THE PERFECT ESCAPE FROM REALITY

Wicked recently celebrated a two year run in the West End and it's little wonder that this show has been such a success. If you are looking for a spectacular production that comes with all the trimmings then this is the obvious choice. It is based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'. It follows the story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called 'good' and the other one 'wicked'. The unlikely but endearing friendship between the two girls who first meet as Sorcery Students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl Elphaba, is the focal point of the tale.

Scenic designer Eugene Lee has transformed the Apollo Victoria Theatre into a fantasy land of witches, wizards and magic. The costumes, designed by Susan Hilferty, are fittingly extravagant and the no-expense-spared visuals make it easy to become absorbed in this supernatural world. Combined with show-stopping music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz WICKED provides the perfect escape from reality.

The most well-known number in the show, 'Defying Gravity', is a breathtaking piece of theatre. It is the kind of West End moment that gives you the goose-pimples. This blockbuster musical is fabulously entertaining.

Amira Hashish

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