This week I went down to London to see a show. I love going to the theatre, especially London, but I don’t often get the chance. I went to see Wicked written by Stephen Schwartz, famous for writing Godspell. I first became aware of Wicked a couple of years ago when there were various performances from cast members on the TV but I have to say I didn’t pay much attention, a lot of shows come and go and aren’t much good. However, I more recently began playing an arrange of the Wicked music, I liked the music so went and bought the CD. A few listens and a quick trip to youtube to watch a few clips made me decided a trip to London was worth it.
Wicked is the untold story of the Wicked witch of the west from the Wizard of Oz. It explains why she is wicked?! and cleverly mixes some of the familiar characters of the wizard of oz into a new story. I don’t spoil the story anymore than that.
I have to say I was impressed with the cast as a whole. Kerry Ellis dazzled as Elphaba, her voice is great and she brings great energy to the role. I have to say I preferred her performance to the original recording (and I like that), the musician in me was also really pleased she was bang in tune all show. Dianne Pilkington as Glinda is a great performer and plays the role with great humour, which is what it needs, however I just felt her voice went a little rough occasionally.
The band were great, I particularly listened out for the brass players especially the horn player (being one myself). One very minor slip all show – no one else noticed, it was that minor but otherwise note perfect, impressive when the parts sound a bit of a smash in the chops, so well done lads!
Overall the show is brilliant, great music, a pretty descent story, well staged and a fantastic cast (there are some major changes soon so I’m glad I got to see Kerry Ellis before she leaves, however I’m sure her replacement will be good). I can highly recommend a trip to London to see Wicked, it’s well worth it
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