Birmingham Hippodrome – until 7th April 2024.
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Wicked flew into Birmingham to start a 5-week residency at the Hippodrome, the third stop on the UK tour that concludes in Manchester in January 2025. Currently, Birmingham Hippodrome has sold an impressive 60,000 tickets for this leg of the tour alone. Winner of more than 100 global awards, the show has already been seen by 65 million people worldwide and recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Broadway premiere. A 25 minute delay at the start of the performance due to technical issues did not dampen the crowd’s spirits at all, and when one of the infamous Flying Monkeys crawled from the orchestra pit as the curtain was raised, the cheers were deafening.
Based on the best-selling novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Gregory Maguire, and written by Winnie Holzman, the show depicts the origin story of the characters created in L. Frank Baum’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’. There are many ‘in jokes’ and allusions to the original Wizard of Oz along the way to keep the hardcore fans happy. We follow the early lives of Elphaba Thropp (Laura Pick) and Galinda Upland (Sarah O’Conner), who would later become known as The Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. Both are captivating right from the outset. Galinda is bubbly, self-obsessed and, of course, ever so popular. Elphaba is reserved and angry at how she is treated differently because of her striking green skin. Their vocal performances are outstanding throughout. The pair embark on a journey of unlikely friendship, betrayal, self-discovery and acceptance. Along the way, they both meet and fall for Fiyero (Carl Man), who helps them fight against the Wizard (Simeon Truby) whose rule of Oz has become a dictatorship. They realise the Wizard and Madame Morrible (Donna Berlin) have created animal inequality in Oz, when it becomes apparent that the talking animals in the kingdom are starting to lose both their voices and their freedom.
The show has exceptional vocal performances from start to finish from all involved. The iconic score by Stephen Schwartz carries the story along perfectly and is performed beautifully by the orchestra with conductor Matthew J. Loughran. Some people may be waiting for the most famous song ‘Defying Gravity’, a fantastic climax to the show’s first half as Elphaba soars to the top of the stage. But along the way, all the songs are just as captivating in their own way. The production quality is obvious throughout, from the exquisite ‘Steampunk’ inspired outfits designed by Susan Hilferty, to the beautiful scenic design by Eugene Lee. The sets are awe-inspiring, especially the green-hued City of Oz.
The show brings together impressive special effects, scarier moments (it wouldn’t be Oz without them), perfectly timed comedic moments and amazing songs performed by a talented ensemble of performers. There are a few surprises along the way that I really don’t want to spoil for those who have yet to see the show! Judging by the prolonged standing ovation, it left the audience totally bewitched and begging for more. For the next five weeks there is definitely ‘No place like Brum’.