Wicked (UK Touring)

Becoming almost as loved and as well known as the Wizard of Oz itself, the story of the Witches of Oz is back touring the UK again and is highly likely to play to full houses if response from the current venue, Liverpool Empire, is anything to go by. Spectacular and with probably one of the most engaging stories are just two ways to describe the journey that Elphaba and Glinda take in the period prior to Dorothy Gale appearing on the scene in Munchkinland.

I am sure there have been a plethora of artistic talent that has allowed audiences to immerse themselves in something so engaging, not least of all the music and lyrics are from an icon of the genre in Stephen Schwartz and the writing from the genius pen of Winne Holzman but, much of the 'wow factor' has to be attributed to the scenic design of Eugene Lee and the costume design of Susan Hilferty which combine to make 'Wicked' as visually stunning as it is.

Assuming the not inconsiderable mantle of the 'strikingly green' Elphaba is the 'strikingly talented' Amy Ross, with such a stellar back catalogue of performers in this role it is a challenge for any new incumbant and Amy takes that challenges and embraces it with everything she has. Complementing this performance is Helen Woolf hitting all the right notes as the entrancingly 'good' Glinda.

Jumping out of another entertainment phenomenon, that of television soap opera and proving that live theatre is just as much his environment is Aaron Sidwell as feisty Fiyero and continuing the soap theme for those as old as me who can remember Brookside, a wittily entertaining performance as The Wizard/Dr Dillamond by Steven Pinder.

Theatre stalwart Kim Ismay is an ideally characterful Madame Morrible, Emily Shaw an uncompromising yet bewitching Nessarose and Iddon Jones delivered perfectly the frustration and pain of Boq.

Filled to the brim with great performances, tuneful songs and just the right blend of action compared with suspense, whether you’re a ‘Wicked’ follower or this is your first visit to Shiz, make sure you get to a performance even if you have to sell your wand, it’s touring until 5th January 2019.

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