The audience was very full of young to teenage girls, who presumably all want to be witches, so there was considerable fidgeting and eating. Idina Menzel was fantastic and it is definitely "her" show - and she is received like a pop singer at a pop concert. At the moment Helen Dallimore seems uncertain as Glinda, particularly on her first entrance, but warmed up later and was giving a good performance by the second Act.

Miriam Margolyes and Nigel Planer were excellent and Martin Ball gave a good performance as the, rather underwritten, token animal in the show. There are the monkeys and a very badly designed lion cub as well, but his goat performance stands out. The chorus are great, lots of life and energy and jumping around, but there seem too few for the size of the stage. James Gillian and Katie Rowley Jones as Boq and Nessarose do their best with what they have, but there is not much in those roles to work with. Adam Garcia as Fiyero seemed to sleepwalk through this role when I saw the show. He seemed to be rather adrift, as if why he was there was a complete mystery to him.

The other major disappointment was the failure of Elphaba to fly. From pictures and videos of the New York performance I expected she would, during the "Defying Gravity" number. There were no announcements to apologise for the failure of equipment during my preview, so maybe she doesn't. Perhaps other monkey reviewers will be able to clear this up for me. (According to other reviewers there were problems with the equipment at this performance - Ed).

With certain reservations the set and costumes are great and I liked the Time Dragon who lies over the proscenium arch, waking up for the odd roar. Be warned that the glossy programmes seem to have pictures from the US productions, although I imagine pictures from London will appear once the show finishes previews. The key to this show is the performance of Idina Menzel, so my advice is to rush to see her before she leaves it in a few months.
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I think the Apollo Victoria are in a bit of shock having a hit at last! I have seen "Wicked" 3 times already and it's "the business." Twice in the stalls row E, which was great, and once in row P in the currently £5 priced seats which was okay - but not sure I would want to sit there again though. The front of the stage is a bit obscured by peoples' heads, and in fact some of the action too, as the stage extends a bit and they use it quite often. But, great for £5 but in the main run (£15) I don't think they are really worth it, as with "Wicked" (and Idina especially) you just have to see her facial expressions to really enjoy her awesome performance.
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I can report that I absolutely hated Wicked, which I attended last night (Tuesday 12 September 2006) and I stayed only until the interval. I thought the story was tedious and uninteresting, and the score was without any musical merit whatsoever. The choreography was amateurish, and the staging was disappointing.

After seeing the theatrical magic of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, The Lion King and even The Witches of Eastwick, I was expecting something imaginative and exciting, but alas it was neither. The best effect (at least until the interval) was the big dragon above the stage! I genuinely get a big buzz when various spectacular things happened, like the car flying just before the end of the first act of Chitty, the wonderful things that came out of Mary Poppins’s bag, as well as Bert walking all the way around the proscenium arch, and the three witches flying right out into the auditorium in The Witches of Eastwick! There was nothing whatsoever in Act I of Wicked to compare with these sudden moments of theatrical brilliance! I was expecting Elphaba to fly on her broomstick at the climax of the first act, but, despite the clever lighting effects, she just seemed to be standing on the top of a column or pillar and there was no thrill from that. And the picture in the programme seemed to indicate that that was all that was supposed to happen at that moment. When we have seen spectacular flying effects in Chity Chitty Bang Bang (for both the car and the child-catcher), Mary Poppins and The Witches of Eastwick, then it is an anticlimax to see Elphaba merely standing on top of a column in the centre of the stage!

It’s not really flying if Alpheba stands stock still atop her column! Levitation, perhaps, but hardly flying! Certainly not by the standards set in The Witches of Eastwick or Mary Poppins where the characters not only fly, but actually come right out into the auditorium over the heads of the audience. OK, so you could see the wires, but it was still thrilling. I could see some wires attached to Elphaba but they didn’t seem to be serving any purpose, because she didn’t move.

The audience of some 2,400 people seemed to be all under the age of 25 (apart from me, of course) and they whooped and hollered and cheered every number, at least when they weren’t all getting up and going to the toilet during the performance. I was amazed at how much they seemed to approve of everything they saw and heard. I guess I am just an old fogey who prefers good tunes and intelligent staging. How sad can that be! Maybe I should just go to things I know and love like Guys and Dolls, Chicago and The Boy Friend!
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Paid £15 for seat 37 row L of the circle and OMG what amazing seats. Could see the whole stage and take in the amazing sets and costumes from there. As for the show (13th September 2006, matinee) WOOOOOWWW. It was completely faultless.

Sets and costumes were stunning. Singing pretty good, especially from Idina, it was only Fiyero who disappointed with a slightly weak "Dancing through Life."

"Defying Gravity" was 'wicked' as Elphaba flies into the sky, again amazing vocals from Idina.
Overall this has to be the best musical EVER, and recommended to everyone, get your tickets whilst there still are some before Idina goes.

On a small side note, leg room is insufficient for taller people (I'm 5foot 11).
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Saw the matinee performance of "Wicked!" Wed 13th September 2006. Sat in seats 18 and 19 Row M Dress Circle. Seats only £15 each (in previews) and EXCELLENT value for money. We had a clear view of the massive stage and set. I can't see any reason to pay top prices if you can get seats in this section of the circle. I did have a walk up to the rear of the circle to see what the £5 seats were like. A bit too high up for me but great at that price.

The show was magical. Lots of fun, very spectacular and damn good family entertainment. For a Wednesday matinee to get a standing ovation, it must be good!

Only one complaint: the constant barrage of theatre staff trying to sell you things. Even when we were trying to have a drink in the interval we kept having programmes and cd's thrust at us. I refused to buy from one guy about three times and, on his final attempt to sell me a cd, he said 'Don't worry, you'll change your mind and buy one on the way out!'.

Paul Nicholls.
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A previous review cites one of "Wicked's" main shortcomings as that it is short on flying cars and general midair suspension. Quite frankly, Idina Menzel could stand on a plastic garden chair and still impress you. During "Defying Gravity" where the 'flying' occurs, it is her vocal acrobatics which are meant to blow you away as opposed to any flapping around the proscenium arch on a highwire. In fact, any Peter Pan antics would have detracted from the wonderful moment for Elphaba's character which occurs in the song; whereas the simple raised flying effect (which thankfully, was working fine on the evening performance on the 13th September 2006) really complements what is happening. And if you really still are a flying fan, Elphaba’s winged monkeys are quite a treat anyway.

The show in my humble opinion, is wonderful. The presence of so many young fans that whoop and clap at every song, merely shows "Wicked's" cult status. I personally thought that the audience reactions came in all the right places and didn’t really detract from what was going on on stage, although if I had of been in a matinee full of 13 year old girls I may have disagreed. I also don’t really see any problem with an audience full of young people; in fact I think it’s quite refreshing. At least we aren't all out jacking cars. Anyway, I think the audience reactions may settle a little once the die hard fans have been once or twice to drool over the Idina Menzel’s singing /Adam Garcia (delete as applicable).

The whole look of the show was amazing and the chorus were wonderful. Idina Menzel was the best thing I have seen on stage…ever. I can’t really sum up her performance better than that. I have heard from a few people that Helen Dallimore as Glinda has seemed a little nervous. On our night she wasn’t. I thought she judged the tone of the character beautifully, and made Glinda, despite her foibles, quite endearing. I had to stop myself grinning every time she came on stage. Her English accent has become a contentious point amongst fans but I felt it worked.

Wicked is fun, fun, fun. Don’t go if you want a serious night at the theatre. However, for all its knowing Oz references and silliness, it does actually examine the relationship between two friends, through all of its ups and downs, beautifully. Everyone can identify with Elphaba in some way (even if the majority of us are not green) and for many it really does strike a chord. Go see it!

Hannah M
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Went to see "Wicked" tonight (15th September 2006), well to be more accurate I saw about 45 minutes of "Wicked." It truly is the worst musical I've ever seen. It's also the first time I have ever walked out of a theatre. I couldn't take it anymore... The big tacky expensive sets, the corny musical numbers, the bad BAD acting and the smugness of it just drove me crazy! All the characters are the usual boring clichés you see time and time again, the outcast, the popular girl, the stern headmistress... Oh I could go on but I can't put into words how naff it is. It's like if musicals were restaurants, "Wicked" would be McDonalds.

