Leeds gears up for the return of spellbinding musical Wicked

Amy Ross , who plays Elphaba and Helen Woolfe, who stars as Glinda, performed live numbers from the show, and executive producer Michael McCabe recounted the show’s remarkable journey from Broadway to the West End and all over the world.

Excited fans, including school children from across the city, were given the opportunity to get up close with some of the stunning Tony Award-winning costumes, including Glinda's sparkling 'bubble dress', and hear about the craftsmanship that goes into creating each individual piece.

Elphaba was also on-hand to turn Leeds emerald for photos and meet-and-greets with the excited crowd.

Michael McCabe said: "The city of Leeds was incredibly kind to us the last time we were here. We had a spectacular run at the beautiful Grand Theatre and it's exciting to be back.

"We will be delivering you a very special production."

Costume Supervisor Margie Bailey said there were 1,800 costumes in the show comprising of shoes, gloves, hats and tights.

She said: "Our quickest costume change is 48 seconds and that is from Glinda in her bubble to her little white Chanel-type suit. That's pretty quick and means that the dresses, the co-ordination and the choreography all works for this to happen within that time. The audience wouldn't know I hope!"

Wicked has already been seen by more than 53 million people around the world and is one of the most celebrated and successful musicals of all time.

It tells the untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba.

Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.

Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future.

Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Helen Woolfe, who was part of the original 2013 UK and Ireland tour, told the YEP that she was excited to return to Leeds.

Helen, whose favourite song is the iconic Defying Gravity and favourite costume is Glinda's 'bubble dress', said: "The production is always so well-received where ever we go and in particular I remember Leeds being one of the more excited audiences. I remember waiting for the curtain to go up and there being a real buzz. It will be nice to go through that again."

Amy Ross, whose first professional job 10 years ago saw her perform in Leeds as part of the High School Musical tour, said she was also thrilled to come back to the city.

Amy, whose favourite song is No Good Deed and favourite costume is Elphaba's 'Wicked Witch of the West' dress, said: "It will be lovely to re-visit the city. Leeds was our final venue in my first job."

Wicked will return to Leeds Grand Theatre on Wednesday, June 13 and run until Saturday, July 7.