Wicked - Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre - 9th July - 6th September 2014

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre

Wicked

9th July - 6th September 2014

Wicked has flown into the Birmingham Hippodrome this week and there is only one word for this spectacular musical… it’s WICKED !!!!!

The atmosphere on press night was electric and the audience was not disappointed. Right from the start we were wowed by the amazing set, glorious costumes, wonderful lighting and sound and accompanied by the truly talented cast; bringing together a spell binding night of entertainment.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and book buy Winnie Holzman the story of Wicked is the prequel to the famous story of Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum. The story follows the early years of Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (The Good Witch of the North). The story is extremely touching with some fantastic wit also dealing with the issues of friendship, love, betrayal, insecurity and dictatorship.

On press night the role of Elphaba was played by the standby Jemma Alexander and we were not disappointed. Jemma was superb in the role bringing Elphaba to life, making the audience really care for her and her situation. Defying Gravity is one of my favourite musical songs and I had goosebumps with Jemma’s rendition… just brilliant!

It was a close run match between the female leads and Emily Tienney was just as magnificent in the role of Glinda; she was delightful, charming, witty and played the part of a spoilt little rich girl to perfection, also her comic timing was just fantastic!

For the die hard Wizard of Oz fans out there (of which I am one)  the story is littered with references to the  Emerald City, the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy etc. (I could go on) which was just fabulous for my two little ones who joined me for the evening, engaging them immediately.

Congratulations must also go to Liam Doyle as Fiyero, Carina Gillespie as Nessarose, Dale Rapley as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz/ Doctor Dillamond Marilyn Cutts as Madame Morrible and George Ure as Boq.

I was spell- bound from when the first note was struck by the orchestra and remained so right to the end. My children have announced Wicked as there new favourite musical, I envisage a summer of singing along to this wonderful soundtrack! Well there are worse things one could do!

Wicked is around for the whole summer so don’t miss out... if you can grab a ticket and get along along to the Hippodrome, swathe yourself in emerald wickedness for the evening and enjoy!!!

Review by Faye Arrowsmith-Hatch