the wicked witch of the West End...

Acting as a host to Martin Ball’s Wicked Diary, lastminute.com has seen his blog reach the eyes of thousands of people all over the world. From the back streets of Acton to the wilds of Australia, a community of Wicked fans has been flourishing in the realm of cyberspace, brought together by their love of the show.  But what is it that makes Wicked so desirable? 

It’s being billed as the untold story of the witches of Oz and focuses on a time pre-Dorothy, when two very different girls, Glinda and Elphaba, become friends.  One oozes goodness and innocence from every pore, while the other was born green and possesses a talent for magic that knows no boundaries. Naturally, she turns "bad" and, as with every good story, there’s a man at the heart of it.  A rather sexy one at that – enter Adam Garcia as Fiyero, best known for his lead in Saturday Night Fever.

Perhaps Wicked’s popularity has something to do with the fact that the film The Wizard of Oz is a story many of us hold close to our hearts. Even the most hardcore musical hater can’t fail to be intrigued as to what could have possibly happened before the precocious little girl and her puppy wandered in from Kansas, whinging about her black and white home.

Perhaps it’s the music; the kind of score that tugs at every heartstring before making you snort your wine back out through your nose with laughter.  You’ll crease during ‘Popular’, when Glinda’s giving Elphaba a makeover, and bawl during ‘For Good’, when the unlikely friends realise they have to go their separate ways.

It could quite possibly be the cast in their exceptional, quirky costumes.  You really get a colourful taste of what it must be like to live over the rainbow and the continuous nods at the film will leave you smiling.  For example, the stripy stockings Nessa wears before ‘that unfortunate incident’ and the cocktail that’s served before the dialogue, “limes and apples and pears, oh my!” These and more serve as tiny but special reminders that we're witnessing the work of a protective force, who've strived to ensure the original legend of Oz doesn't get lost in the razzle and dazzle. In fact, the show will probably make you want to dig out the movie that inspired a hundred fantastical imaginings when you were a kid.  Perhaps the magic you used to believe in never really died? Perhaps it just comes in a hundred, slightly more achievable forms, as you grow up.

For example, Dorothy was a lost little girl, looking to find her way home.  In the end she found her true courageous self instead, and home was never quite the same again.  In Wicked, Elphaba, a champion of the underdog and fatefully misunderstood, realises the only way she can ever really be happy, is to say "screw what everyone else thinks" and as a result, the land of Oz is changed forever.  It must be a magical feeling indeed, to be totally satisfied with who you are, (aaaw, sniff)

The main star is reason alone to book this ticket. It's hard not to gape in awe at the award-winning Idina Menzel, belting out the number ‘Defying Gravity’ with such force it’s a wonder she doesn’t actually take off, with or without a broomstick.  London’s lucky to have her in the opening period. After drawing in the masses in New York  Idina’s living proof of the kind of talent all London musicals need to get on board in order to match Broadway’s stunning standards.  Wicked is probably one of the most vocally challenging shows out there.  You’ll come away humming the songs but chances are, if you try and belt them out the way they do on stage, you won’t be able to.  Even if you happen to be a fantastic singer. Just another sign of the quality, talent and professionalism needed (and discovered, luckily) to pull it off. 

Watch Wicked with a good glass of wine and a packet of hankies, and prepare to be spellbound.  It’s a magical masterpiece of musical theatre that’s bound to sell out every performance and close to a standing ovation, as it has done every night since the previews started.  Believe the hype.  Wicked is truly Wicked.  By Becky Wicks

Get your Wicked tickets here

Comments

[Jonathan]

hmmmm .. I must have been to a different show, the music was not that catchy, the songs were all power ballads and the micirophone levels were off, so the high notes were actually pretty painful on the ears! Capped off by a three hour performance, which is a bit too long really, and you have Wicked! The lead characters can certainly sing, but they struggled to bring this turkey to life.

[ash]

I watched Ashlee Simson the night before in Chicago and she should be ashamed to even step onto a stage with her scratchy screechings when Powerhouse Idina is in town. Her acting talent is far superior too. I suspect any chorus member could perform Ms Simson off stage. The show Wicked was outstanding as expected and I would have gladly paid double the ticket price just to see it, believe me - it is that good. Trust me you won't be disappointed. Dr Dillamond, Mr Bell was great as the goat too. Loving the Blog.

[grace holmstock]

i was lucky enough to see the show for free would i recomend it? yes! it was a great show, it had great sets, great costumes, the wicked witch was fantastic and the story is clever and funny. Would i pay 50 plus quid to see it ? No! think i would wait a few months then try the half price ticket office. i have been offered to see it again but you only need to see it once.

[Roddy]

Well in a word........F A N T A S M A G O R I C A L!!!

Well worth the £55GBP to see this fabulous show. Ive never ever experienced a show like it, and ive seen most westend shows that there is!

