Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
www.wickedthemusical.co.uk

If you like Wizard of Oz then you will love Wicked. This visual spectacular is fast becoming one of the West Ends “must see” productions. 

Based on Gregory Maguire's acclaimed novel, Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz .How one came to be called 'good' and the other 'wicked'. However, at its heart Wicked is really a story about tolerance of people who appear visually different to us – in this case green! It also focuses on how a society can turn on individuals for being different but how we can become better people through our understanding and acceptance of them.

However, this is  where the hidden depths of Wicked ends for this really is a feel good fantasy musical produced in true West End style, with opulent sets and lavish costumes. The new cast of Wicked live up to its reputation and produce the goods in a production that clearly has a strong Broadway following. Alexia Khadime gives a skilled performance as Elphaba, ending the first half on a high with her strong rendition of Defying Gravity and decaying nicely in the second act into the acid tongued Wicked Witch Of The West, melted it would appear only by the charm and wit of her secret love Fiyero, aptly played by Oliver Tompsett. However, it is the performance of Dianne Pilkington, who plays Glinda, that steals the show. Her obvious enjoyment of the character shines through, but then not many actresses get to arrive by bubble do they! Pilkington’s natural flair for comic timing and bubblegum blonde approach to the role sets the tone of the production and adds to its overall sense of fun. Add that to some interesting twists on the Wizard of Oz plot and know that Wicked promises an entertaining night at the theatre suitable for all the family, which surely can’t be bad thing!

Alexia Khadime gives a skilled performance as Elphaba, ending the first half on a high with her strong rendition of Defying Gravity and decaying nicely in the second act into the acid tongued Wicked Witch Of The West.”