London 'Wicked' Cast Change

As Wicked in London approaches its first anniversary at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, it last night finally saw the arrival of the show's first all-British line up, with Dianne Pilkington, Oliver Tompsett and Andy Mace taking over the roles of Glinda, Fiyero and Dr Dillamond respectively. Based on the book of the same title by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is set in the fictional world of Oz, first seen in L. Frank Baum's novel and then again in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Charting the lives of green-skinned Elphaba, a feisty but vulnerable misfit and the beautiful, rich and ever popular Glinda, the story sees the two girls inadvertently paired together as roommates at university, where an unlikely friendship is formed that takes them into the heart of a raging battle between good and evil.

As Good Witch of the North Glinda, Dianne Pilkington provides just the right mix of innocent charm, airy arrogance and disarming vulnerability as she eventually learns that the world of Oz is not as perfect as she had first hoped. A nasal and snobbish accent acts perfectly to punctuate Glinda's ignorant and self-obsessed outlook, which can be seen in full swing during Popular, where she self-lovingly prances around the stage while insisting that Elphaba could do worse than to follow her lead. Pilkington's voice also has a pure and operatic tone that comfortably finds its way around Stephen Schwartz's challenging score.

Where her predecessor to the role Helen Dallimore perhaps fell short, Pilkington manages to find the humour in simple comments and gestures that Glinda makes in complete innocence. While the world around her is in crisis, she bows slowly and deeply after making the shock announcement that she has chosen to change the way in which her name is pronounced. The bubble of ignorance in which Glinda blissfully lives does fall away however, and in the second act Pilkington finds a new, subdued level that perfectly befits the hurt and betrayed girl that Glinda has become. By the reprise of I'm Not That Girl, Glinda has lost her previous naivety and forgotten all her high expectations, and this is reflected in an honest and fragile performance that sits in stark contrast to the squeaky confidence that is seen previously.

Oliver Tompsett, who has understudied Adam Garcia since Wicked opened in London last September now takes over the role of Fiyero, an egotistical heartthrob that finds himself trapped in a love triangle with both Glinda and Elphaba. Although perhaps vocally stronger than Garcia, Tompsett seems to initially lack the arrogant presence that is needed to portray Fiyero as the loveable rogue that he starts out to be. He is instead too likeable from the outset, and so the transition Fiyero makes from an ignorant boy to a caring and passionate young man is less clear. Tompsett does particularly shine however during the second act power ballad As Long As You're Mine where, simply sitting opposite Elphaba, he is able to show a real vocal precision. 

Kerry Ellis, who has played Elphaba since taking over from role originator Idina Menzel earlier this year gives a clean and confident performance, injected with an angry energy that is at the core of Elphaba's story, where being marginalized, feared and hated has strengthened her defences. A controlled and powerful voice also puts Ellis in her element during the bigger numbers such as No Good Deed, where she commands the stage in a passionate and involving performance. What Ellis perhaps lacks however is the pervasive vulnerability that Menzel bought to the role, where seeing the loneliness and discontent caused by her segregation makes it easy to sympathise with, and therefore like Elphaba as a character. Where Menzel showed signs of weakness in her performance, Ellis is perhaps too unfaltering, giving the sense that Elphaba is happy to turn her back on her life when ultimately she craves acceptance.

Overall, the new cast will ensure a continued success for this glittering production for another year to come. The lavish sets and stunning costumes continue to impress, while a strong company brings to life Schwartz's magical score. For those who know and love the original film, there are constant and subtle nods to the colourful world of Oz as seen previously through Dorothy's eyes, and for those who don't this is a unique, hilarious and moving story of friendship that can't fail to capture your imagination, and for this alone Wicked in London will continue to fly high.

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