Wicked Review

If you think you know the Wicked Witch of the West, think again...

When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire's acclaimed 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, re-imagined the land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story written by L. Frank Baum and first published as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900.

WICKED tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl, Elphaba.

Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The spectacular, multi award-winning stage musical, with music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, has become the most spellbinding and successful new musical in years.

We arrived at The Apollo Theatre in London's West End to be greeted by an extremely green affair.  Outside is an enormous illuminated green sign that means there is not a chance of missing the theatre.  The Apollo has two entrances but both sides were easy to find.  Welcomed by staff and guides where to go made us feel very relaxed.  The foyer had an amass of green lighting which made everyone glow a beautiful shade of green.  It was full of hussle and bussle with excited people from various different countries.  Standing at the bar I realised I was hearing German, French and American accents just within a very short distance.  Staff selling the programmes and soundtracks stood amongst the crowds. 

We were all rather excited so when we were allowed entry into the theatre we joined the queues to take our seats.  The red seats and carpet reminded me that this is actually an old theatre which I later found out had been originally a cinema.  The theatre can hold 2300 people which is extraordinary.  You certainly don't feel that you are amongst this many people. We took our seats and spent some time looking around.  The stage had a large map screen which was exceedingly interesting to look at and work out where places were.  A huge Dragon hung over the stage which we were all curious as to what it was going to do during the show.

Everyone settled in their places and the music started.  Annoyingly a group of people needed to get into their seats during the song which was rather disruptive but once everyone sorted themselves we were able to let Wicked cast its spell on us.

The cast were delectably brilliant.  They all worked so well together to put on a seamless performance.  They all have the most incredible voices making the audience tingle with emotion throughout.

The story of Wicked relates to pre Wizard of Oz and fills in some gaps plus shows the tale from a different perspective which was interesting to see. 

At half time my youngest found it hilarious that the refreshments being called out were Wine and Olives as prior to the show it was cold beer.  I did point out they had other drinks but those were ones that would perhaps tempt people. 

The costumes and the changes were seamless (my little joke) this of course a total credit to everyone involved backstage.

We all thoroughly enjoyed Wicked and it appears the people around us that I asked also found it an exhilarating experience.  The young girl behind me thought Wicked was Wicked!

We left wanting to see it again and again - I think we have the bug.  I have seen that Wicked has been described as a phenomenon - truly accurate in my opinion.   My whole family took great pleasure in watching Wicked!