Review, Wicked At The Palace Theatre Manchester

I have seen Wicked several times before; it blows my mind every time. But that’s what happens when a much-loved tale is turned on its head. I grew up watching and loving The Wizard Of Oz. It is a tale of good conquering bad, a clear-cut story of goodies and baddies. I adored it; who doesn’t love a couple of hours of pure indulgence watching the great Judy Garland and all things sparkly?

My Review Wicked At The Palace Theatre Manchester

After watching Wicked, You will never see The Wizard Of Oz in the same light again.  Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is a prequel to the movie but a re-imagining of the same world. Wicked places many harsh realities of life in Oz, giving it a more sinister feel. Yet it’s done most spectacularly.

About Wicked

Wicked has been seen by over 65 million people in over 130 cities in 16 countries worldwide and won over 100 major awards, and its recent movie adaptation has broken box office records worldwide.

Glinda (Sarah O’Connor) and Elphaba (Laura Pick) meet on their first day of university and instantly take a dislike to each other. Wicked tracks their university life and how two very different people can forge a friendship. On Elphaba’s part, for trusting Glinda’s actions and intentions of being good rather than out of selfishness and mockery. 

The Girls Form A Strong And Unlikely Friendship

This brings them into the path of the Wizard (Simeon Truby), the great man ruling the Emerald City and Oz. But like everything in this incredible story, the Wizard is not what he seems and is slowly bringing the human world’s love for power, superiority and prejudice into Oz. 

Elphaba is outraged by his intentions and the potential changes his prejudice will bring to her world. Despite her gut instinct and the resulting consequences, Glinda seizes the opportunity to shine in times of unrest.

Wicked Turns Everything You Believe On It’s Head

Growing up thinking Elphaba is the Wicked Witch of the West was a given, so to find out after all these years she was quite the opposite as was Glinda is heartbreaking.

Ok it’s not real, but some things you bring from childhood feel sacred. And this was one of them, the Witch Was Wicked. She was green and Wicked, when in fact she was beautiful and kind. However, life did not accept her, portrayed her a something she was not. 

And Glinda, with all her sparkly beauty, was great at seizing opportunities to climb the ladder despite who was hurt. Yes, fundamentally, she was not bad; she just craved recognition. 

The Whole Production is Spectacular

The staging and effects, as well as the voices and choreography, are stunning. Carl Man was the perfect Fiyero, Sarah O’Connor’s Glinda, and Laura Pick’s Elphaba was everything you wanted these iconic characters to be and more; their voices were exquisite. “For Good” brought a tear to my eye.

To love the show, you don’t need to know the Wizard of Oz. But if you do, I warn you, you will leave loving Wicked and its gritty reality more than the original film. It is truly a work of art on every level. 

Where Can You See Wicked

Wicked is playing at the Palace Theatre until 12th January 2025.

I was gifted the tickets for review purposes, but my opinion and love for a show so spectacular that I could watch it all again today is real. 

Click here for more show reviews or here to find out where to park near the Palace Theatre.