Review: WICKED, Edinburgh Playhouse

Twenty years after Wicked first opened on Broadway, the third UK tour kicks off with a five-week run at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire with music and lyrics from Stephen Schwartz, Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy dropped in.

An unlikely pairing occurs at Shiz University as Elphaba Thropp (Laura Pick) ends up sharing a room with Galinda Upland (Sarah O'Connor). Elphaba is a social outcast because of her green skin and Galinda is the most popular girl in school. After a rocky start, they form a friendship but as Elphaba's powers grow their relationship is tested. At its heart, Wicked is a love story based around a solid friendship and Pick and O'Connor portray this perfectly. 

Carl Man plays Fiyero, Galinda's socialite boyfriend. It's not always the easiest of roles as this is a production (rightfully) dominated by incredible women but Man manages to hold his own particularly during "Dancing Through Life". The songs in Wicked are extremely powerful and highlights include "No Good Deed"; "The Wizard and I" and of course, "Defying Gravity"

Having seen Wicked more times than I'd care to admit in a public forum, it is clear that absolutely nothing has been scaled down for this tour. The sets and costumes are just exceptional, it is a spectacle from start to finish. 

There's a reason this is such a beloved show and with an outstanding cast, this is a high-quality production that will hold up to its West End and Broadway counterparts.

Photo credit: Matt Crockett

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