Wicked: 6 Reasons We Love The West End Musical

Nine years ago, the city of London was taken by storm when the musical ‘Wicked’ came to the West End.

Almost a decade later, and the show that vows to tell the “untold story of the Witches of Oz” doesn’t look like it is going anywhere, with fans lining up time and time again to cheer on Glinda and Elphaba as they Defy Gravity and learn the truth about the ‘wonderful wizard of Oz’.

So what is it about this show that has the audience so in awe? Here are just 6 of the many reasons why we love Wicked:

1. It’s A Spin On A Classic

We all love The Wizard Of Oz, and the scene where Dorothy leaves the black and white world of Kansas to enter the magical, colourful world of Oz will no doubt stick with film-lovers for a long ol’ time.

Wicked serves as a prequel to the film, giving that much-needed, and incredibly creative, backstory about what made the Wicked Witch Of The West, Elphaba, so ‘wicked’, and her complex relationship with the wizard and the Good Witch Of The East, Glinda.

The story also teases how the Lion lost his courage, the Tin Man lost his heart, and the Scarecrow lost his brain, in amazing little nods towards the film although Dorothy’s tale never overtakes the story of Glinda and Elphaba

Throughout the show there will be more ‘aha’ moments than you could ever count, and that’s what makes it so unique.

2. The Songs

Okay, obviously every musical has some fantastic songs to play with, but Wicked has everything from huge ballads, such as Defying Gravity, to comical, quirky songs such as ‘Popular’ - both of which you’ll end up singing in the shower for months after you’ve seen the show.

The mixture of comedy and heart, warmth and hilarity is second to none and it’s perhaps one of very few stage productions that will have you laughing out loud and ugly crying in equal measure.

3. It Transports You To A Different World

When we caught up with Emma Hatton, the amaze actress who plays Elphaba, we just had to ask her why she thought this show was so well-loved, and she had a pretty inspiring answer.

Speaking exclusively to Yahoo Celebrity, she told us: “I like to think about being transported into a completely different world.

“If you want to escape from your every day life and just immerse yourself in another world for three hours of your life and have your heart warmed, this is what you should do.

“It’s just the best feeling, an escape - avoid the spa and come to watch Wicked!”

We couldn’t agree more, babes.

4. It’s Magical

Savannah Stevenson, who plays Glinda in the show, also had her own theory about what makes Wicked so special: Magic.

She explained to us: “When the music starts I think it has the ability to move you and make the hairs on your neck stand up, and I don’t think there are many things in life that can do that.

“It truly is a magical moment - so I think magic is a reason why people love it so much.”

5. The Whole Production

Tying in with the magic of Wicked, the show does not hold back when it comes to the production, with everything from the costumes to the set to the lighting being nothing short of incredible.

Glinda’s encrusted gowns and ‘flying bubble’ will have you in awe, whilst Elphaba’s vibrant green skin acts as a constant reminder that this is no ordinary tale - everything about this show has had every detail perfected, and it shows.

6. The Plot Twists.

We obviously can’t tell you about them without ruining the whole show, but before you go thinking that you know exactly how it’s all going to end, think again.

There are plot twists chucked into this show that will soon make you realise that Wicked is not just any musical - and that’s exactly why it has been treasured in the hearts of so many for the last nine years.

Here’s to ninety more!

Wicked is showing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre - click here for more info!