Our trip to London to see Wicked
Ever since I was a child I have loved the excitement of the theatre, although,admittedly, my early experiences were limited to the little theatre in our local town and the annual pantomime. Aged sixteen, one of my favourite memories is my first visit to London to see a Shakespearean play in a London theatre. And after realising there was a whole world of theatre out there where the stages were bigger, the scenery was more spectacular, the productions on a completely different level to those in my home town, I was hooked!
So last month when we were invited down to London to see Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, we didn’t even hesitate to say yes! Unfortunately on the day Megan was unwell and, with Harry still a little too young, it was just Gaz, Lewis, Eva and I who made the two hour train journey down to London followed by a short tube ride over to Victoria. With a few hours spare, and Victoria within easy distance of both Buckingham Palace and Westminster, we had plenty of time to do a little sightseeing before the matinee performance.
After a lovely morning exploring we returned to the Apollo Victoria Theatre, collected our tickets, and took our seats. We were lucky enough to have stall seats with a really great view and, even before the show began, the scenery gave us a small insight as to what lay ahead!
For those who are unfamiliar with Wicked, it tells the story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women – Glinda and Elphaba. Following an encounter with The Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and those around her, have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future.
Based on the novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Gregory Maguire, there are references to the well known story of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ by L.Frank.Baum. Maguire describes his novel as a “reimagining of the same world” creating a “parallel universe” to Baum’s magical world as the story takes place before, simultaneously and after the familiar tale.
Wicked has been seen by over 9 million people, and brings in over 15,000 people a week to Victoria and 850,00 people a year. Winning 100 major awards around the world and hailed as “Best musical of the decade” by Entertainment Weekly, it’s success has been incredible!
There are 350 costume changes during the performance, plus 75 different wigs and 140 pairs of shoes. Whilst Glinda has 7 costumes, Elphaba has the biggest with her Wicked Witch dress made from over 40 yards of different fabrics with 50 layers and 3 weeks to construct!
Glinda has 7 costumes with one, her Bubble Dress, being made with 36 petals in the skirt, 20 different sequins and almost 100,000 sequins per costume! Just one person is employed to take care of the Bubble Dress four days, four hours, a week.
And from the opening scene until the curtain fell, I think that the four of us remained completely and utterly mesmerised. It’s hard to put into words just how amazing it was and yet every single cast member, and every single costume, was just spectacular!
Alice Fearn, who plays Elphaba, and Maria Coyne, who plays Glinda, were perfectly cast to take the audience on a powerful journey of friendship, from their original feelings of loathing to their eventual feelings of love. Together they create the most spellbinding and dynamic duo, their voices complimenting each other perfectly, beautifully portraying the importance of female friendship.
With the introduction of Fiyero, played by Bradley Jaden, we see how Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship is jeopardised, and how Elphaba sacrifices her own happiness in order for Glinda to achieve hers.
When Elphaba refuses to conform to the Oz-ian way once she realises that they aren’t working towards the greater good, despite criticism from the public and – ultimately – a witch hunt against her. Her resolution to do the right thing and defy the status quo makes her an inspiring and strong role model for both children and adults. It is in that moment, when she sings the iconic song, Defying Gravity, that I found myself overcome with emotion and the hairs on my arms stood up. If I had to choose just one favourite moment from the entire production, it would be that.
The second half of the production sees Elphaba on the run, hotly pursued by The Wizard, and the dilemma she faces in following her heart with her love for Fiyero. The moment when Fiyero and Elphaba finally face the truth of their feelings for each other is utterly beautiful and, although we know that it will break Glinda’s heart, as an audience we are cheering them on as a couple.
By the end of the production I felt as though I had held my breath for the entire finale and, with tears streaming down my face, it was as though everything I had read in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ made sense in a way I had never imagined. And despite each and every cast member giving the most breathtaking performance, it was for Glinda and Elphaba whom I clapped the loudest, and for their incredible friendship which moved me on so many levels.