The best seats to get are any from between row J and P 10-41 are brilliant seats. Any further forward and you are looking up due to the layout of the stage that overhangs the audience.

As soon as Idina walks out onto stage there is an extatic cheer and applause just like as tho Kylie had walked onto stage during her Showgirl tour!!!

You have to act fast due to Idina departing late December and already tickets are so hard to get if you wish to visit before January 2007.

If anybody has any questions then my email is [email protected]

Big Hugs

Roddy

[Nick Chaple]

Having booked months in advance for best seats, I was eagerly looking forward to seeing Wicked. What a disappointment. The songs were instantly forgettable, there was little variety in the style of music and there were far two many songs and not enough drama. For the last half century, the songs in musical theatre have been integral to telling the story. Well in Wicked the songs are boring and there is not enough story to make a two and a half hour show. The show failed to engage me - I couldn't care what happened to any of the characters. I found myself listening to lines that should have been quite witty, but were not getting any laughs. It was hard to know just what audience this show is aimed at – it is too scary for young children and too juvenile for adults. Technically, there were problems with the production I saw (Tuesday 10 October), and the first act finale failed to take off - literally. The wicked witch looked frankly ridiculous standing centre stage clutching a broomstick and singing “I’m flying high – defying gravity”. It’s a pity that technical problems can spoil the highlight of a show well after opening night. On the positive side the costumes were spectacular, the acting generally good (Miriam Margolyes is the real star of the show), and the sets and lighting were quite good – but sadly the positives were not enough to make it a good night out or value for money.

[Gemma Holman]

I saw "Wicked" on Saturday 14th with my mum. We both thought it was absolutely fantastic!

The only let down was some members of the audience as it was very "American", cheering loudly between scenes so the show comes to a stop whilst waiting for the over-excited members of the audience to calm down!

However, Idina's voice was breath-taking, the songs catchy, the storyline clever and the whole show (all 2 and half hours of it) was fabulous! I'm a singer/dancer myself and I thoroughly recommend this show to all musical lovers.

[Asifa]

This show is amazing... i must admit when i bought the tickets (a present for my sisters 16th bday) I had my doubts. mainly due to the differing reviews circulating.
I was wrong to doubt the show.
Everthing was amazing from the songs to costumes to story.
I was left wishing there was a version on DVD for me to take home.
This play is too good to wait till the prices go down, especially if the lead is leaving. HURRY and see it fast.... I know i am!

[AndyWhitehead]

I saw this last night and can't believe that people say it's not memorable.

Sure, I was literally in one of the best four seats in the house, but I still can't faulter the show. I laughed, I welled up a couple of times and spent most of the night picking my jaw off the ground from the unbelievable vocal presence of the two lead characters.

I loved how it explained all the bits behind the story of the Wizard of Oz like how the tinman becomes tin, why the scarecrow exists and so on.

Overall, a wonderful experience and one I will no doubt be repeating shortly

[ray_in_kent]

Wicked!! What a fantastic experience. Visually and musically mindblowingly wonderful, I laughed and cried throughout the entire performance. I loved every moment, and it couldn't last too long for me, or, apparently, any of the younger generation present who were perfectly quiet at just the right moments and clapping and cheering enthusiastically at other times. A standing ovation at the end was no surprise, and I intend to see this show again. It's going to run and run!!

[diane]

I went to the show with my daughter last Saturday and Idina Menzel was replaced by the standby. We were gutted - it is not the same show without her in it. There was no explanation as to why she wasnt in it and it wasnt even announced beforehand. I just hope they werent giving the standby a 'work out' when we had paid £55 per ticket, plus the rest. This show is advertised as starring Idina Menzel for a short season. Unless she was truly really ill this should not be allowed to happen!

[Val]

I also saw the show at the Saturday Matinee and loved it. Yes, I was initially disappointed to see the signs that Idina was not in it, as I'd booked specifically to see her, but once it started, it really didn't matter, and Kerry Ellis did a fantastic job. She's going to be a great Elphaba when she takes over.

We were towards the back of the circle, but had an excellent view, and the performances, set, lighting, and wonderful costumes were tremendous.

I'm now planning when I can go and see it again

[Colin]

I saw the show at the saturday matinee yesterday. have to disagree with comments made by some must have been to a different musical, I was in row G and had an excellent view and Idina and Helen were on top form. Idina raised the roof with Defying Gravity. Although I have listened to the CD and was sceptical regarding Helen, however pleasently suprised.

[Sarah foster]

I saw this show last night, we sat right at the back and only paid £15 for our tickets but the view was still brilliant. I thought the songs, costumes and stage designs were all fantastic. The wicked witch lead lady was excellent, with great vocals. I was truly impressed and it lived up to all of my expectations. A totally fab night out ! My favourite muscial since Phantom.

