Attention all Ozians! The Royal Borough of Greenwich has had a Wicked makeover, becoming ‘GreenWitch’ for two weeks only to celebrate the 22 November release of Universal Pictures’ spectacular new cinematic event, based on the generation-defining stage musical about the witches of Oz.
The Mayor of Royal Greenwich Councillor Jit Ranabhat, unveiled a plaque on Tuesday 12 November to launch the enchanting new name for the borough.
From now until 24 November, residents, fans and visitors to the newly named GreenWitch can collect a free map from GreenWitch Tourist Information Centre or download one at VisitGreenWitch and embark on a spell-binding walking trail, spotting magical new road signs along the way.
The trail begins at the Tourist Information Centre and on to the entrance to Greenwich Foot Tunnel to view a special plaque. Next travel along GreenWitch High Road and past the perfectly named Green Café and GreenWitch Picturehouse cinema, and onto the dazzling roof installation and archways at GreenWitch Market. After this, you can continue past the installations at the Students Union to see the final Ozian signs at the top of King William Walk.
Councillor Jit Ranabhat, Mayor of Royal Greenwich, said: “Move over Emerald City, welcome to the Royal Borough of GreenWitch! We’re thrilled to partner with Universal Pictures on this exciting, free experience for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“As the home of Wicked for the next two weeks, ‘GreenWitch’ will be even more ‘popular’ than ever and we can’t wait to welcome new visitors to our corner of the capital, boosting local businesses and supporting our ambitious Culture Strategy vision to be a place where creativity flourishes.
“And to top it all off, income generated by this magical partnership will help fund our hugely popular free, festive light trail, Sparkle in the Park for 2024.”
The Universal Pictures Wicked makeover in ‘GreenWitch’ has been made possible by a bewitching partnership between the University of Greenwich and Greenwich Student’s Union, the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Visit Greenwich, Greenwich Market, Greenwich Picturehouse and the Green Cafe.
Barrie Kelly, Chief Executive, Visit Greenwich, said: “Greenwich is internationally known for being located on the Prime Meridian, 0° Longitude. It is where east meets west and the Wicked movie has a similar theme. GreenWitch is a fun play with our Greenwich name, and we’re thrilled to be working with Universal Pictures to be part of the publicity for Wicked. As one of the UK’s most popular film locations, Greenwich welcomes millions of visitors every year who are ‘setjetting’ to visit their favourite places seen in films, TV and related events.”
Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Greenwich, said: “I am delighted to announce that the university is rebranding to the University of GreenWitch for the next two weeks to celebrate all things Wicked and the magic of higher education.”
Wicked is released in UK cinemas on 22 November 2024.
