One of the most successful musicals to be released in the last few years, 'Wicked' is a re-imagining of the classic 'Wizard of Oz' story told from the perspective of the witches rather than the do-gooders. Based upon the book by Gregory Maguire which was itself based on the original story by L. Frank Baum, 'Wicked' was adapted for stage by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. With the backing of Universal Studios the musical was always destined to be a hit, and when it opened on London's West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in September of 2006 this was more than confirmed when it broke the starting week box-office record. The original Broadway cast which included Joel Grey, Joey McIntyre and Miriam Margolyes was replaced for the London musical production by Adam Garcia, Martin Ball, Helen Dallimore and Nigel Planer, amongst others. The present cast of the West End show includes Alexia Khadime, Dianne Pilkington, Harriet Thorpe and Jeremy Legat.
'Wicked' begins with the death of the Wicked Witch of the West, an event which causes a huge celebration throughout the Land of Oz. Glinda, a Good Witch, arrives to tell the story of the Wicked Witch's life and subsequent death. Travelling back in time to the birth of a green-skinned girl named Elphaba, the story begins in earnest. Elphaba is mocked throughout her early life for her unusual skin tone. When Elphaba reaches University, she is appalled when she is roomed with popular student Galinda, the picture of perfection. Elphaba unwittingly shows off her magical powers and the headmistress of the University, Madame Morrible, takes note. Galinda is also displeased to have to share her space with the social outcast, and the two girls agree to dislike each other. Despite this drama, life continues as normal at the University, with a dashing young student named Prince Fiyero enrolling and subsequently organizing a huge party for the students, much to the delight of Galinda. After a run-in with her room-mate that sees Elphaba ridiculed by the rest of the school, Galinda has a change of heart and decides to befriend the strange green-skinned girl. Fiyero too is compelled by Elphaba's sense of justice and begins to feel strong feelings for her. Elphaba's skills as a witch earn her an invitation to Emerald City and an audience with the Wizard himself. Once in front of the Wizard, Elphaba realizes that the meeting has been planned as a trap to use Elphaba's magic for evil, not good. She flees, begging Galinda (who has now changed her name to 'Glinda') to follow her. Glinda declines, not wanting to be grouped with the girl who, as a result of the Wizard's scheming, is now being described throughout Oz as 'wicked'.
Time passes, and Elphaba's reputation as a Wicked Witch spreads. She is accused of turning an old friend into a Tin Man (when actually she had been attempting to save his life), as well as for having an army of evil winged-monkeys (monkeys which she unwittingly gave wings at the request of the Wizard). Elphaba meets Fiyero again and though he is engaged to Glinda he admits that he still has feelings for her; the two run away together, leaving Glinda sad and alone. Madame Morrible successfully concocts a plan to capture Elphaba by casting a spell that will bring a dangerous hurricane to Oz, though Fiyero surrenders himself in order to save his beloved. Elphaba tries to use her magic to save Fiyero but believes herself to have failed, and she begins to wonder whether she is evil after all. Glinda, still hopeful that her friend Elphaba is good-hearted, travels to Elphaba's hideaway to plead for her surrender. Elphaba declines but makes Glinda promise to take control of the Land of Oz and rule it fairly as she would have done herself if not for her 'wicked' reputation. Elphaba then appears to melt into thin air, avoiding the angry Oz citizens that were drawing close to her hideaway and leaving Glinda to take her role as the Good Witch. In a basement far below the hide-out, it is revealed that Elphaba has not melted after all, but has transported herself to where Fiyero - now free from captivity - has been waiting for her. The two are reunited and agree to leave Oz forever, and thus the story happily ends.
As a consistently popular musical on the West End and one that visitors to London particularly want to see, 'Wicked' is prone to sell-out audiences. If you are travelling to London for a theatre-break or family holiday it is advisable that you book your tickets well in advance - it would be a shame to miss out on such a 'magical' show!