I visited London for the first time as part of my birthday weekend, and while that in itself was magical, so too was seeing Wicked on stage. I can't stop thinking about it.
A Long-Running Phenomenon
Wicked has captivated audiences since its Broadway debut in 2003 at the Gershwin Theatre in New York, and two decades on, it’s still going strong. In London, the West End production is currently the 9th longest-running West End show in history and has been spellbinding the capital since 2006.
I didn’t expect to be so completely blown away from start to finish. The talent was extraordinary, and the singing and the dancing were on another level.
How to Book Tickets
We managed to book our tickets via the official website for the 2pm Sunday performance. Heading to the Apollo Victoria Theatre the next day, we found our seats in the Dress Circle and settled in, waiting for the show to begin. We paid £39.50 each.
Elphaba and Glinda
Charlotte Anne Steen, who plays Elphaba, has an incredibly powerful voice. I will admit I did cry several times as she performed. From Defying Gravity to No Good Deed (my favourite), she made every line her own. She also delivered her iconic, funny, and witty comments, giving me goosebumps as she hit the high notes. Don't forget her wicked laugh!
You could feel Elphaba's awkwardness, anger, pain and heartache across the stage, especially at the end. I had to tell myself to stop crying before the lights came on.
Glinda, played by Lydia Gerrard, also impressed me. The character is known to be a bit blunt, and blunt she was. She delivered the lines hilariously, and, like Steen, both delivered the songs in their own way. Although the character initially seems to dislike Elphaba, the affection between them becomes clear by the end of the show. It was at this point that I cried. Again.
Stand-Out Cast
Jacob Young, who plays Fiyero, has a great voice, and I really loved it when he sang As Long As You're Mine. I once again had chills. The whole cast really impressed me, and I could not fault a single person. They are joined by Sarah Ingram (Madame Morrible), Michael Matus (The Wizard), Hannah Qureshi (Nessarose), David McKechnie (Doctor Dillamond), and Ross Carpenter (Boq).
Speaking of the Wizard, I loved how they would use flashback scenes to enter the Wizard's mind, recalling that special night with the green bottle.
A Piece of History in Front of My Very Own Eyes
The role, no matter who you're cast as, is vocally demanding. And I cannot get over how gorgeous and detailed the costumes are. The fabric allowed them to float on stage as they danced effortlessly. Seeing that kind of dancing (lifting, and all) in person, rather than on TV like you do on Strictly Come Dancing, was unforgettable.
I can't forget the monkeys. Swinging from prop to prop, I didn't once think of them as a human in a great costume and make-up - that says a lot.
I Cannot Stop Thinking About This
While I have to give credit to everyone who stepped on stage, I can’t forget those behind the scenes. From the costume designers to the people who crafted the fabrics and the stage crew, there are simply no words.
I absolutely loved the stage props and didn't realise how detailed it would be. The scenery changed in front of our eyes so quickly and I kept whispering to myself 'wow'. They were so imaginative and detailed that they really brought the world of Oz to life. Every set piece felt immersive, but the standout for me was the Wizard’s giant mechanical face.
It was so cleverly designed and visually striking. The way it moved made the Wizard feel even more powerful and theatrical. It’s one of those effects that sticks with you long after the show ends.
When the cast closed the show with No One Mourns the Wicked, and Elphaba and Glinda parted ways, I was in a flood of tears. It was my first show, but it’s hard to imagine anything ever topping it.
Practical Tip
If you have a large bag, leave it at Victoria Station’s bag drop or another luggage storage area, as big bags aren’t allowed inside and they do not operate a clockroom facility at the time of writing. We left ours at the station as we were going straight to the airport after the performance.
