UWL Ealing Alumna Yara Fabricante Joins Wicked Cast, 2026

Key Points

• Yara Fabricante, a recent graduate from the University of West London (UWL) in Ealing, has secured her West End debut as Nessarose in the 20th anniversary cast of the musical Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
• She completed her BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course at UWL’s London College of Music (LCM), graduating last summer after moving to London from Qatar in 2022.
• Fabricante’s role begins performances on 19 May 2026, following the final bows of current cast members like Hannah Qureshi (Nessarose), Jacob Young (Fiyero), and Sarah Ingram (Madame Morrible) on 17 May 2026.
• During her final year at UWL, she appeared in productions including Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Anyone Can Whistle’ and ‘Nine’, and gained representation from Keddie Scott Associates at the college’s showcase.
• UWL academics described it as “incredibly rare for a graduate’s first professional role to be a principal part in the West End”.
• The broader 20th anniversary cast includes returning stars Emma Kingston as Elphaba and Zizi Strallen as Glinda, with newcomers like Jordan Litz as Fiyero (from Broadway), Claire Machin as Madame Morrible, Ross Carpenter as Boq, Laura Emmitt as Alternate Elphaba, and Lydia Gerrard as Standby Glinda.
• The new cast starts rehearsals ahead of performances from 19 May 2026, with anniversary celebrations on 26-27 September 2026.
• Coverage appeared in outlets like Ealing News (by Suzanne Fernandes), London Post, West End Theatre, West End Wilma, London Theatre, BrentfordTW8, and UWL social media.

Ealing (The Londoner News) April 18, 2026 – An alumna from Ealing’s University of West London has joined the West End production of Wicked in a leading role, marking a remarkable achievement for the recent graduate. Yara Fabricante, who completed her BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at UWL’s London College of Music, will portray Nessarose starting 19 May 2026 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. This debut comes as part of the musical’s 20th anniversary cast announcement, highlighting her swift rise from student stages to professional spotlight.

The news, first reported by Suzanne Fernandes of Ealing News, underscores the talent nurtured at UWL in Ealing, where Fabricante honed her skills before navigating a “highly competitive audition process”. As covered across multiple outlets, her story inspires local arts communities amid Wicked’s enduring popularity.

Who is Yara Fabricante and What is Her Background?

Yara Fabricante, raised in Qatar, relocated to London in 2022 to chase her passion for musical theatre. She enrolled on the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course at UWL’s London College of Music (LCM) in Ealing, graduating last summer, as detailed by London Post reporters.

As reported by journalists at London Post, during her final year, Fabricante starred in Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Anyone Can Whistle’ and ‘Nine’. Following the college’s showcase, she secured acting representation from Keddie Scott Associates, paving the way for her Wicked audition success.

BrentfordTW8 noted that Fabricante has landed her “first professional role” in one of the West End’s biggest shows, just months post-graduation, calling it a “University of West London alumna” milestone. UWL’s official Facebook post celebrated: “Our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre graduate, Yara Fabricante, will be making her West End debut as a principal role in ‘Wicked’”.

What Role Will Yara Fabricante Play in Wicked?

Yara Fabricante takes on the principal role of Nessarose, the sheltered sister of Elphaba, in Wicked’s 20th anniversary company at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre.

According to London Theatre, “Yara Fabricante, who makes her West End debut as Nessarose” joins the principal lineup. This replaces Hannah Qureshi, who exits on 17 May 2026, as announced by West End Theatre.

London Post quoted UWL academics: “It is incredibly rare for a graduate’s first professional role to be a principal part in the West End”. An Instagram reel from UWL captured Fabricante’s excitement: “I can’t believe I’m like in this room” during rehearsals.

When Does the New Wicked Cast Start and What are the Key Dates?

The new Wicked cast, including Yara Fabricante, begins performances on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

West End Wilma specified: “The new company will begin performances… on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, leading the celebrations over its landmark anniversary weekend on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026”. Current members like Jacob Young (Fiyero), Sarah Ingram (Madame Morrible), and Hannah Qureshi (Nessarose) take “final bows on 17 May 2026”, per West End Theatre.

Rehearsals commence shortly before, as the cast prepares for the milestone.

Which Other Cast Members are Joining or Returning for Wicked’s 20th Anniversary?

The 20th anniversary cast blends veterans and newcomers. Emma Kingston continues as Elphaba, fresh from BBC One’s Big Night of Musicals and a 2026 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Takeover Performance, alongside Zizi Strallen as Glinda.

Jordan Litz arrives from Broadway as Fiyero, with over “1,700 performances” – the “longest-running Fiyero” in history – noted by West End Wilma and London Theatre. Claire Machin, an Olivier Award nominee, joins as Madame Morrible.

Further cast includes Ross Carpenter (Book of Mormon) as Boq; Laura Emmitt (Frozen: The Musical) returning as Alternate Elphaba; and Lydia Gerrard (The Phantom of the Opera tour) as Standby Glinda. West End Theatre added that Carl Man shifted to Broadway, with Litz moving oppositely.

How Did Yara Fabricante Secure This Role?

Fabricante’s path involved dedication post-relocation. London Post reported she “successfully navigated a highly competitive audition process” after UWL showcase representation.

Her LCM training featured key shows, building her portfolio. Ealing News by Suzanne Fernandes highlighted her as “one of the newest cast members” securing a “leading role”.

What Does This Mean for University of West London and Local Talent?

UWL celebrates Fabricante as a “Career University” success, per their Instagram. This debut elevates Ealing’s arts profile, with BrentfordTW8 framing it as a graduate’s rapid ascent.

London Post emphasised the rarity: a first job as West End principal. It spotlights LCM’s role in grooming talent for stages like Apollo Victoria.

Why is Wicked’s 20th Anniversary Significant?

Wicked, the critically acclaimed musical, marks 20 years in London with this cast refresh. Celebrations peak 26-27 September 2026.

Returning stars like Kingston and Strallen anchor continuity, while debuts like Fabricante’s inject freshness.

How Have Media Outlets Covered the Story?

• Suzanne Fernandes of Ealing News: “Ealing’s University of West London alumna joins Wicked cast”.
• London Post: Detailed Fabricante’s journey and UWL quote.
• West End Theatre (1 April 2026): Full cast announcement.
• West End Wilma: Cast biographies.
• London Theatre: Principal additions.
• BrentfordTW8: “UWL Graduate Lands West End Debut”.
• UWL socials: Interviews and reels.