the Dolphin Centre poses with Elphaba and Glinda. (Image: STUART BOULTON) British actress Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba alongside US pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda in the film version of the hit Broadway and West End musical. It explores the friendship between the pair before they become estranged in the classic stories by L Frank Baum.

Stars of the film descended on London last Monday, gathering at the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre for its UK premiere.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the UK premiere of Wicked at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre in London on Monday November 18, 2024. (Image: PA)

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