REVIEW:
Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre
16/06/2017
Reviewed by:
Panda: 🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼/5
17th June 2017
Panda: 🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼/5
17th June 2017
There is always a level of excitement when you get to see a show you already love again, and Wicked is firmly on that list. You can’t help but like a story that teaches you that it’s okay to be different, that friendship can be found in unlikely places and to always follow what you believe in. This magical show can do all this in a way that leaves you spellbound and make you eager to see it again and again.
Wicked has been a West End staple for over 10 years, blowing audiences away with its stunning choreography and staging, surrounded by catchy and memorable music. Adapted for the stage by Stephen Schwarz based on the book by Gregory Maguire, it has a fan following that is strong and dedicated to the show as well as the casts.
The show tells the story of the wicked witch of the West, Elphaba, who is going to university to support her disabled sister Nessa, only for her hidden difficulties with magic being seen by teacher Madame Morrible who offers to train her in sorcery. From there, the show takes you on a journey full of twists and turns, adventure, love and unbreakable friendships making for a perfect combination on any stage.
Willemijn Verkaik has played the role of Elphaba on and off for 10 years, in 3 languages and in 4 different countries. That, in itself, is no easy task, but the understanding and knowledge she has about the role and what her character is feeling at any moment is irrefutable. She plays the role in a unique way, beautifully drawing the audience in at key scenes with her comedic timing and emotional displays. I was impressed continuously with her ability to connect and bounce off of other cast members in scenes, making you believe every word she said as if it was the first time she was doing it. Her diction was impeccable, and her Defying Gravity was empowered and chilling. I am thoroughly glad I got to see her perform this role.
Suzie Mathers, who made her west end debut in this role as Glinda, was simply the best performance of the night. With her comedic timing and her beautifully expressive face, I was blown away by her talent and understanding of such a big role. Her take on Thank Goodness was phenomenal, taking you on a roller coaster or emotions in one song. Her level of heartbreak during her I’m Not That Girl reprise was like nothing I have seen before, and she has firmly become the best Glinda I have ever seen. Her Popular got a clap during it for the “toss toss” scene, and the audience was crying with laughter watching her, and I believe everyone fell in love with the character due to this. Her heartbreak and pain was apparent when Fiyero chose Elphaba over her. I have seen this part played before, but never to the degree that I genuinely felt she had been in love with Fiyero as much as Elphaba was. Mathers and Verkaik had the audience in the palm of their hands during For Good. The raw emotion in both their acting and vocals was enthralling, and a beauty to behold. I cannot wait to see what Mathers gets up to next, as I am sure with such talent she will only go from strength to strength.
As I have stated in previous reviews, I love to see an understudy take on a role and make it their own. James Darch, whose previous theatre credits include Sky in Mamma Mia, quite simply exceeded any expectations I could have possibly had. His Dancing Through Life was more subtle than other versions I’ve seen before, but his stage presence and character development was flawless. Darch had chemistry with Verkaik that was electric, and you couldn’t take your eyes off of them, especially during their phenomenal take on As Long as You're Mine. The tension within the room was palpable and you could have heard a pin drop. His voice was beautiful, and his acting choices surprised and impressed me. His shock at his choice to leave with Elphaba previous to their duet was subtle and different, but it drew me in to their story even more. I cannot praise this take on the role enough, and it saddens me that I will be unlikely to see the portrayal again.
Idriss Kargbo gets a special mention for his portrayal of Boq. You couldn’t help but love him from his very first scene due to his loveable and bubbly take on the role, but his true talent shone through in act two during the scene between Boq and Nessa-Rose. Generally this part is played in a defeated way, as Boq and other munchkins have had all their rights stripped by Nessa who is the governor of Munchkinland. Kargbo, however, plays it with anger. It’s brilliantly done, and you can’t help but side with him. A true talent, and another cast member I am excited to see progress.
The ensemble, like all shows, is critical in the show’s success, and they did not disappoint. Their cast numbers were sharp and clear, with beautiful harmonies. Their Witch Hunter scene during act two was phenomenal and gave me chills. A true example of how a cast working together can make a show what it is.
Wicked is a strong show, and one that draws in audiences from all over the world. It has tours all over the world, and has been a strong show on Broadway even longer than it has in the west end. Based on this performance, it’s not hard to see why that is the case. The staging was sleek and well-rehearsed and the understanding of the roles is clear by all involved. This cast have been doing this for a while now, so you could say that this level of understanding is expected. However, they performed it with the power and determination of a cast who were new to it, giving it all they had and more. It’s rare this far into a run to sit there and feel as if you are seeing a whole new show.