I was gobsmacked that everyone was so into it, clapping and whistling and whooping at every lame joke. Agh! It was like being at a football match being stuck amongst such ill-mannered people. The ushers were letting latecomers in the theatre even up to half an hour late. Not just those in the aisle seats either! When we finally walked out, one of the ushers ran after us and said "Can I help you?" and was very rude and standoffish when we said we were leaving. Perhaps he was upset we didn't buy something from the wide range of crappy merchandise!

Well, if something other than "Wicked" was on at the Apollo Victoria, I would recommend our seats. S44 and S45. The aisle seats have loads of legroom, although the seats are very narrow for the ample of bottom!

Natalie
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I saw the first preview on 7th September 2006 and saw the show again on the 14th. My word, they have worked hard on it during that week! Not that the first preview was bad - but one week later the production looks totally 'match fit'.

Idina Menzel totally nailed that performance on the 14th - 'Defying Gravity' and 'No Good Deed' were awesome. I know its something she's sung maybe 400 times but she seemed to have completely relaxed into the London production and the reticence to go for the most demanding notes that was apparent in the first show - mainly in 'Defying Gravity' has completely gone.

Helen Dallimore's Glinda has come on leaps and bounds in that week. The comic timing is now spot on - 'thank goodness' they've reinstated 'unprepossessing features' instead of 'unflattering features' which just did not work in 'Popular'. I think everyone in the UK is so used to the OBCR* that a dotty very English Glinda was a bit of a shock - but seeing and hearing the portrayal for a second time - it's just great and its getting funnier. I think Helen is going to grow into that part even more over the next week or two. The only bit of comic timing she could improve is the line in 'Popular' when she is telling Elphaba: - 'lets start 'cos you've got an awfully long way to go' - it needs a bit more emphasis to indicate what a 'state' Elphaba is in. I've seen an illicit bit of video on the web where one of the US actresses rolls her hands over and over as she says it and it works really well.

Nigel Planer seemed to loosen up as the Wizard too. There was more swank and panache than a week ago and the singing was more enthusiastic - he seemed to be really going for it and just more confident.

Miriam Margolyes and Martin Ball seemed to be at the top of their game in the first preview and to me they were playing Madame Morrible and Dr Dillamond just the same tonight - they seem 'home and dry' and don't need to tamper with anything.

Adam Garcia as Fiyero? I saw lots of negative comments on the web about his performance and he still looks uneasy to me. He's fine in Act Two where Fiyero is more serious - Captain of the Guard and all that - but its 'Dancing through Life' that lacks a bit of swagger and well - sex. I don't know if the choreography for London is exactly the same for London as for the US productions but it seems to me that it's Fiyero's moves that rein him in a bit during the dance sequences. Glinda is obviously 'hooked' - but he needs a few sexier dance moves - let him 'Tony Manero' it a bit to get the sexy and dissolute prince's character across to the rest of us. Adam is obviously great looking - let him use his attributes to the best advantage in the Ozdust ballroom. I don't think there's anything wrong with his ability - it's the part that's not quite right.

I'm still not convinced that the sound is right - I have no idea how that is adjusted - or if it can be - but where principals are singing with the full company e.g. in 'One Short Day' they are not quite prominent enough - Idina and Helen were not sufficiently 'picked out' when singing the 'there are buildings tall as quoxwood trees / dress salons / and libraries / palaces /museums / a hundred strong'. I was in E36 in the stalls - which is very much to the side of the theatre - perhaps it was a quirk from that position - but I could have done with a more treble sound to the principal vocals from there and picked them out even more in the mix. But what do I know?

All I can say is 'very well done guys' - technicians and performers - everyone seems to be really believing they can pull this off now - I am really looking forward to seeing the show again at the charity preview and getting to have a chat with some of you at the dinner - if you have any energy left to make that!
*Original Broadway Cast Recording
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I can't rave enough about the day seats for this show!! Only £15 (during previews) for a front row seat! I'm the sort of person who likes to be 'up close and personal' with the actors. I like to see their facial expressions, hear every comment, witness things you can only see from the front. I also like to loose myself in a show - envisage myself in Oz with no other audience heads to confuse the illusion. If you can relate to any of that you have to get the day seats!

There is no restricted view like some theatre day seats. At the Apollo Victoria you can see the whole stage. The only effect you don't get the full benefit of is the dragon fixed above the stage and green lighting that reaches up into the balcony when the characters arrive at the Emerald City.

Idina Menzel has to be seen (and heard) to be believed. In fact even now I've seen the show twice I'm not sure I can get my head around how amazing that woman is! Her voice is incredible! I've never heard anything like it on stage before. She literally took my breath away during Defying Gravity.

I saw the show on both the 14th and 15th September 2006. Whereas the 14th ran perfectly smoothly from start to finish, the 15th was riddled with mishaps. It was all handled very well by actors and crew alike and I didn't sense any upset from the audience. To a certain degree you should expect a preview to not be the 100% polished show - they are still rehearsing and ironing out the creases. That's why the seats are cheaper!!

For me personally it enhanced my enjoyment - a small glimpse at the people behind the costumes when they slipped out of character for a few seconds, for example when an ensemble member in a big 'weeble' type costume fell over and couldn't get up again during 'One Short Day'. A stage hand had to come on stage and help him up resulting in a very amusing finish to the song which was spluttered by a laughing Idina rather than sung!

It was also fun to see Idina's impromptu little jig for the audience after a piece of set broke down in the second act and the show had to be paused for 10 minutes. As she said herself "That's live theatre folks!"

The only negative I can come up with is the queues for toilets / bar / merchandise. They're huge!! Don't attempt to go to the loo in the interval unless you're sat right by the exit and you can jump up as soon as the safety curtain falls!

This is a must see show for anyone with a love for musicals, an imagination and a heart! If you're a Harry Potter fan this is for you. It you like the more serious and believable shows don't bother.

Wicked is big, glitzy, glam and above all ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!

Sarah Clarke.
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Travelled from Dublin specially to see Wicked on Monday 11th September 2006,and was not disappointed.
Sat in the Circle Row D 5 and 6. Good seats, but could not see all of the front of the stage without leaning forward. Idina Menzel was spectacular - what a voice! Some "technical problems" after "One Short Day" meant a delay of about 15 minutes which was annoying as people thought it was the interval and began to move about. When it did resume it was only about ten minutes before the REAL interval so it sort of broke the continuity. All in all though, I have to say - "What a Show!!" We knew all the songs, from playing the CD for months on end, and will travel back again in another few weeks to enjoy it all over again and hopefully this time there will be NO technical problems!
Verdict: Brilliant - Dont Miss It!
Lynda
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Saw "Wicked" at the evening performance on 16th September 2006. Our party of 5 was in row ZA of the Stalls seats 19 to 23. The seats were comfortable, with plenty of legroom (tallest 5' 11"). We found these seats to be excellent, I was worried about being so far back, but the steep rake allowed for an excellent view and even the children in our party could see the stage reasonably well with adults sitting in front. Binoculars were 50p but not really necessary. The biggest drawback was the heat. It was stiflingly hot. I can't imagine what it must have been like higher up. The queues for the Ladies during the interval were the longest I've ever seen. Thank goodness for a cast iron bladder!

I thoroughly enjoyed the show (apart from the teenage whooping mentioned elsewhere). Idina was something else. Her live performance far excelled the CD recording. Shivers up the spine. Nigel Planer & Miriam M were excellent. I would agree that Adam Garcia's Fiyero lacked sex appeal. Stephen Schwartz was in the sound booth and kindly signed my programme. I saw the show in Chicago, and maybe I enjoyed the London performance much more as it was second time around, but I don't think it was entirely down to that. This is a great blockbuster show and wonderful entertainment. The critics will probably hate it - too 'popular' perhaps? See it with Idina while you can.

