Featured image and gallery: Matt Crockett
By Lowri Simmons and Amy Corringham

Award-winning musical Wicked flies back to Manchester’s Palace Theatre this December. Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked explores the magic between two unlikely friends as they go on an emotional journey – full of spells, love and green – to become Glinda The Good and The Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked dazzles the Palace Theatre stage with an incredible performance. With powerful vocals, refined dance numbers, and a truly immersive atmosphere, the audience is transported into the enchanting world of Oz. As the orchestra commences, the show’s magic takes hold. A map of Oz blankets the curtain, and mischievous monkeys creep out, their movements lively and unsettling. These flying monkeys are not just props but integral to the plot, foreshadowing the dark magic that unfolds later.

The opening number, ‘No One Mourns the Wicked,’ sung by Glinda (Sarah O’Connor), sweeps the audience up into the world of Oz: full of wonder and intrigue. The performers move in perfect unison as James Lynn Abbott’s sharp choreography captivates the crowd. This number introduces Glinda as the popula, beloved star of the story.

Elphaba (Laura Pick) soon makes her entrance, commanding the stage with with her luminous green skin and a voice that leaves the audience spellbound. In contrast to Glinda’s warm reaction, Elphaba’s arrival is met by fear and unease, making it clear she is an outsider in this world. 

Elphaba’s green presence and powerful vocals dominate the stage as she performs ‘The Wizard and I,’ alongside Madame Morrible (Donna Berlin). This song is the audience’s first glimpse into her magical abilities and the profound differences that set her apart from everyone else.

Through the turbulent friendship of the two witches, the audience experiences a story filled with pain, misunderstanding, love and liberation. Singing ‘What is this feeling?’ together, they openly confront their differences. Laura Pick (Elphaba) and Sarah O’Connor (Glinda) bring depth and humour to the scene, showing that beneath their outward rivalry, they are just two young women beginning a new chapter at a strange school.

The production cleverly illustrates how friendship can form despite stark differences. This theme is especially vivid when Glinda (Sarah O’Connor) sings ‘Popular’ and we see the contrast in characters with Elphaba’s (Laura Pick) sarcastic flair and Glinda’s witty nature. The duo’s chemistry makes both characters equally endearing, drawing the audience even deeper into their story.

Act 1 ends on a breathtaking note, as (Laura Pick) Elphaba performs the iconic ‘Defying Gravity’. Rising high above the stage, her performance electrifies the audience, blending stunning vocals with flawless stagecraft. The magic feels tangible as the curtain falls, leaving the audience eager for more.

Act 2 brings the glowing green vibrancy of the Emerald City to life. The stage dazzles with glitter and glamour, immersing the audience once again.

Glinda (Sarah O’Connor) continues her expertise of high vocals and challenging notes with (Donna Berlin) Madame Morrible singing, ‘Thank Goodness’. Their voices harmonise beautifully, and their characters’ personalities shine through in their interactions.

Megan Gardiner (Nessarose) steps into the spotlight during ‘The Wicked Witch of the East.’ As Nessarose’s character turns darker, Gardiner’s vocals grow even stronger. Her portrayal of Nessarose’s emotional struggle is both gripping and heartfelt, adding depth to her character.

Fiyero (Carl Man) and Elphaba (Laura Pick) share a tender connection as they perform ‘As Long as You’re Mine.’ Their onstage chemistry is palpable, sharing a passionate kiss which earns a roar from the audience, who are fully invested in their love story.

With over 100 creative team members, each element of the stage takes the audience on the Wicked journey. From the weather changes to the magical monkey wings, every detail immerses the audience in Oz. Jed Berry’s rapid transformation from Boq to the Tin Man is a standout moment, executed with impressive precision.

Laura Pick’s performance of ‘No Good Deed’ is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Tackling this challenging song, she incorporates spell language seamlessly, delivering a heart-wrenching and powerful rendition. Her voice resonates through the theatre, leaving the audience in stunned silence.

Wicked also delves into the complexities of female friendships. This is shown through Glinda and Elphaba’s shared special song: ‘For Good’. In this poignant duet, the pair capture the beauty of girlhood and move the audience with their emotive performance.

As Glinda bids farewell to Elphaba, she takes a stand, but it is clear she feels hollow without her friend. Her loss is palpable, and the audience witnesses her lose her sparkle as she steps into her new role, forever changed by their friendship.

Wicked is a must-see theatre performance and this production makes it even harder to miss. The cast, orchestra, creative team, and the Palace Theatre come together to make it an incredible experience and leaves you wanting more of the magic of Oz.

Wicked runs at The Palace Theatre 3 December until 12 January, 2025. Book your tickets here.