If you fancy taking in a show that is fresh, feisty and suitable for all the family then let Wicked the musical cast its magical spell over you. This quirky show is the prequel to the Wizard of Oz story and provides a fresh and interesting twist on that classic tale, told through original songs and boasting a magnificent, colourful set and energetic cast.
Supremely popular, Wicked the musical is based on Gregory Maguire's book, which tells the story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who meet as sorcery students. One, Glinda, became known as good, and the other, Elphaba, as wicked. The show asks one key and very timely question: ‘are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?’
Gregory Maguire is famous for his imaginative takes on classic tales, and takes the stories that we all know and love from childhood and reweaves them into fresh and often daring tales for adults. The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is the first book in his series The Wicked Years and is the book that Wicked the Musical is based on. As well as The Wicked Years, a series of novels based on L Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz, Maguire has also penned Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Lost, and Mirror Mirror, as well as a whole host of stories for young children.
Wicked the musical has been described by the Evening Standard as "a remarkable kaleidoscope of magical shocks, surprises and sensations - a wicked and wonderful vision of Oz" and hailed by the Sunday Telegraph as "the hit musical with brains, heart and courage". It is a visually stunning production telling a story full of surprises, wit and emotion. With powerful songs by Stephen Schwartz portraying a tale of rejection, bullying, despair and friendship, you can't fail to be moved by this magical musical.
Since its Broadway premiere in 2003, Wicked has won many awards and well-deserved accolades. Most recently it won the prestigious Laurence Olivier Audience Award 2010 for most popular show. It also won the Whatsonstage.com Award 2010 for best West End show. Among Wicked’s 35 awards won to date are three Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards and a Visit London People’s Choice Award 2009 for best family fun.
The fact that Wicked has won a Grammy Award for best musical show album is a testament to the wonderfully rich and engaging soundtrack that accompanies the play. Wicked has also won many awards around the World including 15 Broadway.com Audience accolades, including Favourite New Broadway Musical in 2004. Since then it has won the award for Favourite Long-Running Broadway show an amazing five times, only losing out one year out of a possible six to Spamalot.
Part of the magic of Wicked the musical is that is a production that will appeal to all ages. Time Out magazine promised that "Wicked will entrance every generation in wonder, wit and suspense," and the production certainly delivers on that promise. Audiences young and old will be spellbound by the rich storytelling and inspiring songs and it’s the perfect musical to take the whole family along to. Children will be delighted by the way familiar characters surprise them, and adults will be mesmerised by the spectacle of the show. With a sense of humour that works across all age ranges and a gentle message, adults and children alike will be amused and touched by this fabulously entertaining musical.
Highly-regarded king of the West End Andrew Lloyd Webber described Wicked in the Times as "The biggest musical in the world right now", which has to be one of the most flattering complements that a musical can receive.
Wicked boasts a multi award-winning cast including Lee Mead, winner of the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do competition who went on to play the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Rachel Tucker, who plays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, was also discovered during the I’d Do Anything series of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s talent show, reaching the semi-final stages for the role of Nancy. She has also performed in We Will Rock You.
Wicked shows at London’s majestic Apollo Victoria Theatre and has thrilled audiences there since its premiere in September 2006. It is performed eight times a week and performances last two hours and 45 minutes (including a 20 minute interval), making Wicked a good-value choice for a night out at the theatre. The Apollo Victoria is one of the finest examples of art deco design in the country and was stunningly restored prior to the arrival of Wicked from Broadway. Originally a cinema, this majestic 2,300-seat venue has been named the West End's Most Comfortable Theatre by The Stage.
Wicked provides full access for all programmes offering special access performances and facilities for patrons with disabilities.
A fabulous mix of modern and classic, Wicked is sure to appeal to even the most serious theatregoers. For those who like to keep their theatre experience light, what better show to enjoy then this playful and energetic musical? With a professional cast and first-class creative team including Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman and Joe Mantello, Wicked is a slick, spellbinding production that brings a touch of much needed magic into ordinary lives.
Featuring beautiful costumes and magical sets, Wicked is a production on a large and dazzling scale. The combination of a fresh, original and intricately weaved storyline and carefully composed musical numbers makes Wicked a delight for audiences young and old alike. The perfect family treat, a trip to see Wicked is a fantastic way to get the family together and share something magical.