Rebecca,
Fareham, Hampshire
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Just wanted to mention that seats R19 and 20 in the Circle are over the stairwell, and if you are sitting there you need to lean forward the whole time, thus blocking everyones' view behind you. I don't think these seats are meant to be sold, as they should have been empty on Saturday (16th September 2006, matinee) but two latecomers sat there for the first half. So definitely ones to avoid. Also theatre needs to sort out getting people in - the foyer was very overcrowded and the queues for the ladies were the worst I have ever seen, all the way down the staircase.
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I sat in row E of the Dress Circle at a preview performance of Wicked, and whilst the view was very good indeed, the sound was very very poor. The orchestra sounded as if they were in another building and the cast could have been singing in French for all we could tell. the dialogue was not much better - you really had to strain to hear what was being said and a lady sitting next to me summed it up when she said that "This is billed as the untold story of the witches of Oz - I have sat through three hours and am no wiser as I can not hear anything". It was a preview but they HAVE to sort this problem out - at £55 a ticket it is not on. I do gather that the sound is better in the stalls but I can not confirm this.
(later).....
Well I said I would give it a second go, and indeed I did last night (final preview 26th September 2006) - I was so hoping that after 10 days the show would have improved but alas it left me cold again.

I know they have been playing at night and rehearsing during the day but everyone apart from Miriam was as flat as a pancake. Again I sat in the front section of the Dress and again the sound was dreadful. The orchestra sounds hollow and flat - the singing is a blur (no chance of hearing the words) and the dialogue is lost. Now call me old fashioned but I do like to hear the script. What is interesting is there must be some amusing lines as the stalls laugh but the circle - no, because we have no idea what the hell is being said. Have the sound staff not sat in the front dress to hear the level or do they know the show so well that the actual dialogue is now not important I wonder.

On my last visit I thought that the end of act one was ok but nothing special - was something not working? Well, last night just the same - cherry picker and loads of black material. Now I like inventive (i.e. "The 39 Steps") but at these prices one expects more than a lift - think what can be done - flying in "The Witches of Eastwick", "Chitty", "M. Poppins" - now whether you like the shows or not the effects there were stunning - Wicked is so LAME.

Typical American show - lots of gloss and hype - no substance and oh so clinical.

Michael
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We have seen Wicked twice now and I wanted to comment on sound. The first time was from the back of the circle Row W at the first preview 7th September 2006 and the sound back there was fantastic. We could hear every word clearly even from the ensemble and the songs really belted out to us. They seem to have additional speakers behind the audience there too (very noticeable during the "Wizard head" talking for example).

This time we saw it on Monday September 18th 2006 from the front of the circle Row D and whilst the sound was adequate it was certainly not stunning. It was much louder and clearer in the cheap seats. Last night there was a more "muddy" sound with lyrics sometimes hard to understand. Individual voices were mostly okay but as soon as more than one person sang it was hard to follow lyrics. Whilst it is great to have a much closer view of the stage people should be aware that at the side block (we sat in D38 and D39) there is a quite high horizontal bar on the front of the Circle that I found slightly irritating because I found myself having to look under it to see the actors when they were on the very front sections of the stage that jut out.

I was a fan of the show from Broadway and I am very happy to see Idina Menzel here as Elphaba, she is simply stunning especially during her big numbers (The Wizard and I, Defying Gravity and No Good Deed). Helen Dallimore is getting much better as Galinda, initially she wasn't getting the laughs although she has a lovely voice and can easily sing the role. Last night it was obvious she has worked hard to develop her performance and I liked her very much. Adam Garcia is just badly directed I think, whilst he is improving he is still not that likeable as Fiyero, that role worked much better in the show with Norbert Leo Butz's American slouch approach rather than an English upper class twit character that we have. The show looks fantastic with a first rate ensemble and overall it is an absolute treat for theatregoers.

Lee Wilson

lee.wilson@gmail.com

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I couldn't attend the 'Clients evening' (performance for group bookings clients - ed) on 13th of September 2006 as we were away, so my daughter and grand-daughter went instead. I asked my grand-daughter what she thought of it and she replied as only a nine year old would, with just the one obvious word. "WICKED!!!!!"
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Have just returned from "Wicked" (19th September 2006) and I loved it - it's an imaginative story with good characterisation, extremely well sung and acted, cleverly staged, excellently dressed, beautifully lit, BUT and it's a huge BUT - the sound was awful. Not being familiar with the words I found it very hard to know what was going on at times. We were right in the middle of Row G in the Dress Circle and the sound was truly dreadful - the only thing we could hear clearly was the percussion track which was very annoying at times and, of course, Miriam Margolyes who has the best speaking voice in England. If I'd been able to hear better it would I think have been one of the best shows I've seen. I've been looking up the theatre details to try to find someone to complain to but with no luck.

Morvey
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We saw Wicked on one of the preview nights, 19th September 2006. We had been looking forward to this for many months. First of all - the cast ...- overall - excellent! Idina Menzel certainly lived up to the 'hype' - great voice and fantastic expressions. Helen Dallimore as Glinda was good - managed to hit those high notes beautifully, although her speaking accent was a bit wobbly and inconsitant at times. Adam Garcia as Fiyero was a bit of a disappointment - great dancing, but zero charisma and a mediocre voice (in my opinion). Nigel Planer is great as the Wizard, I loved Martin Ball's Dr Dillimore. James Gillan and Katie Rowley Jones were a great pairing as Boq and Nessa. Both have wonderful voices and gave some of the most expressive performances in the show.
The ensemble were outstanding - so much energy! For me, Miriam Margoyles was the best performer - she does not really sing, but that doesn't really matter - her voice, delivery and actions were both comic and quite chilling at various points in the story - she was made for this role! (although there was a couple of lines at the start of the first scene where she really sounded like Lady Whiteadder - I thought she was going to mention turnips!)

From the technical point of view, for me, the lighting and effects were fantastic, but I think the best was the costumes and the wigs (wigs rarely seem to get a mention - shame!). I know some other people have commented on the sound. we were in the Circle, Row E 31 to 33 - the sound was fine, possibly slightly quiet, but I had no problems hearing any of the show. having been to some shows where the balance of music / vocals have sometimes been disproportionate, I was pleased that the balance seems right here. Re. the seats - legroom is a bit tight, but the view was fine.

All in all, I loved the show - it is well worth seeing, even at top price, for the sheer spectacle. We have already booked to see it again in October.

Ali
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Wicked? It wasn't even good!

I went to see Wicked last Tuesday night (19th September 2006) - I had no idea of the hype beforehand, it was a spontaneous decision - there was a spare ticket going and first saw the film and loved it when I was a small child. We sat in the stalls in the middle, of the front section.

Firstly the acoustics were bad, the music was highly forgettable - occasionally you could hear a few bars and think this is promising but then plummet into mediocrity again, the voices were for the most part shrill (Helen Dallimore was very guilty here). Miriam Margolyes singing was non-existent. Adam Garcia and James Gillan definitely had the best voices in the cast. Idina Menzel was ok, certainly not inspiring. The choreography was dull and clompy.

What was good with it - the sets were excellent, the story linked in cleverly to the film and the sheer enthusiasm of the cast - for the sake of the cast, I hope it runs.

I wasn't the only person to feel the same way about this production - there were a number of people in the audience who like me were unable to clap and I counted at least twenty who walked out at the interval. However, always a perennial optimist I stayed until the end but wish I hadn't I couldn't understand the reaction of the audience who got up and gave the cast a standing ovation, stamping and cheering, (perhaps I was seeing a different production?), if I were being polite I would say that the whole production was very weak, however I could never describe it as "Wicked" only really rather bad.
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We attended the preview show on Friday 22 September 2006. We had seats in Q35 and 36 of the dress circle. Although we were a long way back, it was nice to get the overall impression of the staging effects which were quite spectacular. We had no problems with sound at all. As to be expected from sitting so far back, we missed all the nuances of expression etc from the performers but as we managed to get them for only £5 (preview price) each seat, we certainly couldn't complain!

The show itself was truly "wicked" and "wonderful". It was refereshing to see an original show with such an entertaining story and wonderful score. The first thing I did when arriving home was to track down the cheapest place online to buy the soundtrack from (HMV by the way!). I am also so glad we managed to see Idina Menzel who sent shivers down my spine during her "belters". Galinda was raising many laughs with her delivery and we truly couldn't fault any of the performances. We were surprised at how good a singing voice Nigel Planer had! Overall, this is a fantastic show and I would thoroughly recommend it. Have fun trying to spot the references to the film "Wizard of Oz"!!

Do go and see this show!

Mandi
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Friday, 22nd September 2006. Predictably, online excitement about Wicked at the Apollo Victoria is amassing volcanically – as it did for the superb OBC Recording, now boasting more than 600 Amazon (US) reviews – and London’s so ready for it!

