Wicked (Tour – Birmingham)

The thrillifying untold story of the witches of Oz brings the Emerald City to Birmingham Hippodrome this summer.

Creating the back story of Dorothy and friends in The Wizard of Oz, Wicked explores the unanswered questions the iconic fairytale leaves open. Stephen Schwartz’s music and lyrics brings the imagination of novelist Gregory Maguire to life in a grand display in this Tony Award winning musical.

Standby Elphaba, Jemma Alexandra is in fine voice for displaying the heartfelt ‘wicked’ Witch of the West. Her feisty attitude ensures that her Elphaba is as strong, yet warming and good-natured, as can be. Alongside Emily Tierney as Glinda, the pair make a genuine friendship seem real and emotional, particularly during For Good, a song that concludes exactly what Wicked is fundamentally about.

From beginning to end, the audience are captivated by the unlikely coupling but Alexander and Tierney make the duo a pairing of perfection. Of course, Defying Gravity is one of the highlights of the show and cements itself in this production as one of the most dramatic Act One closers in musical theatre history.

Local boy Liam Doyle is a likeable character as he takes on charismatic Fiyero with all the charm you’d expect from a Prince. Marilyn Cutts creates a twisted Madame Morrible who is as malicious as can be.

Joe Mantello’s direction ensures that each and every scene is carefully crafted, moving the clever tale along with enough pace but without losing the often somewhat complicated plot. The orchestra, headed up by Musical Director Dan Jackson, demonstrate a sound that fills the Hippodrome with a bucket load of dramatic tension.

Wicked is one of the greatest American musical of our time; a truly magical night full of imagination and sentiment that is not to be missed with this swankified cast and production.

Wicked plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until September 6.