Cynthia Erivo takes on Glinda role in SNL UK’s Wicked parody
Ayoade Bamgboye appeared as Elphaba opposite Erivo, reversing the host’s role in the Wicked movie.
Hosting Saturday Night Live U.K., Cynthia Erivo traded her Wicked movie character for Glinda in a comedy sketch with Ayoade Bamgboye as Elphaba. The performance put Erivo in the role played on film by Ariana Grande, rather than her own screen role of Elphaba.
The 39-year-old, a three-time Oscar nominee, wore a pink tracksuit with a blonde wig. The parody replaced the characters’ musical sparring with a slap from Glinda, who also insulted Elphaba.
The cost of giving Elphaba a makeover provided another joke, with Glinda proposing that the Wizard pay for it. When the characters went to visit him, Glinda said she wanted him to buy her a Birkin bag.
The sketch also teased a kiss between the two characters. Later, back at Shiz, they leaned toward one another for a kiss before an explosion effect ended the scene, playing on fans’ interest in a romance between Glinda and Elphaba.
