It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - Wicked! the Musical.

Hi!!!

Today I'm going to review the last in the block of shows I went to see way back when in August. Now, I know, that's probably made you think that this won't be reliable because I will have forgotten things but fear not; I started this post ages ago and also made notes after the show itself all that time ago. So, now that issue is solved, lets crack on.

Before I begin, I just want to say that it might seem like I think every show is brilliant and worth a viewing. However, this isn't the case. I would never tell you to go and see something that I didn't think was worth your time or hard earned cash. There will be times when I tell you not to go and see something, as well as times when I say you *have* to go and see something (like today). These reviews contain my 100% honest opinion and just because something isn't my thing, doesn't mean it won't be yours, these reviews are for advice only.

This was the final show of the week. I have wanted to go and see Wicked! for years now and so was delighted when I got the tickets for my birthday this year. We had an awesome day and I based my makeup on the show; green winged out smokey eyes with red lips (green from Sleek Ultra Mattes Dark palate; lipstick MAC Ladybug). I had green shadow on all day but topped it up and added the lippy in the toilets of Wetherspoons - it was Curry Night, we had to go in.

Wicked! the Musical is on at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, on Wilton Road in London. It's a bit further out than people would tend to go normally to see a production in London, but is totally worth it. I walked to the theatre from my hotel (Travel-Lodge in Covent Garden) and I really enjoyed the walk because we had to go past Buck House (Buckingham Palace to you) and see a part of London which I don't tend to go to very often. However if walking isn't your thing it is literally one minute away from a mainline and tube station.
 I mentioned above that I went to Wetherspoons. Wetherspoons is next door to the theatre (like if the theatre were number 26 on a street, Wetherspoons would be 28) - convenient and cheap!

I've rambled on enough, me thinks.

So,

What's it about?

 

Everybody remembers the film The Wizard of Oz from when they were a child - right? Remember when Dorothy wins her battle with Wicked Witch of the West? We only ever heard one side of the story.

And to every story, there are two sides.

Wicked tells the untold story of an unlikely friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the very popular, very pretty Glinda, and a misunderstood girl named  Elphaba, who was born green.

  After an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the girl's reach a crossroads and their lives take very different paths, which strains their friendship. Glinda's desire for popularity sees her seduced by power and influence in the Land of Oz. But Elphaba is determined to stay true to herself, and to the people that are around her, in every sense. This will have unexpected consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will result in the two fulfilling their destinies and becoming "Glinda The Good" and the "Wicked Witch of the West".

 

You soon won't believe all you were once told about the Land of Oz, all those years ago.

 

 

What did I think?

 

I had been waiting to go and see this performance for so long. Normally, expectation exceeds reality. But Wicked! did not let me down. It was such an amazing show, I felt so much a part of it and connected so much with it that I was laughing, crying and every other overly clichéd emotion all in the space of 2 hours 45 minutes. I also mimed the words to Defiying Gravity - two reasons; a) I've been preparing for that moment for ages, b) I'm a Gleek.

 

I loved every second of this performance.

 

The set(s) were amazing! Honestly, everything from the curtain (with a map of Oz and sparkly surprise), to the sets used for the big, major scenes and the little scenes. Flawless design, and construction.

 

The costumes, hair and makeup were brilliant. They gave so much energy to the performance. Every single detail was there when it came to costumes, they were brilliant. Makeup and hair were amazing and there was little fault to be found there either, it was all of a very high standard.

 

Music and lyrics were spot on as was the orchestration.

 

The staging, choreography, sound and lighting were also very good.

 

The Cast and Company did an excellent job.

The company were very together and performed brilliantly.

Louise Dearman did a brilliant job as Elphaba. She was faultless, gave a believable performance, hit all the right notes and was just brilliant. Also, Dearman somehow manages to look good when her face and hands etc are green... Top class performance.

When we went to see Wicked!, the understudy for Glinda was performing. Understudies don't get the credit they deserve and Lucy van Gasse really did a great job. Her overall performance was top drawer.

 Ben Freeman played Fiyero and gave a strong and convincing performance. He had a real influence on the performance.
Harriet Thorpe and Keith Bartlett made for an excellent duo as Madame Morrible and The Wizard. They were strong in their roles and confident in their characters. Good performances from both.
Playing Boq and Nessarose were Sam Lupton and Katie Rowley Jones. Both of them sustained their characters throughout and portrayed their change of emotion and thought very well.
The role of Doctor Dillamond was taken on by Christopher Howell. I enjoyed his performance and he caused me to question things throughout and I felt very connected with the character.
 

 What did other people think?

 

Everyone seemed to love it. The Apollo Victoria is huge, and was packed with all sorts of people. Obvioulsy, there were quite a few families with kids, and they all loved it. Also, I loved it and other people around my age enjoyed it tons. Even the grandparents that had been roped in to go enjoyed it all. Everyone was captivated and the audience became connected to each other through the performance. This show was made for everyone. It's a people kind of show. It's not to childish, nor is it too complex and everyone in the room seemed to adore it.

 

Would I recommend it?

 

100% yes. I would recommend this show to anyone and everyone and I am almost certain that you'll enjoy it. It might not seem like your scene but it's more than just a musical and everything just fits into place. It won't let you down.

 

When can you go and see it?

 

Wicked! the Musical is on at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Wilton Road in London. It is a long runner and so you'll be able to see it in London from now until... who knows? Forever, probably. It is also touring the UK and Ireland at the moment, so if that's of interest, be sure to check it out. The website with a link for all information of the London show and Tour is HERE.

 

Final notes...

 

• Make the effort when it comes to what you wear. Smart casual if possible and if you dare show up in a tracksuit I will set all the dogs on my road on you.
• Try and get the best seats you can so you can pick up on every fine detail - it's worth it. We were second row back - lucky us!
• A little story that goes with the time I went to see Wicked!. There was an mom and her son next to us and Oh My Glob, they were annoying! Seriously, they were faffing and talking and I got quite annoyed that they were ruining the experience for everyone. Eventually, after me giving them evils throughout the time they were faffing/talking and me being, in hindsight, quite rude and not standing up to let them get off the row (even though they were sat on the end of the row anyway - some people!), they shut up. Please do not be like these people (or the aforementioned dogs will get you!) !!!
• You'll have to walk or take the tube because, to quote the show, "We Can't All Travel By Bubble, You Know!"
• Enjoy yourself. It's a great show. Honestly, just have a good time.

 

So that's it for today then, I suppose. I really enjoy writing theatre reviews, because I'm a passionate theatre-goer and I hope that rubs off on you. If you've been to see this, leave your feedback on the show below. Do you agree with me? If you haven't gone to see this, do you want to? Thanks for reading this review, you lovely human.

 

Have a Wicked! day (see what I did there?)...

 

GingerSnaps xxx