We were very lucky to be taken backstage after the show to meet Alice Fearn and Maria Coyne, who greeted us with such kindness and, although Eva remained completely overwhelmed, made her first visit to London the most memorable experience we could hope for.
For anyone debating booking tickets to Wicked, I urge you to get them booked. It was undoubtedly the best show we have ever seen and I can assure you that when the opportunity comes around to see it all over again, I will be right there, feeling all of those emotions once again, enjoying it every bit as much as we did right that very first time.
For ticket prices, dates and bookings you can find out more here at www.wickedthemusical.co.uk.
You can see more of our trip by watching our vlog below!
** We were gifted these tickets for the purpose of this review and compensated for our time and travel. **
My folks saw Wicked when my mummy was heavily pregnant with me at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. We cant wait to return this year and see it as a family, it really is a great show x
I definitely need to go to the theatre more and Wicked has been recommended so many times! Your review is really good.
I went to see Wicked for one of my birthdays in my early to mid 20s it was the last time I made it down to London, being just before I became really poorly – it is such an amazing show and I am so glad I got to see it in the West End.
Wicked is my favourite musical and we are off to see it again in November when it tiurs
I absolutely loved Wicked when I saw it but I want to see it again as I’ve not been in ages x
Oh wow, I would LOVE to take my daughter to see this – I think she would absolutely love it, as would I! What a great experience to have!
My little boy has been asking to go and see this for years, feeling inspired to book tickets after reading about your amazing experience x
Looks like it was an amazing performance. I have never been to a theatre before.
This is a fantastic show. I went to see it a few years back and loved it. I would love to go see it again.
My old boss took me to see Wicked years ago and I loved it. How lovely you could go backstage.
I absolutely love Wicked and London, I actually live 10 minutes from the actual theatre and Victoria!
I have never been to a theatre before but it always sounds amazing when people tell me about it. I love that you made a trip out of your visit to London.
I have always heard great things about Wicked but I’ve never managed to see it. I wonder can I sneak a weekend in London in at some stage to see it, especially after reading your review.
I love to go to these kind of performances. The music, costumes and the casts are all brilliant!
Wicked is definitely a favourite! Can’t wait for my kids to be bigger so they can go and watch it too!
It was wonderful and amazing wasn’t it. Haven’t seen this in years but was in total awe the whole time. So worth the time and money to go see this wonderful show.
Wow, you got some amazing pics – I used to work in a theatre and pics weren’t allowed! I love Wicked, such a good musical and the songs are so catchy!
I can honestly say as a regular theatre goer, I have never really been that interested in seeing Wicked, but I never knew why. I just didn’t think it would appeal.
However, now I have seen your photographs and read the review I REALLY want to go and see it. Those costumes are to die for and I am intrigued as to how the story plays out.
Thank you for changing my mind about this show xx
London is such a great city! You captured some really great pics of the play!
We saw Wicked in NYC and loved it. The music was great and the story was so much fun. I would definitely see it again if I was in London and see how it differs from the NY production.
It looks like you had an amazing time!! I live in London and I’ve not seen wicked!! I really need to see it! Xxx
Wow the sets and costume look amazing. I’m hoping to take the kids to London later this year so I’ll see if I can get tickets for it – I’m sure they’d love it 🙂
This sometimes I would like to put on my bucket list. This seems like a very good play because I grew up watching the Wizard of Oz. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I must say this was one of my favorite plays that I’ve seen recently. Humor, drama and a very creative storyline keep you engaged from start to finish. I thought your review did a great job painting that picture!
This seems like a very nice play and time you had. If only my son would accept to watch something from start to the end.
Beautiful pictures. Nice content. Will wait for more 🙂
This would truly be a once in a lifetime experience! I would love to see Wicked anywhere…but in London! Sounds Perfect!
Wicked is such a wonderful show for the whole family. I love the message it shares. What a blessing to be able to see it in London.
Wicked is one of my most favorite theater performances. After watching the show, I remember I’ve downloaded the soundtrack and repeatedly listened to it to the point that I memorized the lyrics.
