JADAR

★★★★★

The Wicked phenomenon is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to the brand new 2024 film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Despite the buzz surrounding the new cinematic version, currently dazzling audiences in cinemas, the stage production of Wicked has been delighting theatre-goers for over two decades, and the production currently touring the UK proves that the magic of the stage is far from eclipsed. In fact, it’s as powerful as ever, showing that while the story might be older, its themes and the impact of its performance are anything but outdated.

Wicked, with its book by Winnie Holzman and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel of the same name. It tells the untold backstory of the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The musical chronicles the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, a greenskinned young woman who is vilified for her appearance and powers, and Glinda, a bubbly, blonde sorceress who is adored by all.

Set in the magical Land of Oz, the show delves into themes of friendship, identity, power, and the complex nature of good and evil. Since its debut in 2003, Wicked has become a global sensation, with productions around the world and a fanbase that continues to grow. The latest touring production is a testament to the show’s enduring popularity and its timeless appeal.

The musical continues to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals, captivating music, and powerful performances. Every element of the show, from the intricately designed sets to the memorable choreography, works in perfect harmony to transport audiences to the fantastical world of Oz. And yet, at the heart of it all, it is the performances that truly make this Wicked a triumph.

Laura Pick’s portrayal of Elphaba is nothing short of phenomenal. From her first note in ‘The Wizard and I,’ she commands the stage with a voice that is both breathtaking in its power and deeply moving in its emotional range. Her rendition of the iconic ‘Defying Gravity’ is the show’s clear highlight.

Unfortunately, the overwhelming stage lighting, which is usually used to create the illusion of Elphaba soaring above the stage, instead diluted the visual impact of the moment. The grand cape, an iconic element of the performance, was lost amid the intense lighting, which distracted from the intended effect. Despite this, Pick’s performance was spellbinding and so commanding that the moment still landed emotionally, making her journey from misunderstood outsider to powerful figure of defiance resonate deeply.

Opposite Pick, Sarah O’Connor shines as G(a)linda. She captures the character’s lighthearted charm, vulnerability, and self-absorption with effortless grace, offering a perfect counterpoint to Elphaba’s more complex persona.

While O’Connor’s voice is impeccable, her pronunciation and enunciation sometimes hinder the clarity of her words, and though her acting in ‘Popular’ was captivating—especially her infectious giggles—her singing felt rushed at times.

The chemistry between O’Connor and Pick is palpable, with their unlikely friendship providing the emotional heart of the musical.

Carl Man’s Fiyero, the love interest, is equally engaging, embodying both the aloofness of the character and his eventual emotional transformation with ease. Jed Berry’s Boq, the Munchkin, brings an earnest sincerity to the stage, while Megan Gardiner’s Nessarose offers a stirring performance that adds emotional weight to the narrative. Donna Berlin as Madame Morrible and Simeon Truby as the Wizard both manage to embody their characters’ moral ambiguity with skill, adding layers to the complex world of Oz.

As always, the Palace Theatre provided a first-rate experience, with its attention to detail and commitment to showcasing the very best in theatre. The production’s great execution of the elaborate sets, costumes, and music could hardly be criticised, and it is a venue that consistently delivers on its promise to bring the highest quality theatre to Manchester.

The cast, led by the extraordinary Laura Pick, gave a performance that left the audience on their feet, applauding in rapture, as they had just witnessed something truly magical. By the final strains of the last song, the theatre was alive with the sound of a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to a cast that was, without question, at the peak of their craft.

Wicked is a production that defies not only gravity but also expectations, soaring to new heights with every performance, and it remains as dazzling and captivating as the very first time it was performed.

Wicked runs at Palace Theatre Manchester, the final stop of its UK tour, until January 12 2025. It is currently booking at Apollo Victoria Theatre, London until January 4 2026.

Photo: Matt Crockett