Let’s not beat around the bush: Schwartz is a genius; listen to Pippin (1972), the work of a 24-year-old which made more than $3m on Broadway, and judge for yourself. History encourages us to believe that artists, musicians, writers of substance have a work in them – a Guernica, or Sound and the Fury – which perhaps surpasses all other personal achievement, and so it is with Schwartz in his chosen field: Wicked is his best, and better than anything we’ve seen in the UK. The 2000-strong standing ovation at Friday’s preview, and the block-long queue of cameraphones desperate for Idina well over an hour after the show, bear witness to this.

What an amazing night! I’ve never felt an atmosphere in the West End like it: a huge, collective, monumentally visceral anticipation. And when, when did a Creative Team last come together so emphatically? The Book is dark but compellingly wry, Mantello’s direction as ingenious and sure-footed as in Take Me Out (2002) at the Donmar, the design, staging and costume all scrupulously detailed, and, wow, the lighting. The ticket prices are high but, for once, you feel the money has been well spent, not least on Gareth Valentine, possibly the most inspirational force in London Musical Theatre. So many talented people, all at the very top of their game.

Other reviewers have discussed the cast and the intricacies of the set. Suffice it to say, I didn’t spot any technical hitches at this performance. Of the principals, Helen Dallimore was spot on (tuneful, spirited, engaging…), Adam Garcia, very watchable, and Idina Menzel utterly amazing (no wonder there’s so much gnashing on Amazon about not having seen her in the Original Cast); see Idina before she flies off ‘for good,’ it’s quite simple. She defies both gravity and belief!

Wicked rocks… and so to Press Night, and to the other three performances I’ve booked.

Richard Sutton SE18
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My husband and I went to see this show on Tuesday 19th September 2006 after months of anticipation and I can happily report that we were not at all disappointed. The show was magical, moving and above all we could not get over how funny it was and with a sharp script and a cast of well bedded in characters. We plan to see it again as soon as possible.

The set is magic and also hides some nifty and yet very simple and effective transformations so just by a few extras one minute you can be in a magical ballroom of Disney-sequel proportions or a beautiful poppy garden with an ornate bridge spanning the stage and lit by candlelight. There is creative lighting, mechanical wizardry and even video and projector images all used to great effect.

We sat in the Circle row D 10 and 11 and they were well worth full price, we were bang level with the (enormous) time dragon (who sparked lots of oohs from the audience whenever in motion) and when Elpheba flew in Defying Gravity we had a fantastic overall view of the whole scene one suspects you would not get in the stalls.

To the cast; Miriam Margolyes gives everyone a lesson in voice projection, Idina Menzel is ten times better than she sounds on the CD, Adam Garcia is effortless, Helen Dallimore a wonderful character actress with good comic timing, Martin Ball evokes sympathy and gives some funny and touching moments, Nigel Planer is just "wonderful" as the wizard (again big mention to the wizard setup - wow very impressive) and backed up with a solid cast of talented dancers and ensemble. The monkeys are really well done, wings very clever and very effectively portrayed.

The problems people seem to be having with this show is they have only the CD to base it on and every actor interprets the character their own way and they are all still finding their characters. For example having read peoples opinions on Adam Garcia's performance before we went we kept an open mind and after Dancing Through Life my husband turned to me and said "I have no complaints...". His only problem is the brief dancing he does is quite contemporary which is a little ...well, gay for him. He is not gay (thank god hey ladies?!) and he does his best to funk it up the way his character would. Plus with the exception of Elpheba and the Wizard the cast have been made British and given clear cut accents - which avid fans of the soundtrack may find odd to begin with. But its early days and good for them for trying something new and bringing it to our audiences rather than so many musicals being americanified (Full Monty anyone...?!)

Only problems is the sound could go up a notch especially the orchestra I wanted to be blasted out my seat by that overture and I was not, it sounded like they were hidden behind a screen somewhere, but again early previews yet!

Seats at the very back in the Circle I personally would avoid they were miles high and I looked at them thankful I was not swayed by the cheap offer and had paid the money.

The atmosphere was electric, people cheered after every song, they cheered even more at Elpheba's first entrance and they were the best behaved audience I have seen in a long time, plus of course at the finale not one person remained seated and I suspect mostly not a dry eye in the house.

One word sums it up for me "Wicked". This is what theatre is all about!
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I finally saw Wicked, the London production last week (18th September 2006). It was a pleasure to finally see Idina, especially as I saw Shoshana on Broadway last year. What can I say about London? It was good, but I think I still prefer the Broadway production. I feel Glinda doesn't quite work being a "Sloaney" and "dumb blonde" especially as Glinda isn't really a dumb character. I have to say, Katie who played Nessarose was absolutely amazing, as was Martin Ball and James. Adam certainly had the moves.
I eagerly await press night and the reviews. Oooh sat in the the front of the Dress Circle. It definitely was a great view to take in all the effects of "Defying Gravity" and a good place to appreciate the staging and choreography.
Jazz

http://www.lucy-harris.co.uk (Mamma Mia's Lucy Harris, a fan page)
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I went to the final preview of Wicked last night - 26th September 2006.

A really good show which tells the story of the two witches from the Wizard of Oz, with a few references to the Judy Garland version too.

I was sat in Row S of the Circle and paid just £5 for my ticket. It was very, very loud and I felt the lady who played the part of Elsaba had rather a shrill voice. A couple of scary bits for the younger ones too.

The air-conditioning was blasting out - in fact, I had to put my jacket on by the end of the first half it was so cold.

The show was finished by 10.30pm for those rushing to get trains etc.

Judith
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I have seen the show twice now, first time in the stalls row R 24 and 25 and second time stalls row C seats 18 and 19. I had an amazing experience is both, but it depends on what you prefer. Row R enables you to take in the whole stage and offers excellent views and sound, though there is a walk way in front so people are able to walk past during the performance which can be annoying, especially during a good number. Row C lets you become completely absorbed in the action. I love seeing the actors close up and thought this was fab. You are slightly looking up but this is a small matter really. Defying gravity is awesome and I was blown away by this in both seats, row C was fantastic for this song. Idina's voice is simply beautiful and is a joy to watch. Love the show!!

Peter Rose
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WOW! and more WOW!

If you have never been to a London musical before make sure Wicked is your first choice. I cannot recommend it too highly. It is fantastic ,amazing ,the best show ever!

All the cast are superb. Quality of singing from Idina Menzel is exceptional. The ensemble were first class too and set is fantastic especially the dragon and the neon green set for Oz.

As part of the audience I felt it was a really moving production and enjoyed the atmosphere as everyone applauded each song. It was a real credit to the cast that it all culminated in an explosion of tearful cheering, applause and not one person sat in their seats! All of my party wanted to stay and watch the performance again and again.

As a party of 10 I felt very nervous about the position of the seats I had booked to see Wicked on Saturday 30th September 2006. Even though I had consulted Theatre Monkey to help me decide I was still unsure about whether we would have an uninterrupted view or whether they would be worth the money we had paid. We were sat in the stalls row S24 to 33. Well I shouldn't have been worried at all. The view from row S was ideal to see everything and to feel totally included in OZ, but I'm going to have to go back again to take in things I must have missed as there was so much going on at times.

If you are due to see Wicked soon be assured of one thing you will be blown away!

Julia.
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Wicked is great, definitely a big show worth watching. The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic and the play helps to answer some of the questions that might have been lingering afterwards.

After reading reviews here we paid for top price tickets in the stalls (J22 and 23), what a big mistake. Out of all the seats in the theatre, the guy with the biggest head and curliest ridiculous hair had to be sitting in front of me. All I could see was the back of his head! Sufficed to say my enjoyment was cut drastically. The seats are not set aside to one another either, i.e. the seat in the row in front of you will be directly in front of you rather than to one side where you would be able to see through a gap between heads. Others around me were finding it hard to see past taller people in front of them as well given that the rake in the stalls is virtually non-existent. I would advise you seriously think about this and perhaps sit in the Circle instead or the first few rows in the Stalls.
I heard two people on the radio talking about "Wicked" and how you simply must go and see it, 'you won't regret it' they said. Well, I am writing these thoughts 19 hours after the end of the October 3rd 2006 performance, and you know what? I can't remember the tune of a single song.