Wow looks like you guys had a blast! How amazing that you saw it in London!
xo, Sondra
Cuisineandtravel.com
Love London! One of my fav. place in the world. Love all the museums and pubs, still remember I had a wicked time while I was there at college.
I’ve heard of this show, but didn’t know anything about the story. It sounds really interesting and I really want to go now!
I love all the songs from Wicked, but I haven’t seen it yet! Last week I went to NYC to see Hamilton and it was ah-mazing! How lucky to see it in London!
Wow! What an incredible experience to see this iconic musical! And backstage meet n greet!! Holy cow! The pics are fabulous…makes me want to go for sure!!
I saw Wicked years and years ago and I would love to go back and take Alice who would love it. It really is a special performance x
I went and saw wicked many years ago, think back in 2008.. it was amazing then and I’ve told many people and should I go back to the UK I would go back to see it in a heart beat. I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Your pictures are amazing!!
This sounds like fun and lovely experience that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life! Great read! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Wow, sounds like you all had a superb day. Being in a bigger theatre looks intriguing, I would love to experience one soon. Hope Megan is better now xx
I haven’t seen this yet but I do love taking the kids to the theatre it’s such a treat for us all.
This looks amazing, there is something so special about going to see a show at the theatre! At the moment Alfie is a little too young to see a show but I do hope to take them all one day when he is a little older (and calmer!!)
Amazing opportunity! Seeing a West End show has to be a big thing ticked off the bucket list doesn’t it. Their shows are so good. I haven’t been before and is on my list to do too
Oh wow. Sounds really amazing. I havent ever been to a show like this, and I’ve heard amazing things about Wicked!
I live in London and absolutely loving it! But I have not seen Wicked! Everybody is being so positive about it! really need to see it!
I had been to London just ones to look at the queen in the Royal Ascot, haha! We never had the opportunity to watch a play. I would love to go back to London and see a performance show like this! 😉
I saw Wicked last year in Phoenix! It was wonderful. Although we had nosebleed seats, it was fun looking down on the stage from the very top of the theatre.
Wicked looks like an amazing show! I should’ve bought tickets when they were here. Well, I sure will next time. Enjoyed browsing at the your photos of the show.
Looks like yous had an amazing time 🙂 it looks so awesome 🙂 thank you for sharing your experience 🙂 i love the photos
This site looks fun. I wish I saw it while I was in New York
Wow, I would like to see them perform too. I am not a fan of Wizard of Oz but I am intrigued by their production. I mean, I have watched random stage plays when I was younger, but I think this one will give me extra entertainment.
Wicked is on my list of things I want to see at the theatre! Looks like you had an amazing time 🙂
I love all the costumes and know that my grandchildren would also be mesmerized. Hopefully, one day we will get the chance to see this show.
I am a huge Wizard of Oz fan. Wicked in our bucket list of musicals to go see. Looks like you and your family had a great time.
I’ve always wanted to see Wicked. Les Miserable is also in my list. I’m so happy to know you enjoyed the show. Excited for mine!
It sounds like you all really enjoyed the trip to see Wicked 🙂 I have heard some amazing things about the show, as quite a few of my friends have been to see it – I’ll have to add it to my theatre bucket list x
I have always wanted to see Wicked. I have always heard amazing things about the performances that are done. I’ll have to get my tickets for when they come near us again. Thanks for sharing!
Oh this sounds and looks like a very amazing show. I have only been to one like this before and that was Cats. I might see “Wicked” with Daniel sometime.
Looks like a really fun day out. I have never been to the theatre to see a musical!
What a wonderful post! I’d love to go to London, I’d also love to see wicked! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I took my kids to see this 2 years ago (I took advantage of the kids go free in August) too. They enjoyed it. I’m amazed you got so many great shots! cheers #KCACOLS
PS. I love your banner illustration. 🙂
I’ve been desperate to see Wicked for a long while, and well that’s just made me want to see it even more!
Thanks for the info.
Daniella @ http://www.myspiritualvibes.com
I have never been to London in the summer and do not think it has so many unique things, maybe next time I will try.