Wicked at the Alhambra Theatre Bradford Review
Wicked
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
20 July – 21 August 2016
Reviewed by Tracey Stoker
Inspired by the characters from the iconic ‘Wizard of Oz’, Wicked tells the untold story behind the characters and reveals the secrets of Oz putting a whole new spin on what really happened. Wicked is an international musical phenomenon seen by millions throughout the world.
It is centred on the unusual and unconventional friendship between Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (The Good Witch of the North). They are thrown together at sorcery school and despite being opposites in most ways become friends. Elphaba who was born with green skin is used to fighting adversary and bigotry everyday to succeed. Glinda is the popular, bubbly, blonde girl who can be enduring though is used to getting what she wants. The story explores this friendship and how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West when in fact she is not wicked at all. There is an underlying love triangle between Elphaba, Glinda and the handsome Fiyero which causes jealously and rivalry and tests the strength of their friendship.
The story is set before, during and after the ‘Wizard of Oz’ and other familiar characters such as the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, The Wizard of Oz and the Cowardly Lion are cleverly incorporated and their back stories explained.
I knew quite a lot of the songs already from Wicked but watching them being performed on stage and in context really brought them to life and gave them a whole new meaning. The cast sounded and performed the songs brilliantly and had the audience captivated throughout. Jacqueline Hughes and Carly Anderson who played Elphaba and Glinda had amazing voices and delivered sensational performance. They worked well together and I especially enjoyed their amusing performance of Popular. Jacqueline though stole the show with her outstanding performance of Defying Gravity at the end of the first act coming to an end with her floating above the stage which looked and sounded breath-taking.
Being a huge fan of musicals I have always wanted to see Wicked. I expected the show to be good but it exceeded my highest expectations. It was simply amazing from start to finish. The show finished to standing ovation which was fully deserved. I would recommend the show to anyone, musical and non-musical fans alike.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £21.50 to £66.50 (booking fees may apply).
Wicked is at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford until 21 August 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01274 432000.
Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ | 01274 432000