I was sat comfortably in the dress circle row J seat 28, almost centrally placed in a green area of the monkey's, cost £49 with all the extras. On comes Helen Dallimore as Glinda and I found it difficult to distinguish what she was saying. I had similar problems with all the female characters apart of course from Miriam Margoyles whose every word was crystal clear. I experienced a similar problem as mentioned by another correspondent. The audience was laughing and as I didn't hear properly I couldn't understand why, although a couple in front of me seemed to get everything OK.

All through the first half I wondered what is this all about, and what was that dragon doing there? Will it fly? What will it do? Answer, not a lot really. The first half ended with 'Defying Gravity' which partly stirred me after the tedium which had preceded it, but even this wasn't that great. Again, I am mirroring another correspondent's views when I say I watched in awe and wonder as the car "flew" in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I felt the same when Mary Poppins "flew" at the end of that show. The sets were very good, costumes were very good as was the lighting, especially the way they lit the side of theatre with green when Emerald City was being portrayed but there wasn't a show stopping moment, well not for me there wasn't.

I thought the second half must be better. I heard a similar comment from someone in the bar during the interval, not that I would purchase a drink at those ridiculous prices. I was stretching my legs. Second half started, can't remember how or with what, probably a song or two and how about some dancing? Well that wasn't very good either. In fact it completely lacked energy throughout. Although, fair play to the monkeys. They flitted about all over, and above the stage and looked more animated than most.

Now for Idina Menzel. A loud voice, yes but I also had problems understanding what she was saying, and not only her speech. There was one song in the second half by her which was very very loud but I had no idea what it was about because I could hardly distinguish a word, let alone a line. I noticed a light two seats down from me, it was a woman looking at her mobile phone, very bad manners but showed she was bored with the show. It was almost a relief when it was all over. The audience went mad, most were standing applauding loudly and there was no curtain call, just a scant acknowledgment of the applause and lets get the curtain down so we can go home attitude.

At least it didn't take that long to get out of the theatre because the Apollo Victoria has two exits. I travelled to the show by motorcycle and at the bike park (conveniently located very near) I spoke to someone who was unlocking his bike ready to leave. I said have you watched the show? He said 'no I work backstage. Did you enjoy it?' he said. I said 'no, not really.' He said 'never mind, at least you can say you've seen it.' Well you can also say that if you go, but don't be fooled by the hype, as is shown by the fact that I can't remember a single song means that to me it was instantly forgettable.
This is the first "new" musical I've seen. Previously I have know at least some of the songs before attending a show and have gone out of the theatre humming at least one tune, but I can honestly say I went out of the Apollo not remembering one. I should have got the soundtrack from somewhere, but after that glowing recommendation from those two on the radio........... The reviewer from "The Times" was right, two stars out of 5.

Stephen
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Well what can I say? One of the best musicals I have seen!!! I can thoroughly recommend this show. We wanted to see this show when we were in the States last year but couldn't get a ticket for love nor money (there were tons of Americans in the audience of the performance we saw!) so when we found out it was coming to London we booked tickets early.

We were in the stalls (J22 and J23) these were somewhat disappointing - the rows are all on one level so if you have a tall person in front of you, you have to keep dodging their head when characters are centre stage. I suggest for the stalls either buying tickets further back (from row Q) where the seats slope or if you want to be near the front don't go in the centre that way you are always looking diagonally so people in front of you do not get in the way. The stage itself was fantastically set.

If you love the story of the Wizard of Oz (as I do) then you will love 'Wicked', its alternative story for the witches of Oz ties in beautifully to the original story with every attention to detail!

Finally I must say if you decide to go and see this show then do so before the end of December - the reason for this....IDINA MENZEL. She won the Tony award for this role in the States and my god you can see why! It was the best performance in a musical I have ever seen, she literally took my breath away. I'm sure her replacement will be brilliant but she was out of this world, so I would get your tickets quickly so not to miss out.

All in all 10/10!!!
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I booked preview tickets for the whole family to see this show on September 19th 2006. We sat in Dress Circle row S, seats 27 to 30. The theatre is set out in such a way that you could probably see the stage to a decent degree no matter where you sat if you are of average height, but being only 5' tall, I have trouble seeing anything wherever I go. Although the rear circle has a good rake, we had a tall man in front of us and we had to swap seats around so that the tallest member of our party sat behind him. But even he had problems and had to constantly lean to one side to get a proper view. Then of course there were safety bars right at the front of the circle, so the four rows in front of us all in turn had to lean forward, until we were all leaning forward to see over someone's shoulder! I had a neck ache for days after.

The show itself was indeed 'Wicked'. We all thoroughly enjoyed Idina'a fabulous voice, she really is a talented performer. We were disappointed however that 'Glinda' - although very talented - was played by an Australian woman with an English accent, and therefore the song 'Popular' lacked the quaint little lilt of tone that the very American original artiste portrayed. Also we thought it a shame that Madam Morrible did not attempt to sing at any time! (on the CD soundtrack she sings). The three women in our party particularly enjoyed Adam Garcia.
The mobile set and colourful costumes were fantastic, and the sound was brilliant, but I was really blown away by the lighting and special effects.

All in all, despite having a raging stiff neck for a few days, we all enjoyed this show immensely and would happily recommend it to anyone to see it.

Jan
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Well what can I say.... in a word F A N T A S M A G O R I C A L!!!

I went to see the show with 28 other Cast members from G.A.P.S - Gatwick Airport Pantomime Society (www.gatwickpanto.co.uk) and we were sat to the side of the Stalls in rows G, H, and J seats 32 to 45ish.

As you walk up the steps into the theatre the sheer buzz that you get from the masses and crowds is just out of this world. This show seems to appeal to such a wide mixture of patrons such as Families, Homosexuals, Grandparents, Students....the list is endless.

These seats were excellent and a fun and most memorable time was had by all, with no viewing problems whatsoever like others have mentioned on Monkey's site. A very clear uninterrupted view.

For any musical or show, I would always recommend front Stalls as the best seating.

Idina Menzel, and Miriam Margolyes really make the show. Idina's Voice is truly unmatched by anybody else, she makes your whole body shudder with delight and leaves you feeling like "wow how does she do that" and what can I say about Miriam, dear Miriam, she bumbles onto the stage all voluptuous and boisterous and its then that you know you are watching sheer class!

When Idina walks out there is a massive cheer which at one point felt like we were at a pop concert at Wembley, as she generated such an tremendous buzz (probably being as she is along the same lines of stardom as Julia Roberts in the USA)

I'm going again to see the show on in December with my long-time friend Ian, and we have somehow managed to get seats J30 to 31 after plenty of ringing around (finally booked through SeeTickets), which in my eyes these seats priced at £55gbp+fees will be just............WICKED!!!!!

Roddy
From the Gatwick Area
easyboylgw@aol.co.uk 
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Wicked: matinee performance 25th October 2006

After many hours listening to the Original Broadway Cast recording and enjoying the music greatly, I got on the phone on the day of the tickets being released and booked two seats for Wicked. Normally I would have booked mid-price seats for a West End show but I thought, "what the hell let's splash out," so I got seats M 24 and 25 in the stalls for 55 quid each. Before I go into the review proper I will tell you about these seats and the technical aspects of the production. Other readers of Theatremonkey have commented on the lack of rake in the front centre stalls. This is a problem but we were very fortunate to have two children in front of us (there is no off centre seats i.e. they are all behind one another in this block). Consequently we enjoyed a perfectly central uninterrupted view of one of the most lavish sets I have ever seen. Close enough to see faces and expressions but far enough away to get the whole effect of the set and which does not restrict itself just to the stage (genius usage of the LED fabulousness that is the Apollo Vic). I would like to predict now that Mr Lee will add to his awards collection with the London transfer of his set.

With regard to the lighting of the show…it could not have been more perfect (another predicted awards bonanza for Mr Posner). Stunning visual treats were created with both set and lighting , the like of which I have not seen before and do not imagine seeing again until a certain big budget show comes to the Drury Lane next year. What really adds to the spectacle is Susan Hilferty’s extraordinary costumes of which there were loads!! I cannot imagine how crazy a life of a "Wicked" dresser must be but, my god, the quick changes were everywhere and unless you were paying attention you would not notice the fact that most of the cast changed from one mentally complicated costume into another in the space of less than a minute on numerous occasions throughout the show.

