Wicked: Village gets Oz makeover for Ariana Grande film
As intriguing as local gossip can be, the prospect of Ariana Grande filming a major Hollywood production in Ivinghoe stunned many villagers, leading to a mixture of disbelief and excitement.
Nevertheless, once Munchkinland began to materialize amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Buckinghamshire countryside in 2023, it became difficult for even the skeptics to ignore the unfolding spectacle.
This unique endeavor was part of the filming for Wicked – the Wizard of Oz spin-off, which made its debut in UK cinemas on Friday and features a star-studded cast, including luminaries like Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Goldblum.
Residents of the quaint village eagerly reminisced about their experiences when the Universal cameras invaded their idyllic setting.
Universal
Grammy Award-winning Grande plays Galinda Upland, who ultimately transforms into Glinda the Good Witch.
For Russell Smith, the owner of the popular Daisychain cafe on the High Street, the surge of activity felt akin to an “alien invasion.”
The 55-year-old owner stumbled upon the construction of the elaborate film set while walking his dog along the serene canal towpath, feeling an overwhelming sense of astonishment.
“Normally there’s nothing there, so we were thinking, ‘What the hell is that?'” he recalls, still struck by the unexpected transformation.
“It was just extraordinary as it unfolded; it appeared to be a whimsical circular village with a vibrant yellow brick road threading through it, leading to enchanting structures and back out.”
“You could see lots of filming activity with enormous cranes and impressive lighting rigs illuminating the area. It was simply amazing to behold.”
Drone shots captured the set and its colourful, thatch-roofed homes during production.
Russell Smith
Russell Smith witnessed the evolution of the film set while walking his dog along the canal towpath throughout 2023.
Having initially launched on Broadway in 2003, the original stage show of Wicked has since dazzled roughly 65 million viewers around the globe.
Drone shots showcased the set and its quirky, colourful, thatch-roofed homes, until production faced an abrupt halt amid the US actors’ strike in July 2023.
‘We wished Ariana would walk in the pub’
Nicola Johns, the landlady of the nearby pub, The Village Swan, expressed that locals delighted in hearing cast members singing at various times throughout the day.
“We all wished Ariana Grande would walk into the pub – sadly she didn’t,” reflects the 32-year-old landlady with a hint of longing.
“It was surreal at times, walking around and hearing the melodious singing, blending seamlessly with the charming atmosphere of the village.”
“The amount of manpower that went into constructing the set was truly extraordinary, captivating our imaginations in the process.”
“At first, you didn’t really know what it was – you were speculating about what scene might be unfolding, and most people were on the lookout for the iconic yellow brick road.”
A bartender at the nearby Rose and Crown pub shared that film crew members frequently popped in for a drink whenever they found a break in their bustling schedule.
As the temporary Munchkinland was dismantled at the close of autumn 2023, the enchanting fantasy world vanished as swiftly as it appeared.
With filming relocating to Sky Studios Elstree in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, the whimsical essence of the set was carefully packed up and shipped out.
Universal
Elphaba (Erivo) becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda (Grande) evolves into Glinda the Good Witch.
Before the film’s release, Grande shared with the press her feelings of being “incredibly emotional” about Wicked making its cinematic debut, while Erivo expressed the profound impact that their time on set had on the cast, stating it “irrevocably changed our lives for good.”
For Mr. Smith, the effect of this once-in-a-lifetime experience on the 1,000 residents of Ivinghoe will resonate for years and years to come.
“People will fondly look back and reminisce about the time when Hollywood came to our little village of Ivinghoe,” he predicts with a nostalgic smile.
How has the filming of *Wicked* impacted the community of Ivinghoe, according to Russell Smith?
**Interview with Russell Smith, owner of Daisychain Cafe in Ivinghoe**
**Editor:** Welcome, Russell! Thank you for joining us to share your experience of having the filming of *Wicked* right in your village of Ivinghoe. Many locals were stunned by the news of Ariana Grande filming in your area. Can you describe your initial reaction when you first heard about it?
**Russell Smith:** Absolutely! Initially, it was sheer disbelief mixed with excitement. When I learned that a Hollywood production was set to take place right here in our quaint village, I thought it was almost too good to be true. You certainly don’t expect to see the likes of Ariana Grande and a set like Munchkinland in Ivinghoe!
**Editor:** It sounds like quite the spectacle! You mentioned encountering the film set while walking your dog. What was that moment like?
**Russell Smith:** Oh, it was surreal! I stumbled upon the construction while I was out on the canal towpath. One moment there was just the peaceful countryside, and the next, I was staring at this whimsical village taking shape. I remember thinking, “What the hell is that?” It was incredibly vivid—complete with a vibrant yellow brick road and charming, colorful houses. It felt like an alien invasion in the best possible way.
**Editor:** That transformation must have been remarkable for the entire community. Did residents participate in any way during the filming?
**Russell Smith:** Yes, the entire village was buzzing! We felt part of something special. Locals were curious; some even gathered to watch the filming when they could. It was amazing to see so much activity, with massive cranes and lighting rigs. Even the beautiful drone shots capturing the set were exciting for us.
**Editor:** Nicola Johns mentioned the joy of hearing cast members singing. Did you get a glimpse of that atmosphere at your cafe?
**Russell Smith:** Absolutely! The cafe was buzzing with excitement. We all wished Ariana would walk in; sadly, she didn’t pop by. But just hearing the melodious voices lifted everyone’s spirits—it was like living inside a musical. It perfectly blended with the charming character of our village.
**Editor:** It truly sounds like a unique experience for all involved! As a local business owner, do you feel this filming may have a lasting impact on Ivinghoe?
**Russell Smith:** Definitely. The attention the filming brought to our village is likely to continue. People are curious about the movie now, and I suspect many might want to visit Ivinghoe after seeing it on screen. It has been a wonderful highlight for us and has sparked a renewed interest in our community.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Russell! It’s fascinating to hear how *Wicked* has transformed Ivinghoe and enriched the lives of its residents.
**Russell Smith:** Thank you for having me! It’s been an extraordinary event for all of us here, and I can’t wait to see how the film turns out.
