APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE

Great night out: how can something this good be wicked?
Morning after effect: perfecting Glinda's toss toss
Recommend to friends: go and see it now!
See again: definitely
Best bit: Defying Gravity

The green glow of the Apollo Victoria Theatre confirmed my suspicions that Wicked has cast some kind of spell on its audience who can't seem to get enough of this show.

I eagerly waited for the curtains, guarded by a rather fierce looking dragon, to reveal the wonderful world of Oz. And there they were... the wicked witches prancing around a large cauldron of brew! It is difficult not to become mesmerized by the incredible costumes, special effects and breathtaking set and I found it all but impossible not to fall under the spell of Alexia Khadime's voice. She gives an outstanding performance as Elphaba the not-so-wicked Witch of the West alongside Dianne Pilkington as the exuberantly tongue-in-cheek Glinda. The pair, along with a superb cast delivers the brilliantly twisted take on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Wicked definitely skips along the more scenic Yellow Brick Road, designer Eugene Lee has transformed the Apollo Victoria Theatre into a visual delight, adding a modern twist to the land of Oz and combining perfectly with the innovative and extravagant costumes designed by the award winning Susan Hilferty. Add in the show-stopping music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and it is no wonder that this show is so popular!

Wicked provides the perfect escape from reality. It has ingeniously linked arms with the Wizard of Oz story and adds a new moral complexity to Dorothys adventures. The musical presumes that you know the principal characters in the classic tale and a trip down memory lane with the 1939 film is definitely recommended for those a little rusty on the details. Judging from the standing ovation given at the end of the show and the throngs of emerald fans disappearing daily through those emerald doors, this is a spell that shows no sign of abating.

Audience
There is no content that would offend in this show, but for younger children under 10 it may feel loud and would lose their attention in parts.

Theatre
The Apollo Victoria Theatre goes all out to make it a 'Wicked' night from the moment you arrive. The stalls are particularly accessible, but seats on the left and right extremes do miss some of the action. Mid to rear centre stall of mid dress circle are recommended. Painting yourself green for the night is purely at the patron's discretion, but you won't be alone if you do.