Review: Wicked at Palace Theatre is ‘a dazzling spectacle jam-packed with emotion’

Wicked makes a return to Palace Theatre and if you are a fan of fantasy, it is a show you will not want to miss.

If you’re not familiar with this classic, Wicked is a musical that tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the bond between Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and the popular Glinda, who eventually becomes the Good Witch of the North.

Jon B. Platt and David Stone’s Vision for Wicked at the Palace Theatre

Jon B. Platt and David Stone’s Wicked reimagines the classic The Wizard of Oz from a new perspective, exploring the characters’ lives before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and the tale that leads Elphaba to be branded “wicked.”

Breathtaking Set and Lighting Design by Eugene Lee and Kenneth Posner

The theatre production of Wicked continues to captivate audiences not only through its incredible performances but also with its visually stunning set design developed by Eugene Lee and lighting by Kenneth Posner.

The show opens with the setting of Emerald City, immediately setting the tone as the sweeping green hues create an atmosphere of mystery.

The use of suspended platforms and rotating sets also allows for fluid transitions between scenes, creating an illusion of constant motion that keeps the pace of the show engaging.

Both elements work together seamlessly to create an immersive world that transports audiences to the magical land of Oz. From the opening scene to the grand finale, the set and lighting design play crucial roles in bringing the story’s fantastical elements to life, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.

Laura Pick’s Electrifying Performance as Elphaba

Laura Pick’s portrayal of Elphaba is absolutely brilliant. Pick’s vocals are pitch-perfect, with her rendition of “Defying Gravity” being electrifying as she effortlessly hits the soaring notes with precision.

Her vocals not only showcase impressive range but also convey the raw vulnerability of the character. In ballads like “The Wizard and I,” she demonstrates her ability to make each note resonate with hope and longing, making Elphaba’s journey even more poignant.

Her performance is truly great, bringing emotional depth to the role. Pick captures Elphaba’s complex journey from misunderstood outsider to the iconic, powerful figure we grow to love.

Sarah O’Connor’s Captivating Glinda

Sarah O’Connor shines just as brightly in her role as Glinda, delivering a performance full of vocal brilliance. From “No One Mourns the Wicked,” O’Connor’s voice sparkles with warmth, all while maintaining a constant smile.

Her ability to transition from light-hearted, comedic numbers like “Popular” to the emotionally stirring “For Good” is impressive.

In “Popular,” O’Connor brings the humour, capturing Glinda’s bubbly and slightly self-absorbed personality with irresistible charm. It’s in “For Good” that O’Connor truly shines, bringing an emotional vulnerability to the song that leaves a lasting impact.

The chemistry between Laura Pick and Sarah O’Connor is brilliant, and it’s their powerful vocal styles that bring their dynamic to life.

Their voices blend in stunning harmony, with their delivery of the song’s poignant lyrics striking the perfect balance between Elphaba’s determined passion and Glinda’s warmhearted optimism.

One of the most visually striking moments comes during the iconic “Defying Gravity” number, where the set design plays a crucial role in creating the illusion of Elphaba flying, making it the most memorable moment for me.

The use of elevated platforms and dynamic scenery makes this one of the most breathtaking moments in the production, as Elphaba’s ascent feels both physically and emotionally uplifting.

Susan Hilferty’s stunning costume designs

Susan Hilferty’s costume design brings a grand touch, creating a majestic outlet of couture. Elphaba’s costumes evolve from dark, plain rags to a beautiful black dress that showcases redemption. Glinda is consistently dressed in spectacular gowns that glimmer against the lighting, which I’m sure you will admire.

From the audience’s reaction, it is clear that Wicked has left a lasting impression on the crowd in Manchester, especially with the standing ovation at the end.

Tickets for Wicked at Palace Theatre

Wicked is on at Palace theatre Palace Theatre from Tuesday 3rd Dec 2024 – Sunday 12th January 2025.

You can get tickets by clicking here