My introduction to Wicked was 11 years ago on a school trip to Manchester’s Palace Theatre. Last night, I came full circle right back to where it all began.
As I made my way to the Palace, I wondered if I’d still be enchanted by a musical which has entered the cultural zeitgeist. I needn’t have worried. As the emerald attire of the Ozians hoved into view, I relived my original feelings of astonishment and bedazzlement. No wonder those on stage wear sunglasses.
Set against the backdrop of a magical and politically complex Oz, delving into themes of identity, acceptance and the blurred lines between good and evil, Wicked focuses on the anti-hero Elphaba and the heroine, Glinda. Written by Winnie Holzman with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the stage performance is largely based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Wicked UK Tour 2024, Sarah O’Connor. Photo by Matt Crockett.
The audience at the Palace Theatre were treated to a polished production with startling plot twists, with leading ladies Laura Pick (Elphaba) and Sarah O’Connor (Glinda) delivering performances which defied my expectations. This touring production of Wicked has humour, heart and heat.
Fans of Wicked need no reminding that the stage show has arrived in Manchester at the same as the film version, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has hit cinemas. The timing offers a rare opportunity to experience two adaptations of a modern classic. I’ve seen the movie – it is perfectly executed. Meanwhile, the theatre show is brilliantly immersive and its intoxicating adrenaline made my palms sweaty and left me breathless.
Meanwhile, Pick and O’Connor had the audience in the palm of their (sweaty) hands. When a roar of applause greeted O’Connor’s solo performance of The Wizard and I, it was possible to glimpse the actress behind the green facade, absorbing the moment. All told, Pick’s portrayal of Elphaba was uplifting and raw, her passion pouring out into the audience. Meanwhile, O’Connor brought the innate charm of Glinda to the surface. But all cast members were exceptional, among them Carl Man (Fiyero) Donna Berlin (Madame Morrible) Simeon Truby (The Wizard) Jed Berry (BOQ), and Megan Gardiner (Nessa Rose).
Wicked is an unforgettable musical, appealing to all ages. It will always be one of my favourites.
Main image: Wicked UK Tour 2024. Laura Pick, photo by Matt Crockett
Wicked is at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until January 12, 2025. For more information, click here.