I then come to the band…oh my frikkin god, they were brilliant. One of the best gatherings under a stage in a long, long time. I would like to moan about one moment when a trumpet was about a quarter tone flat which ruined the whole show for me (I joke monkey lovers…its just that as a musician these things are a bit more noticeable for me). Some readers have also commented on the sound. I thought it was perfect with the correct variation in volume for each movement and song and my god they have to bash it out when a certain green girl starts to sing with wonderful megaphone style belting qualities (odd compliment but it works).
Right lets get to the nitty gritty of the Wicked experience. I will unusually begin with pre-auditorium entry. Jesus wept people, avoid going into the theatre too early…the place is rammed and you can hardly move. I have a feeling that most people were trying to avoid the bloomin' awful stench of rotten poo and eggs that for some obscure reason was blighting the Victoria area on Wednesday afternoon and causing hundreds of people to walk about with scarves and hands over their nostrils in a fashion that wouldn’t have been out of place in a smog filled east Asian mega city in the summer months.

Stinkfication aside we got into the theatre and took our fabulous seats..ooh very comfy and with decent legroom too, and marvelled at the twinkling emerald city and the cogs and gears of the dragon clock. It was very clear that Wicked had already achieved teenage cult status with girls wandering about in show t-shirts and odd looking ladies getting excited over their 15th viewing of the show. One must remember that it was half term for schools (reason I was there) and that it was definitely a family visit to London occasion which I loved as the buzz before the show was brilliant and when the band started to play cheers and yelps one would normally experience at a 'Take That' concert (albeit not as fun as 'Take That' and with an older crowd) were heard all over the theatre and this actually added to the fun and wonder of the show (I have a feeling that the cast are loving their jobs as grins and laughter were evident throughout especially from the flying green bird).

Anyway the show …. God this is taking an age… opening fantastic, good projections and lighting effects setting the scene for something a bit special, first chance to hear the flipping awesome ensemble….cracking voices, awesome dancers, one of which was very floppy indeed (look for the one in the skirt in dancing thru life he is very ‘ballet boyz’ lol). Finally we meet Helen Dallimore in her bubble. What a pretty lady she is and, after all the moaning we have seen about her interpretation of a role that some see as only playable by copying squeaky star number one La Chenowith, I was pleasantly surprised by how I warmed to her almost immediately and what a lovely voice she has… At one point in ‘thank goodness’ she proved to me that she could belt green girl off the stage if she wanted to! She played the part wonderfully and I for one am chuffed for her that she got the role.
I think it may be time for the woman of green to be talked about….I would normally use expletives to show my enthusiasm for her performance but I will restrain myself and just use the words…..oh my god!!! What a woman….acting perfect, singing perfect and one must on this occasion separate her singing voice from her belting voice as it is quite possible that this woman has another little person living in her larynx ready and waiting to add to the volume when required. Once she had blown the roof off the theatre in ‘the wizard and I’ the audience went nuts and rightly so…we were witnessing one of the best vocal performances of our time…she is better now than she was on the CD, more warm, full bodied and rounded vowels adding to a master class in musical theatre singing. This is not to detract from her sotto voce... which really suited duets with Dallimore (a lot nicer to listen to than Menzel Vs Chenowith).

Right swiftly onto other cast members…I will be brief. Katie Rowley Jones as Nessa Rose: stunning voice and later on evilness ooh she was good. James Gillan as Boq: aaaw wee Scottish fella who broke all our hearts and who hides a huge voice which practically explodes out of him on a number of occasions! Miriam Margolyes as Madame Morrible: wow…what a woman - not a note sung but it was still splendid and you really wanted to smack her chops by the end of the show (in a nice way obviously). Martin Ball as Dr Dillamond: again heartbreaking performance and a lovely singing voice to match. Nigel Planer as the Wizard was good…it’s a crappy part but he did well to make it good. And finally Adam (best bum in town) Garcia as Fiyero….I was really happy with his performance….he needs to breath more or at least put some effort into sustaining ends of phrases but a nice voice and one that complimented greenies very nicely…I would if I could go at him with a pair of scissors…that hair is really bad!

Right that’s the cast, but I do want to go on a bit about the end of act one…never have I felt such exhilaration and joy than at this moment... wow wow wow! Edina Menzel is wonderful and the simple effects are some of the most breathtaking I have seen on a stage…who cares if she doesn’t dangle like a blimp (there’s a cross reference for you), she rises majestically and because there was no roof left on the theatre at this stage of the show, I will have to start using 'the walls being blasted apart as she sang' as a metaphor. God she is loud and it works so well….seriously, by the end of this song the vast majority of the audience are stunned and in shock at what they have just experienced. Even the old man sat behind me said “(expletive) me darling,,, that was a bit good!”…and then during act 2 she comes along again and caused nuclear meltdown of the whole of Victoria with ‘no good deed’ ….ah ha maybe that’s why the sewers are buggered….some women break glass when they sing,  she breaks concrete!!

Right it's time to go …here are my final words on Wicked….get a bloody ticket before she leaves in Jan 2007... the woman is a green goddess (without the blonde hair and terrifying leotard). Obviously she isn’t the whole show on her own - and Kerry Ellis will do a fine job when Menzel leaves - but if you can see Edina blow up London if you can. Right I have to go and buy the Take That Tour DVD …bye x
Freddy

Freddy_1979@hotmail.co.uk
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Wicked is an absolute must see!

It is proof of the almighty power of live theatre in its rawest and most passionate form.

The sets are absolutely breathtaking and the costumes utterly marvellous. The score is powerful and the lyrics poignant and witty.

TOP TIP: The theatre holds the whole of the front row until the day of the performance, when, for only £25 you can buy them (max. 2 per person). They go on sale at 10am. We arrived at 12pm, slightly worried that they would be sold out...but they weren't! I hate paying full price in the West End as it always deadens the excitement for me - so this is definitely worth a look!
We sat in the front row of the Wednesday matinee and I must admit I was slightly worried that the principles may not be performing or that maybe they wouldn't be up to their best - I shouldn't have worried! No cast members were understudied and the intensity of all actors was incredible. We were about 8 feet away from the actors, including the fabulous Idina Menzel who rightly deserves the hype - her voice is like nothing else I have ever heard in the West End!

The only negative thing about sitting in the front row is that you lose a lot of the impact of the set, which comes right out over the proscenium arch and into the auditorium. But the fact that you get so close to the marvellous costumes and stunning actors more than makes up for it. You also get closer to seeing things done with smoke that you'd never imagine!
I cannot believe another post on this website that suggested all the songs were instantly forgettable! The show-stopping 'Defying Gravity' was haunting me on the train home and I just had to download the album as soon as I got home (which, incidentally is fantastic).

The supporting cast is awesome with Miriam Margoyles putting in a devilish Madame Morrible and Adam Garcia superb as the love interest 'Fiyero'.
All in all, one of the best things I have ever seen in the West End.

YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS SHOW!

Andy B
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I went to see it last night (14th October 2006), sitting in Row E of the Dress. I was a
little concerned before by the reports on this site about the sound. I feel they must have sorted it because I felt it was perfectly balanced between vocals and orchestra, at an appropriate volume - Idina Menzel's magnificent voice given just the right "knee-trembling" factor! Also, the spaciality of the sound was right. So, I breathed a sigh of relief.

On another note, I am sure the theatre is now more than air cooled, judging by the temperature at times. It was quite a mild evening last night, and I am sure I felt some icy blasts! Also, during the quieter moments (yes, surprisingly there are one or two) the noise of the cooling system became quite intrusive!
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Having booked months in advance for best seats, I was eagerly looking forward to seeing Wicked. What a disappointment. The songs were instantly forgettable, there was little variety in the style of music and there were far two many songs and not enough drama.

For the last half century, the songs in musical theatre have been integral to telling the story. Well, in Wicked the songs are boring and there is not enough story to make a two and a half hour show. The show failed to engage me - I couldn't care what happened to any of the characters. I found myself listening to lines that should have been quite witty, but were not getting any laughs. It was hard to know just what audience this show is aimed at – it is too scary for young children and too juvenile for adults.

