Wicked review: An outstanding West End musical for all ages

I say, look no further than Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre.

For anyone who might not know, Wicked is a musical spin-off of The Wizard of Oz and follows the story of Glinda the good witch and Elphaba, the wicked witch of the west, before Dorothy’s house even landed.

While Wicked is based on a book written over 100 years ago, it’s a tale as old as time of good vs evil.

The story follows the pair as they meet at “uni” and grow up as frenemies, getting involved with magic, parties and romance – a normal day in the life at Shiz, the Ozian school.

Alexia Khadime playing Elphaba and Lucy St. Louis playing Glinda (Image: Mark Senior)

Elphaba has been sent to the school to protect her sister, Nessa, who is paralysed from the waist down, but quickly reveals her powers of sorcery that turn out to make her a one-in-a-million student.

However, Elphaba’s parade is well and truly rained on by the cruel comments from the other students since she was born – you guessed it – green.

A factor made worse when she is made to share a room with her pretty, “popular”, blonde roommate – Glinda.

Lucy St. Louis playing Glinda (Image: Matt Crockett)

However, as the two young witches come across some dark discoveries, they are forced to choose their paths in life.

The Apollo Victoria Theatre fits the Wicked theme with each corner and crevice decked out with green décor and lighting.

When you reach your seat before the show even starts, the curtain is glowing with a map of Oz, transporting you into the show before it even begins.

The enormous dragon looming over the theatre though is a reminder that there’s darkness lurking, even in the colourful world of Oz.

The curtain lifts and you are hit by a wall of music and a cluster of citizens of Oz decked out in extravagant, futuristic costumes fill the stage.

Wicked: An astounding show for all ages (Image: Matt Crockett)

Wicked is a show that will have you laughing and crying in the space of five minutes, completely forgetting that you’re sat in a theatre in Victoria and not in the fantastical land of Oz.

The chemistry between the performers playing Glinda and Elphaba was amazing as the two were truly believable as frenemies who love one another while bickering constantly.

Wicked is brimming with toe-tapping, catchy musical numbers that you will be humming to yourself for days on end.

The ensemble of incredible performers’ dancing was jaw-dropping as they twirled and contorted themselves – not to mention the flying monkeys soaring and leaping across the stage.

There are a few scarier moments in Wicked, for example, as the audience is taken to the Emerald City and meet the almighty Wizard of Oz, that might not be suitable for really small children.

Wicked: An astounding show for all ages (Image: Mark Senior)

But, the show does have an age restriction in place, not permitting little ones under five into the theatre to account for these moments.

For children over five though, those moments are sure to be exhilarating and captivating, transporting them out of their seats.

While Wicked is a brilliant family-friendly show, I have to admit that even as a grown adult, I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the stage for the entirety of the show.

The story is engaging with so many intricate details and hilarious lines; the dance numbers are astounding and the music is breath-taking.

Alexia Khadime playing Elphaba and Lucy St. Louis playing Glinda (Image: Matt Crockett)

At the core of Wicked though, is the message of looking beyond what is on the surface level as Elphaba may be green, but she’s still a force to be reckoned with.

I think that it’s an important message for kids and adults alike which is nestled amongst the extravagance of the Emerald City. 

Wicked is now showing at Apollo Victoria. Tickets start from £27.

Address: 17 Wilton Road, Pimlico SW1V 1LG

Website: theapollovictoria.com