Cynthia Erivo and Ayoade Bamgboye have reimagined the magical world of Wicked as a low-budget Nollywood production in a hilarious sketch titled “Nigerian Wicked” on Saturday Night Live UK (SNL UK).
The comedy sketch transports the story from the fictional land of Oz to LagOz, blending the musical’s familiar characters with Nigerian movie tropes, exaggerated drama and deliberately poor production values.
Presented as a production by the fictional Holy Ghost Productions, the parody draws on the conventions of Nollywood films, with references to other imaginary titles, including Beyonce’s Revenge and Light Skin, Dark Heart.
Bamgboye plays Elphaba, the green-skinned witch, while Erivo takes on the role of Glinda, sporting a pink tracksuit, blonde wig and matching cap.
The pair share a room filled with vintage trunk luggage, where their strained relationship quickly becomes a source of comedy. In one scene, Glinda slaps Elphaba for being “very classless”, prompting Elphaba to complain that the room smells like egg.
Their adventure continues when they board a train to LagOz to meet the Wizard, played by Hammed Animashaun.
Rather than the powerful and mysterious figure they expect, the Wizard is broke and wears a “No-lex” watch instead of a Rolex. He also offers his visitors some Bailey’s Irish Cream.
The sketch further twists the original story with Elphaba hoping her magical transformation will help her achieve a “skinny BBL”, while Glinda remains focused on securing a Birkin bag.
Other elements include flying monkeys, a character called Professor Goat and dramatic musical interludes, all designed to parody the extravagant storytelling and production quirks associated with low-budget Nollywood films.
The sketch ends with an extended credit sequence that introduces Erivo by her full traditional name, Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Owezuke Amarachukwu Echeumuna Erivo.
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