Technically, there were problems with the production I saw (Tuesday 10 October 2006), and the first act finale failed to take off - literally. The wicked witch looked frankly ridiculous standing centre stage clutching a broomstick and singing “I’m flying high – defying gravity”. It’s a pity that technical problems can spoil the highlight of a show well after opening night. 

On the positive side the costumes were spectacular, the acting generally good (Miriam Margolyes is the real star of the show), and the sets and lighting were quite good – but sadly the positives were not enough to make it a good night out or value for money.
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Saw the matinee performance on Saturday 14th October 2006. Sat in seats J 18, 19 and 20 in the stalls. Fantastic seats could not fault them. The slope in this part of the stalls is not very steep but it didn't make any difference. Could not recommend these seats too highly.

Before the review a major moan. After paying £55 for a ticket (plus booking fee) the brochure (no programme available to buy) is in my opinion a complete rip off. For £6 all you get are the photos you can get off the website for free and the cast bio's you can also get off the website for free. Plus there is plenty of advertising in there too. You would think that they would make sure that after the high price of tickets, the brochure would be quality. Sadly not.

Anyway....

Wow wow wow wow.

I had hear it was good but did not expect how superb it actually was.

The story is marvellous, very clever the way it is its own story but weaves so much of the original story into the plot.

The sets are breathtaking, the whole stage is like a huge clock turned outwards capped off by a dragon dominating the top of the proscenuim. The set changes flow seamlessly.

The music is fantastic, in particular "No Good Deed", "Defying Gravity", "For Good" and "No-one Mourns the Wicked" just did it for me.

Idinal Menzel - just see her! See her while she is still in London. Her soaring voice was breathtaking. She brilliantly conveyed the transformation of Elphaba from a lonely teenager, to an idealistic young woman and finally a tortured outcast. The audience absolutely got it and loved her from the first time she appeared on the stage. This I felt was a legendary performance.

Helen Dalimore was a fantastic Glinda. It appears, from having read earlier reviews, that she has grown quickly into the role. She was hilarious, scatty and spoilt but conveyed a vulnerability coupled with a real steel hand in the silk glove. She was fantastic.

Miriam Margolyes as Morrible - all I can say about her is that she stole every scene she was in. She was wonderfully, wonderfully evil!

Nigel Planer as the Wizard - could not imagine anyone doing it better. Just great in a limited role.
In supporting roles, Martin Ball, James Gillan and Kate Rowley Jones as Dillamond, Boq and Nessarose were all superb. Faultless performances.

The company is also faultless. Magnificent singing, dancing and movement.
What a fantastic afternoon at the theatre. Have not stopped raving about it since I saw it. The audience gave it an ecstatic reception at the end. The ovation was massive - real enthusiasm.

In the end though, two words: IDINA MENZEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I was leaving I sent a text to a work collegue who is seeing it in November and said it was the best show I have ever seen.

It was, and I cannot wait to go back.
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Wicked Update:

Your comments about the un-American-ness of the show appear to have been taken on board as it would seem from a visit last night - 17th October 2006 - that it is much more in tune with the Broadway version that I saw last November in NY.

"Once the director realises "Popular" works way better with an American air-head accent than it does with a British spoof-Sloane one, it'll be the perfect "DVD night in" substitute."

It is now getting back to the American-ness that should always have been there.

Friends who saw a preview a few weeks ago and who also came last said everything was tighter and better, especially the sound balance.

We were sitting in row H 40 to 44 which are in red on your seat plan. True the left-side stage action when the cast are not very far forward misses a bit of a view but, overall, you lose nothing. One important thing to bear in mind about this show and others - is that a lot of the close-up action takes place on the left side of the stage and rows A to J seats 35 to the 40s really get the best and most intimate view of what is happening in key scenes.

Also, last night, seats in 35 to 42 in rows B to E were unsold. Any late-comer, personal-callers at the box might enquire about availability of these if they desperately want to see the show at short notice or to try and do a deal.

What your other correspondents don't seem to take into account with regards to "seat rake" is that the theatre was originally built as a cinema and as such the stalls seating in the first 20 rows needed to fall away from the stage level to make the screen visible. Why Live Nation have failed to address this is clearly a matter of cost and priorities - and of course Live Nation's bottom line.

Final moan, and something I have taken up directly with Live Nation directly, is the obscenity - in this day and age - of the long, long queues for ladies toilets all through the interval. There simply just aren't enough and it is a scandal that a top West End show really has inadequate provision for basic comfort needs for women and girls. The Coliseum - after its own £40m refit - faces exactly the same problem.

One day, one fine day, some entrepreneurial property developer, in collaboration with a truly caring and wise theatre-management organisation is going to build a really magnificent London theatre with a wide and flexible stage, excellent sight lines, fantastic acoustics, seating and prices geared to what the public wants and needs almost certainly as part of a comprehensive, major property redevelopment programme.

When the developers built the Uris Theatre in New York - home of the Broadway "Wicked" production they knew just what to do and how to do it see below. And as result are reaping the benefits. See http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/theaters/gershwintheater/history.html for details.

Where, is Mr Alswang when we need him?

Trevor Chenery
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I went along on 31st October 2006... had seen the show once before on a "Dress Circle" evening in September during the previews was interested to see how the cast were doing since then....

Well - I enjoyed it even more than last time - excellent seats in row J of the stalls 26 and 27 ... I have seen that other reviewers didn't like row J- maybe we were lucky not to have tall people in front! I was able to see details of the fantastic costumes and the facial expressions. Legroom was ok... fully agree about the inadequate toilet facilities though!

Helen Dallimore as Glinda just gets better and better - her accent has settled down, her voice seems stronger, and with the delivery of some of the lines and the expression, she is hilarious - just perfect for the role..

Idina Menzel put in another fantastic performance - 'Defying Gravity' is possibly the most spectacular, but her performance of 'No Good Deed' is just mind-blowing!

Adam Garcia as Fiyero .. hmm well, he has got a bit less wooden, but I still don't particularly like him in this role - the character has charisma, the actor should portray this, but doesn't IMO

Miriam Margolyes - excellent ! I can't imagine anyone better for the role - she goes from a rather comical figure to a chilling manipulator. Speaks rather than sings, but I think this works well

Nigel Planer as the Wizard - I think he is very good - he manages to maintain the mid-west accent pretty well (to my ear, anyway), and some of his expressions, towards the end of the show are very moving, and actually made me feel a bit sorry for this quite evil character.

Martin Ball as Dr Dillamond - very very good - can't be easy to play I think with the mask, but I really warm to him, (which I guess makes Elphaba's fight for Animal rights so important)

James Gillan and Katie Rowley Jones as Boq and Nessarose - Katie has an amazing voice, and her character development is excellently done. James is perfect as the lovelorn Boq, and has a few nice touches as the Shiz Boq (I loved it when he stuck his tounge out at Elephaba behind her back) .

The Ensemble ... possibly the best in the West End at the moment (well, tied with 'Les Mis') - excellent singing and dancing.

The sound levels were just about right - the staging and lighting are awesome - if you haven't seen it yet, I really would recommend going to see it ...

Ali
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As a show, there isn't much to compare with Wicked. It's lavish, the performances were great, the plot is very cleverly woven into the original "Wizard of Oz", and overall it's fantastic entertainment.

However, as one of the earlier reviewers has already said, the songs are unfortunately instantly forgettable, and since this is normally one of my favourite parts of any musical, I found this to be very disappointing.

Overall, the "Wow" factor of this show is really there, and it was certainly money well spent (very good seats, thanks to the Theatremonkey Ticketshop!) It's not going to compete for my "favourite show" spot though.

Would I go again? Most definitely.
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I saw Wicked on 2nd November 2006.

I though this show was mixed. The awards for me go to the sumptuous costumes and the spectacular set – and a personal achievement award to Idina Menzel. She is outstanding and I would urge people to book before she leaves the show. Miriam Margolyes does a good job. Most of the rest of the cast were very poor – they needed a charisma infusion to carry the show through. Interesting how we now have two major West End female parts – Elphaba and Evita – being filled by foreign actresses and benefiting from it.

