Our ‘Wicked’ screening with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
Fresh off a global press tour for the hit film, the stars were welcomed to London’s White City House for a Q&A and showing
Friday 31 January 2025 By Chloe Lawrance
With global event programming that includes exciting food pop-ups, performances from some of music’s biggest names and parties not to be missed, around the world our members enjoy a host of special moments found only at Soho House. And that includes our recent member screening of Wicked at White City House, followed by a Q&A with the film’s stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, hosted by film journalist Anna Smith.
With the movie generating a lot of awards season buzz – including both Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for the two actors – the conversation opened on Wicked’s undeniable success, and the reasons for it.
‘One of my favourite things about Wicked has always been how both of these women – Elphaba and Glinda – little pieces of each of them exist within all of us,’ Grande said. ‘That’s why people respond so well. It’s just so human.’
With the movie generating a lot of awards season buzz – including both Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for the two actors – the conversation opened on Wicked’s undeniable success, and the reasons for it.
‘One of my favourite things about Wicked has always been how both of these women – Elphaba and Glinda – little pieces of each of them exist within all of us,’ Grande said. ‘That’s why people respond so well. It’s just so human.’
Throughout the Q&A, both actors discussed their creative processes and their commitment to bringing the story to life.
‘We’re no stranger to [hard work],’ said Erivo. ‘We kind of relish it. We’re not very good at taking days off or taking the easy road. So, for us, what could be seen as a challenge was a real joy.’
One of the film’s most vibrant and complex scenes – the Ozdust Ballroom – was one of these joys.
‘It was a long, extraordinary, beautiful day,’ explained Grande. ‘Cynthia was giving so much. Everyone working on set was quite literally, and I’m sorry to say, “holding space”... there’s no other way to say it. A very warm space was held that day… It was emotional and moving. A lot of hard work goes into making something like that possible.’
The event was part of our Award Season Picks series, which highlights the most anticipated releases of the season, with select screenings and in-person Q&As featuring actors, directors, producers, screenwriters, and costume designers.
These events, which take place in our screening rooms around the globe, are an opportunity for industry talent to share their work – and for members to enjoy a complimentary Campari cocktail as they watch and listen.
Visit the screenings page for more details on what’s happening around our screening rooms this month
‘We’re no stranger to [hard work],’ said Erivo. ‘We kind of relish it. We’re not very good at taking days off or taking the easy road. So, for us, what could be seen as a challenge was a real joy.’
One of the film’s most vibrant and complex scenes – the Ozdust Ballroom – was one of these joys.
‘It was a long, extraordinary, beautiful day,’ explained Grande. ‘Cynthia was giving so much. Everyone working on set was quite literally, and I’m sorry to say, “holding space”... there’s no other way to say it. A very warm space was held that day… It was emotional and moving. A lot of hard work goes into making something like that possible.’
The event was part of our Award Season Picks series, which highlights the most anticipated releases of the season, with select screenings and in-person Q&As featuring actors, directors, producers, screenwriters, and costume designers.
These events, which take place in our screening rooms around the globe, are an opportunity for industry talent to share their work – and for members to enjoy a complimentary Campari cocktail as they watch and listen.
Visit the screenings page for more details on what’s happening around our screening rooms this month