[Paul]

I saw the show in America and I cannot forget it. It is simply amazing, I was lucky enough to get back stage passes and meet some of the cast. I was so in awe! Go and see this show I beg you all

[NINA PATEL]

I thought the actual storyline was good..and the witch we all know in the Wizard Of Oz as being bad and evil is not so bad after all. This production shows how she become to be known as the Wicked Witch, and how the tin man became the tin man and how the scarecrow became the scarecrow etc...However there was toooo much singing and the songs were quite boring and easily forgotten. The songs were no where near as catchy, humorous or good as the songs from Wizard Of Oz rather they were sentimental and meaningful which is good but as its a spin off from Wizard Of Oz the songs should have been more light hearted and Funny. There should have been more talking rather then singing or an equal balance. The costumes and the set was amazing..I was in row U and it was still a great view...and would recommend not to pay for the expensive tickets as I would have been a bit annoyed as I liked the show but did not like it enough to pay for the more expensive tickets.

[Jess]

I saw this show last month, with Kerry Ellis. I had heard a lot about it, and was worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations - it was absolutely PHENOMENAL!! The best show i have seen in a long time, and i have seen a lot of musicals! The costumes, the wonderfully written script, the music so passionate - it was a theatre- goers dream come true!!
Would highly recommend!! (And the £25 seats view is fantastic for the price!)

[Dan]

Well, it was certainly wicked! and Kerry Ellis is fantastic. Having seen both Idina and Kerry it was refreshing to have someone singing the songs who seemed to have had them written for her. Kerry is a born Elphaba and I want to congratulate her on her showmanship.... WHEN IS THE SOUNDTRACK GOING TO BE RE-RELEASED WITH KERRY AS ELPHIE???? HEAR ME RECORD PRODUCERS :o)

[Hannah Sayers]

i really wish it was on dvd!!! i went to see it for my 11th birthday with my mum and dad my best friend jj and my brother.we though it was the best show ever amazing i really would like to see it again.well done for an SPECTACULAR SHOW!!!! keep up the good shows and im a fane of Indina Menzel ever since. well done to all the actors in the show. please make another amazing show i would like to see.well done love from Hannah xxxx

[Diana Hennell]

I took my daughter and grandchildren to see the show yesterday and had a wonderful time. Good story, great costumes and music. What made it for me were the monkeys with their acrobatics and the fact that my eight year old grandson Declan was quiet for nearly three hours for the first time in his life. Oh! Andy Garcia was rather nice too!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Adele Ansell]

My mother took myself and my children to see Wicked yesterday. Fantastic, amazing, not a beep from the children (or my mother ha ha... sorry mum). Costumes, setting, sound system, actors were all fantastic, what can I say, definatley a show I would recommend to everybody, young and old.

[Ama deGraft-Johnson]

I had heard great reviews of this musical and was looking forward to seeing it. It lived up to all my expectations. Kerry Ellis's performace was outstanding, her voice had such a lovely tone and everytime she opened her mouth it was a pleasure to hear.
The stage setting was amazing and i must say at times it seemed scary, the costume design was also exquisite. I would suggest seeing this show!

[Kimberley Russell]

Wicked was well and truly WICKED!! I went to see it on the 16th of Feb with Kerry Ellis! After all the hype about Idina Menzel, and constantly listening to the fantastic music from the soundtrack, i was worried that Kerry wouldn't live up to my expectations for this fantastic show...but boy was a wrong! She really did it some justice...and more!

Her voice really suited the songs, and she was so powerful and passionate throughout the musical! I can't say one negative thing about Wicked, and anyone who's posted a bad comment on this page, all i can say is 'you must have been watching a completely different show to me!'

The costumes were exquiste, the acting was fantastic, the jokes were hysterical, and the singing was out of this world! You'll find your sides splitting with laughter one minute, and your eyes streaming with tears the next. No wonder this musical receives a standing ovation for every performance!

Wicked was the best musical i have ever seen, and i don't intend to replace its place in my heart for a long time! I would recommend it to everyone, no matter your age or gender...even people who hate musicals will love this one!

All that's left to do now, is to decided how fast i can get to London's Apollo to see it again!

Kim xxx

[X..D a n i e l l e...X]

OMG i luv Idina Menzel with all my heart!

Shes the best Elphie by far i went 6th november for the 2st time then again on 9th Decmber and again 14th July

All shows were absolutely immense!

And its lemon and melons and pears Oh my! lol =]

Get in touch people i luv meeting new wicked fans =]

Luv Huggles Broomsticks and Bubbles to u all =]

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[X..D a n i e l l e...X]

Oh yeh my bebo is
http://www.bebo.com/xxx-wicked-x-rox-xxx

If u wanna get in touch =]

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[X..D a n i e l l e...X]

Sorry im back again lol
If anyone wants to know anything about wicked or where to get good tickets or seats just ask =]

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