It has been about 10 years since I first saw Wicked at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff and I was almost a bit nervous going in – could it live up to the hype and memory I had in my head of how good it was?! Well, it not only lived up to it but went above and beyond, sweeping me up for an evening into a spellbinding world of magic, music and friendship.
The Surprising Backstory of the Famous Witches of Oz…
Wicked reimagines Gregory Maguire’s novel (based on L. Frank
Baum’s classic) making us question everything we thought we knew about heroes,
villains, and what it means to be truly “wicked”. The show tells the untold
story of Elphaba (the so-called “Wicked Witch of the West”) and her surprising
friendship with Glinda the Good.
Set long before Dorothy arrives, the show takes us to their
university days, where two young women – one misunderstood and fierce, the
other bubbly and adored – meet and form an unlikely bond. Through their choices
and challenges, the story questions everything we thought we knew about good
and evil.
For fans of The Wizard of Oz, there are some clever nods that resolve those
lingering “how did that happen?” mysteries – why the Scarecrow ended up
brainless, what made the Lion so cowardly, and how the Tin Man lost his heart…
FUN FACT: The production is the 10th longest running
West End show in British history (20 years+) and has won over 100 global awards
so far!
A Show-Stopping Cast and Stunning Performances
The cast were impeccable in bringing the world of Oz to life and making the show feel like such a huge spectacle, with Laura Pick as Elphaba and Sarah O’Connor as Glinda delivering performances that were both electrifying and deeply emotional.
From the very first note, Pick’s voice brought the house
down, especially in her solos. Her voice was so powerful and had such a lush
tone to it. “Defying Gravity,” which ended the first half, was such a
powerhouse moment….she hit that final high note spot on….goosebumps all round!
The applause seemed to roll on and on, never seen anything like it before!
O’Connor was so charming and captivating as Glinda,
playing up the role with an almost saccharine sweetness that made her loveable
even when she wasn’t really being the nicest! She has a gorgeous operatic
quality to her voice. The chemistry between the two women felt authentic, tender
and earned, with great acting performances giving depth to their complex
friendship.
Top 3 Songs That Left Me Spellbound!
Wicked is packed with unforgettable songs (I was hooked on the soundtrack before I ever even saw the show!) but three truly stood out. I was super impressed Carl Man as Fiyero who did a perfect job with "Dancing Through Life". He sang beautifully and I loved how he went through a lot of character transformation; he had very magnetic and genuine chemistry with his love interest too. This is one of the most visually lively numbers in the show, I love the joyful energy it has, one of the catchiest melodies ever and clever lyrics!
“As Long As You’re Mine” is possibly my number one song from this show,
I love the haunting quality too it and the sense of unease…it’s equal parts romantic
and a bit ominous and dark. The melody is just stunning and the two sounded
incredible together. Very simple staging and that’s all that was needed for the
song to shine and make a huge impact.
Defying Gravity might be the showstopper but for me I think “For Good” has the edge as it makes me feel more, that song just tugs at the heart so much! Maybe a little sappy but it hit harder after going through a friendship breakup last year that still plays on my mind, and losing a very best friend far too young the year before - both totally different situations but just something about this song and the lyrics connects with me on a deeper level because of personal experiences. The harmonies are intricate, each voice weaving in and out as they express the deep, lasting impact they’ve had on each other. It’s that line “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good” that always leaves a lasting impact, reminding us of the friendships that shape us, even after they’ve ended.
EDIT: Just put the soundtrack on and I completely forgot about 'I'm Not That Girl' which definitely can't be left out from my top songs. There are just so many good ones!!! Also Defying Gravity probably is a fav lol. Top 5 then not 3!
Spectacular Costumes and Set Design
Visually, Wicked is an absolute knockout. The costumes,
designed by Susan Hilferty, felt like works of art, each piece
meticulously tailored to bring out the characters’ unique quirks. Glinda’s
gowns shimmered and sparkled, they were definitely a highlight for me. The set,
with its clockwork-inspired elements and massive, looming time dragon, was both
fantastical and a little scary, grounding you in Oz’s otherworldly charm while
highlighting the darker undertones of the story.
Wicked Is a Must-See in Cardiff
Expect spectacular music, intricate storytelling and
jaw-dropping performances. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or seeing Wicked
for the first time, this production is pure magic, reminding us that every
story has another side and that friendships shape us in ways we never expect.
For those looking to experience the magic of Wicked
in Cardiff, tickets are selling out fast. With limited availability, it's best
to check for returns or last-minute availability if you’re hoping to snag a
seat. The show runs at the Wales Millennium Centre until Saturday, November 23
2024 and you can check for tickets on the Wales Millennium Centre
website, where the Customer Relations team is also available via chat or
email at tickets@wmc.org.uk, Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
I was invited to the press night for this review and would like to say a big thank you to Natalie for a fantastic job organising the event and for inviting me along - I took my mum as plus one and we loved it!
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