If you have a chance to catch them before the cast change, please do. I have no doubt you will walk away on a high, just like the audience last night. This show is going nowhere, and I for one am very grateful for that!
Wicked has been a West End staple for over 10 years, blowing audiences away with its stunning choreography and staging, surrounded by catchy and memorable music. Adapted for the stage by Stephen Schwarz based on the book by Gregory Maguire, it has a fan following that is strong and dedicated to the show as well as the casts.
The show tells the story of the wicked witch of the West, Elphaba, who is going to university to support her disabled sister Nessa, only for her hidden difficulties with magic being seen by teacher Madame Morrible who offers to train her in sorcery. From there, the show takes you on a journey full of twists and turns, adventure, love and unbreakable friendships making for a perfect combination on any stage.
Willemijn Verkaik has played the role of Elphaba on and off for 10 years, in 3 languages and in 4 different countries. That, in itself, is no easy task, but the understanding and knowledge she has about the role and what her character is feeling at any moment is irrefutable. She plays the role in a unique way, beautifully drawing the audience in at key scenes with her comedic timing and emotional displays. I was impressed continuously with her ability to connect and bounce off of other cast members in scenes, making you believe every word she said as if it was the first time she was doing it. Her diction was impeccable, and her Defying Gravity was empowered and chilling. I am thoroughly glad I got to see her perform this role.
Suzie Mathers, who made her west end debut in this role as Glinda, was simply the best performance of the night. With her comedic timing and her beautifully expressive face, I was blown away by her talent and understanding of such a big role. Her take on Thank Goodness was phenomenal, taking you on a roller coaster or emotions in one song. Her level of heartbreak during her I’m Not That Girl reprise was like nothing I have seen before, and she has firmly become the best Glinda I have ever seen. Her Popular got a clap during it for the “toss toss” scene, and the audience was crying with laughter watching her, and I believe everyone fell in love with the character due to this. Her heartbreak and pain was apparent when Fiyero chose Elphaba over her. I have seen this part played before, but never to the degree that I genuinely felt she had been in love with Fiyero as much as Elphaba was. Mathers and Verkaik had the audience in the palm of their hands during For Good. The raw emotion in both their acting and vocals was enthralling, and a beauty to behold. I cannot wait to see what Mathers gets up to next, as I am sure with such talent she will only go from strength to strength.
As I have stated in previous reviews, I love to see an understudy take on a role and make it their own. James Darch, whose previous theatre credits include Sky in Mamma Mia, quite simply exceeded any expectations I could have possibly had. His Dancing Through Life was more subtle than other versions I’ve seen before, but his stage presence and character development was flawless. Darch had chemistry with Verkaik that was electric, and you couldn’t take your eyes off of them, especially during their phenomenal take on As Long as You're Mine. The tension within the room was palpable and you could have heard a pin drop. His voice was beautiful, and his acting choices surprised and impressed me. His shock at his choice to leave with Elphaba previous to their duet was subtle and different, but it drew me in to their story even more. I cannot praise this take on the role enough, and it saddens me that I will be unlikely to see the portrayal again.
Idriss Kargbo gets a special mention for his portrayal of Boq. You couldn’t help but love him from his very first scene due to his loveable and bubbly take on the role, but his true talent shone through in act two during the scene between Boq and Nessa-Rose. Generally this part is played in a defeated way, as Boq and other munchkins have had all their rights stripped by Nessa who is the governor of Munchkinland. Kargbo, however, plays it with anger. It’s brilliantly done, and you can’t help but side with him. A true talent, and another cast member I am excited to see progress.
The ensemble, like all shows, is critical in the show’s success, and they did not disappoint. Their cast numbers were sharp and clear, with beautiful harmonies. Their Witch Hunter scene during act two was phenomenal and gave me chills. A true example of how a cast working together can make a show what it is.
Wicked is a strong show, and one that draws in audiences from all over the world. It has tours all over the world, and has been a strong show on Broadway even longer than it has in the west end. Based on this performance, it’s not hard to see why that is the case. The staging was sleek and well-rehearsed and the understanding of the roles is clear by all involved. This cast have been doing this for a while now, so you could say that this level of understanding is expected. However, they performed it with the power and determination of a cast who were new to it, giving it all they had and more. It’s rare this far into a run to sit there and feel as if you are seeing a whole new show.
If you have a chance to catch them before the cast change, please do. I have no doubt you will walk away on a high, just like the audience last night. This show is going nowhere, and I for one am very grateful for that!