REVIEW
Wicked at the Mayflower, Southampton

 

IN the elaborate world of Oz there are surprises aplenty – but it was no shock to see an entire audience on its feet clapping madly after an impassioned performance from the Wicked cast.

The spellbinding show had the Mayflower in its entirety hooked from the outset, with twists and turns, incredible vocals and costumes to drive anyone green with envy.

The untold back-story of Glinda (pronounced Gar-linda thank you very much) the Good and Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West, aims to answer the mystery – “Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”

Touching on social issues from diversity and equality to disabilities and prejudice the good versus evil plot reminds us that until now we knew very little about the two witches.

Their unique friendship blossoms as the plot unfolds and the lines between good and evil blur.

We grow to love the green-skinned Elphaba and air-head-turned-good Glinda.

One liners from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – ‘there’s no place like home’ – had the audience giggling, as did Glinda’s solo Popular.

‘Sensational’ is not a strong enough superlative for Ashleigh Gray’s performance as The Wicked Witch at the end of the first act, when she was joined by Emily Tierney (Glinda), the guards and citizens of Oz for Defying Gravity.

But it would be unfair to the rest of the cast to single her out, for all were equally outstanding. Moments that could have been overshadowed were instead lessons in vocal acrobatics and Emily Tierney sent shivers down spines with high notes throughout.

Now in its ninth year in London’s West End – the tenth longest-running show there, the UK touring production recently celebrated its 400th performance.

It has now been seen by over six million people and around 50,000 tickets for the Mayflower stint have already been sold.

The show has won 100 international awards, including a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, three Tony Awards on Broadway and the UK’s prestigious Olivier Award for Most Popular Show.

There was more to look at than it was possible to register in one go with every inch of the theatre’s space utilised. There was even a giant, moving red-eyed dragon suspended above the stage.

The set was clever, intricate, and beautiful – especially during the witches’ visit to the Emerald City, which, as it says on the tin, was bright green from top to toe.

A feast for the eyes and ears Wicked delivered a moral message that tugged on the heartstrings and left me wanting more.

The clue is in the name – it was wicked!

Hilary Porter

Wicked is at the Mayflower until November 15. Tickets range from £22.50 to £65 and good seats are still available. To book call the box office on 023 8071 1811 or go online at: mayflower.org.uk.