Winner of more than 100 global awards since premiering on Broadway over 20 years ago, the phenomenal Wicked is the 11th longest-running musical in West End history and continues to cast its spell over audiences around the world.

The show's critically acclaimed touring production is at the beginning of a five-week residency at Birmingham Hippodrome...

Due to technical issues, last night’s performance was delayed for half an hour. Luckily, the audience were in good spirits and gave the cast an enthusiastic welcome when the curtain was eventually raised by a winged monkey, who ascended to the stage from the orchestra pit!

Gregory Maguire’s prequel to The Wizard Of Oz offers a different and imaginative perspective on Frank L Baum’s original story, chronicling the untold tale of the witches of Oz. Focusing on the unlikely friendship between the misunderstood Elphaba - the future Wicked Witch of the West - and the popular Glinda - The Good Witch of the North - the show delves into the events leading up to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz.

As the story progresses, you begin to realise that making a distinction between what is considered to be good, and what is thought of as wicked, is not as straightforward a task as it initially seems to be.
The show also explores a number of highly topical subjects, including female friendship, governmental corruption and discrimination, as well as showing how iconic characters the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow come into existence.

Laura Pick was outstanding as Elphaba last night. A highlight of her performance came at the end of the first act, when she gave a standout rendition of Defying Gravity (performed along with Glinda and other cast members). Sarah O’Conner, meanwhile, brought plenty of energy and humour to the role of the sugary-sweet but manipulative Glinda.

The two leading ladies were impressively supported throughout by a truly excellent cast, while the show's vocals, choreography and, in particular, costumes beautifully enhanced the storytelling. Indeed, there was so much to see and enjoy on stage that it was sometimes difficult to know where to focus your attention!
Wicked is certainly a high-end musical, and it’s clear to see why so many young performers aspire to play one (or even both!) of the main roles - Elphaba and Glinda really are fantastic parts. And when you strip away the show's glitz, what you’re left with is a heartfelt story of friendship, misplaced loyalties and love - with quite a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

With its wonderfully crafted staging, impressive special effects - including great flying sequences - and dramatic score supported by a live orchestra, the show hits the mark on every level and is hugely deserving of its status as one of the all-time great musicals. It certainly cast its spell on last night’s audience, so much so that we took to our feet at the end and enthusiastically applauded what had been a fantastic performance.

Wicked was reviewed by Sue Hull on Wednesday 6 March at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until Sunday 7 April.