Desmond Barrit
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Desmond Barrit is set to replace original cast member Nigel Planer as The Wizard in the West End production of
Wicked. The actor, who is currently starring in the West End production of
The History Boys, will begin in the musical at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre on June 9.
Barrit is currently starring as Hector in The History Boys at Wyndham’s Theatre. The Olivier Award-winning actor’s performances for the RSC include roles in Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 (Olivier Award nomination), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (also on Broadway), The Tempest; The Comedy of Errors (Olivier Award) and Twelfth Night.. His National Theatre credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Stuff Happens, The Wind in the Willows. For the Donmar, he starred in Accidental Death of an Anarchist, The Real Inspector Hound and Black Comedy.
Wicked currently stars Kerry Ellis as Elphaba (until June 7), Dianne Pilkington as Glinda, Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero, Susie Blake as Madame Morrible (until April 12) and Planer as The Wizard. Harriet Thorpe will play Madame Morrible beginning on April 14.