REVIEWED: Wicked returns to theatres

Premiering on Broadway back in 2003 and making its way to London’s west end by 2006, WICKED the musical has now been seen by almost 60 million people worldwide. Embarking on their multi record-breaking tour at the Palace Theatre in Manchester FIVE years ago, the production has returned to the Northern city to bow out for their final leg.

Based on the novel: “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”, the narrative is inspired by L. Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and follows the lives of Glinda and Elphaba… long before Dorothy and Toto appear on the scene. Acting as a prequel to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, author, Greg Maguire, tells the backstories of two unlikely university friends and the events that shape their destinies; ultimately becoming Glinda the Good and The Wicked Witch of the West.

Although a huge fiery dragon looms over the stage, the scariness is soon forgotten when Glinda (Helen Woolf) enters; glistening in a baby blue ball gown and descending through the sky in a delicate bubble. She’s accompanied by fellow Ozians to celebrate the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West, or as Glinda knows her as, Elphaba (Amy Ross). But we soon learn what lies beneath the beautiful surface…

As the tale continues, references from “The Wizard of Oz” constantly weave throughout the musical. Not only do we learn the back story of Elphaba, but we also learn to understand why the lion has no courage, why the tin man has no heart and why the scarecrow doesn’t have a brain.

Glinda is a stand out comedic character; filled with witty one liners and self-confidence. Helen Woolf takes on the part wonderfully, providing humour throughout but at the same time, stunning operatic vocals. One of the most memorable scenes in the musical is when she “decides to make Elphie her new project” during ‘Popular’. Although it’s simple, it exposes both characters and their growing friendships, resulting in a rapturous applause from the audience.

Helen Woolf as Glinda in WICKED UK & Ireland Tour. Photo Credit Matt Crockett

The set design and props during the show are also impeccable. With frequent backdrop changes flowing effortlessly into one another, the designers created one great scene after another. In the Emerald City, the neon lights and brilliantly eccentric costumes added fun, humour and spectacle into the performance; making it a stand out scene.

And of course, the phenomenal vocals of Elphaba don’t go unnoticed by a long shot. With some of the most iconic musical numbers hailing from WICKED, Amy Ross proved she was all we needed and more. Having seen the show three times prior, Ross must be the best Elphaba I have ever seen. From gritty, wicked witch-esque vocals in ‘No Good Deed’, to belting ballads in ‘Defying Gravity’, her versatile range left the audience speechless.

Amy Ross as Elphaba in WICKED UK & Ireland Tour. Photo Credit Matt Crockett

Without giving too much more of the plot away, WICKED is truly…. Well, WICKED! From the opening number to the finale, every second is magical. It teaches life lessons, friendships and grievances and I’ll say no more… Except snap up your tickets quick before it ends in January on 0844 871 3019