Theatre Review: Wicked, Bristol Hippodrome
Summary
Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Wednesday 23rd Jan – Sunday 25th Feb 2024
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hours 42 minutes (including 20 minute interval)
Review
Are you ready to go on the journey of a lifetime? Wicked, with its twisting tale will do just that and more.
I will admit I have wanted to see Wicked for years (14 to be exact!), so prior to the show I was a little apprehensive it might not meet the lofty heights of the pedestal I had placed it on. However, trust me when I say this show has not been the winner of over 100 global
awards or been running in the London Apollo theatre for 18 years for no reason. This show blows your socks off and will leave you in awe.
Based on the original novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, the story transports us into the wacky
world of Oz. Here, all creatures great and small were once able to live in harmony, free to express themselves. But things are
changing, and a dark cloud is looming over Oz. Having met at university, both Glinda and Elphaba are faced with choices that will
ultimately seal their fate, all whilst navigating good and evil. The story of Wicked feels timeless and left me, and the rest of the the
audience, spellbound.
The set is diverse and transports us from the university, the emerald city and everything in between. There are layers of details, such as the set being largely based around the workings of a clock, intricate costumes (like the Ozites dresses or Professor Dillamond’s robes) and the mighty dragon above the stage. The scenery and costume combine to create a riot of fun, colour and creativity.
What surprised me about this story was that it has just the right level of humour and how throughout the full 2 hours and 40 minutes
of the show the theatre rippled with laughter. Laura Pick (Elphaba) and Sarah O’Connor (Glinda) are the lead actresses and their
abilities to add that little extra flourish to their characters is what really makes this show outstanding and so immersive. Galinda is just
that little bit more sickly sweet while Elphaba is that little bit more...well green! It is a rollercoaster of emotions and the audience
laughed, shed tears and whole heartedly joined in with the standing ovation at the end.
Truly a spectacle for all of the ages, Wicked is not just a magical, memorable night at the theatre but will leave you wanting to follow
the yellow brick road into Oz!
Standout Moment: ‘For Good’ duet between Elphaba and Glinda
See if: To be immersed in a mischievous land of magic, a story of
good and evil and you want to find a show that will fly straight to
the top of your favourites list.
Last Impression: Emotional, fun and full of talent!
Written by Megan
