PREPARE to be spellbound! THE Wicked Witch of the West will land in Southampton in 2014, leaving other cities green with envy.

The Mayflower is set to host the UK and Ireland tour of Wicked, the hit musical which tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, the Daily Echo can exclusively reveal.

One of the most popular West End musicals ever and Broadway's biggest blockbuster, it has been seen by more than 36 million people around the world.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously and wittily re-imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', Wicked tells the story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students.

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

Executive producer Michael McCabe, a three times Olivier Award winner, told the Daily Echo: “Quite simply, it's been a phenomenon. It seems that once people have seen the show, they just want to share it with others and keep coming back.

“I think seeing these well-known characters in new and surprising situations has been an enormous part of the draw. There's a great deal of affection for the Wizard of Oz and now for Wicked.

“The first time I ever saw it in New York on Broadway, long before I knew I'd be involved with Wicked, I was blown away by the story and it was clear from the audience reaction that it was a really emotional experience for people and an emotive show.

“Still, after all these years I've been involved in the London production, it's still very special.

“I'm really excited about the tour and we'll be recreating as much of the London show as humanly possible.”

Wicked will run from October 21 to November 15, 2014.

Tickets go on sale on October 1.