Cynthia Erivo Spoofs “Wicked” as Glinda in “SNL U.K.” Sketch

Cynthia Erivo brought a satirical take on her hit movie musical to late-night television, playing Glinda in a spoof titled “Nigerian Wicked” on Saturday Night Live U.K.. The broadcast marked the final episode of the year for the Sky and NOW comedy series, airing on October 24, 2026, with indie-rock band Blossoms serving as the musical guest.

Cynthia Erivo Spoofs Wicked on Saturday Night Live U.K.

During the sketch, Erivo wore a blonde wig and a pink velour tracksuit to portray Glinda. Ayoade Bamgboye joined her on stage as Elphaba for a lo-fi, melodramatic version of the story that sent the two characters off to meet the Wizard of LagOz. Instead of the frustration expressed in the original song “What Is This Feeling,” the Nollywood-inspired parody had Glinda simply deliver a direct slap across Elphaba’s face.

“Glinda, you slapped me!” Bamgboye’s Elphaba said during the segment. Erivo’s Glinda replied, “Yes, because you are very classless.”

The sketch also reimagined the makeover scene. When Elphaba protested that she could not afford the transformation, Erivo’s Glinda assured her that the journey to see the Wizard would cover the costs. Bamgboye responded, “The Wizard? But I’m a virgin!”

Journey to the Wizard of LagOz

The parody continued as the pair traveled to what the voiceover described as the “emerald, white and emerald city.” Along the way, the characters nearly shared a kiss, winking at fans who ship the characters together. Upon arrival, Erivo’s Glinda declared she wanted a Birkin bag from the Wizard, while Bamgboye’s Elphaba asked for a “skinny BBL.”

Hammed Animashaun provided the voiceover for the Wizard, announcing, “She wants a BBL that defies gravity!” However, once the characters finally met the Wizard, they discovered he’s broke. Inspecting his timepiece, Erivo’s Glinda remarked, “That’s a nolex.”

Returning to Shiz, Erivo’s character asked, “What do we do now?” The two then leaned in dramatically for a kiss before an explosion filled the screen. Animashaun concluded the sketch with the voiceover, “Nigerian Wicked: LGBTQ!”

Erivo Joins Saturday Night Live UK Cast

The live television appearance followed a midweek table read where Erivo joined the regular Saturday Night Live U.K. cast, including Celeste Dring and Hammed Animashaun. Series two of the UK adaptation features a rotating lineup of guest hosts and musical acts, bringing the traditional American sketch format to British viewers via Sky and NOW.

The episode served as the final installment of the sketch series for 2026, following earlier musical guests such as The Streets, Royal Blood, and CMAT.

Crossover Cold Open and Season Highlights

Earlier in the second series, viewers saw an in-season crossover between NBC’s Saturday Night Live and Sky and NOW’s Saturday Night Live U.K. during an edition hosted by James Norton with musical guest The Streets. That broadcast opened with a cold open featuring UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, played by George Fouracres, and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, played by Freddie Meredith, discussing the war between Russia and Ukraine. When Zelenskyy emphasized the need for the U.S. to be a stronger ally, Burnham responded, I will raise with Trump at the first opportunity, bringing James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump into the scene.