The staging is extraordinary in its lavishness and in how the setting becomes the focus of the show. The finale of part one is a stunning visual; the only other show I can think of with scenes where the visuals of the setting are so important and so strong is "The Lion King." I also enjoyed the clever book and lyrics, and the construct that alluded to the film. I’m glad I saw this show but I realise that I’ve analysed it rather than emoted with it. I took children aged 12 and 16. They enjoyed it but also identified the faults, so I wouldn’t bank on it for success as a preteen party.

Sara Levene
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Saw the matinee on 5th November 2006. Was a bit worried as could only get seats ZC1-2 in stalls but needn't of worried - did not feel like I missed anything. Yes, would be nice to be in centre of theatre but if this is all that's left did not feel cheated... and loads of leg room! I`m over 6ft and had no problems. In quieter bit did get a little noise from behind curtains at side where they keep stock for the bars etc, so staff should be quieter - and cold blasts as someone else said - but I had a great view.

Not a perfect show, but pretty damn good; has some really magical moments. A little long though, I felt, could be cut a bit and not lose anything . Very strong cast all round no one is weak. Idina Menzel and Helen Dallimore are FAB - fans of the 1939 classic will not be upset or disappointed as they link it in quite well. Great set and lighting, sound was fine even at the back. Both leading ladies should be up for Oliviers as should the show.
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I'm an American student studying over here, and jumped at the chance to see Idina Menzel in Wicked! Saw the Wednesday matinee on November 8th 2006. Was supposed to sit with a friend in B 8 and 9 of the dress circle - to all the readers, try and avoid B9 of the dress circle as much as you can, as there's a pole right in front of your line of vision! Luckily the seats in the centre of B of the dress circle weren't filled, so we moved and 2 friends who had bought tickets for other seats moved down to sit with us, B in the centre of the dress circle are great seats, I could see everything, facial expressions quite a bit too! A 5th friend showed up REALLY early and got front row centre seats - I'd highly recommend this, I paid 55 pounds for dress circle, great seats once we moved, and she got to see Glinda's tear in 'For Good' for 25!

I LOVED THIS SHOW, it's something I would totally see again! I've listened to the soundtrack so many times, especially recently, and saw a bootlegged Broadway version last year, but this absolutely surpassed it all! I'm sure that Kerry Ellis when she takes over as Elphaba will be wonderful, but I gotta say nobody will EVER top Idina Menzel, the woman is absolutely incredible!!! Her voice is so powerful that she left me with chills, almost in tears, and seriously feeling like the roof was gonna blow off from the strength of her voice alone. Although I do have to admit that she let on me down slightly on 'Defying Gravity' because she did a shorter, one noted version of the "is ever gonna bring ME down" at the end rather than that incredible belted changing ME note that's on the soundtrack, but the change in weather might have meant that she wasn't quite at the top of her game today, plus the fact that the woman does that show 9 times a week! Course if what I saw was Idina Menzel sick, I can only imagine what she's like when she's fully healthy. Like someone else said, 'No Good Deed' is absolutely mind-blowing, by far the best song in the show, at least to me!

Adam Garcia was great, I particularly enjoyed 'Dancing through Life', but 'As long as you're mine' needs some work - the stage movements took away from the chemistry that you're really supposed to be able to cut with a knife. I absolutely loved the Irish or Scottish version of Boq, he was AMAZING. Miriam Margolyes as Madame Morrible deserves an award, she was awesome! My friend and I disagreed on the Wizard and Nessa - I loved both of them, she didn't. Nessa was great as the little spoiled sister who can still be pitied, I really liked her. And the Wizard was great - I loved the fact that Nigel Planner stuck more to the traditional Wizard of Oz as a harmless US hick who got carried away rather than the EXTREMELY creepy bald guy version I saw in the bootlegged version, and I have to give him props on the Midwest accent - he did great, though when he first came out my authentic St. Louis/midwestern ear caught a touch of southern...

Now we come to Helen Dallimore as Galinda. I have to give her some credit, because it's a hard role to do, especially 9 times a week. And she did get much better during the 2nd act. But she just didn't get it in the first, in fact she seemed to lack confidence in the first act, the exact opposite of what spoiled self-assured Galinda should be at that point! The low point was definitely 'popular,' sadly because I'd been so looking forward to that. But the producers need to realize that it just does not work to do 'Popular' in a British accent!! The words are "Popular. You're gonna be popular" and she did it as 'going to be'. Seems small but 'gonna be' and 'going to be' are two totally different things - Helen just made 'Popular' way too proper and it didn't work at all. I think if she can gain the confidence in the 1st act that she has in the 2nd and really work on 'Popular,' she'll be great. But like the song says, "let's start, cause you've got an awfully long way to go".

The set and costumes were amazing, but next to Idina my favourite part of the show were the monkeys!! Especially the part where they're set free - ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! They were flipping and flying everywhere, it was incredible! And I'm not sure what people are talking about with people not flying, because those monkeys were most definitely flying all over the stage, and maybe it's just me but considering that Elphaba got up to my eye level in the dress circle in 'Defying Gravity', I'd say that's definitely flying. It's one of the parts that kept me open-mouthed during that song.

I'd highly recommend this show to anyone, but say that you should definitely go now or before December 31st - DO NOT MISS THE CHANCE TO SEE IDINA MENZEL PLAY ELPHABA, SHE'S THE BEST PART OF THIS SHOW AND SHE'S AMAZING!
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I went to see Wicked last night (9th November 2006), and while it is not the greatest musical of all time, it was very, very enjoyable.

I think we had fantastic and great value seats, Circle, Row H 18 and 19. These are two seats on their own, right in the middle, not too far back and priced only £35. The same would be true for Row G and Row I.

Pass the message on.
Emma
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Finally saw Wicked. I enjoyed it very much. I’m afraid, though, I’m going to be the odd man out here. I was a bit disappointed with Idina Menzel. She does sing beautifully and has a powerful voice (her lungs must be made of steel). However, I didn’t find her acting all that impressive, especially considering she’s been playing the part for a very long time, and that she received a Tony for this performance. I was, unfortunately, underwhelmed. Maybe my expectations were too high.

I was pleasantly surprised with the rest of the cast, though, and I definitely enjoyed Helen Dallimore as Galinda. I was kind of reticent that any actress could actually outperform Kristin Chenoweth in the Original Broadway Cast recording, and yet she did a great job. No problems at all with her Popular. Then again, I’m not American and my expectations are not the same. Helen wasn’t as smug and self-loving as Kristin’s Galinda, but more ambitious and wackily ruthless, which suited the rather hypocritical character just fine. She made me laugh in lines I didn’t expect too. Miriam Margolyes, as everybody pointed out, was brilliant. I also thought James Gillan as Boc quite good.

Even though Wicked is not exactly my cup of tea (sometimes it seemed more like a live concert than a musical), it made me wish to see it again sometime in the future.

Carlos
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We went to see Wicked this weekend (11th November 2006) and it was terrific and second to none!! We had seats P42 and 43 in the stalls and we were a little worried as you had these as red on your seating plan. Yes, we did have to view the stage at a slight angle but we didn’t miss any of the action on stage and had a fantastic view of all of the characters. The tickets at full price were worth every penny and we would recommend them to anyone.
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Saw the show on Saturday 11th November 2006. It's a great story, the show is quite slick, scenery well done and the cast were all good. However, I have to say it just didn't do it for me. A previous reviewer hit the nail on the head - it just seemed too long winded, and the story kind of got lost along the way on occasion.

I felt most of the songs were a bit bland - no memorable 'thighslappers' here. I felt the show would have worked better without some of them or at least they could be shortened them to get on with the story. I was really disappointed that Elphaba didn't fly when singing about defying gravity - felt like there was perhaps a technical hitch there and she should have done so - if so they hid it well...show must go on after all, but if not, what a shame and nevertheless thought there would be more 'flying' all round.

Didn't live up to expectations and left feeling a bit disappointed - shame really as there is a cracking show in there crying to get out. The cast are good but wouldn't agree they compare to 'Les Mis' - perhaps that's down to the songs as well.

Ladies - make sure you 'go' before you arrive - unless you want to wait for ages - the queue for went all the way down the stairs to the door in the foyer at the start and was worse at the interval - be warned.

Dee C
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We saw Wicked on 9th November 2006. Our seats (stalls K 26 and 27) were AMAZING. I can't imagine better seats for this show. Close enough to feel part of the show, far back enough to allow a small amount of illusion. We had to look up to get the full effect of the dragon, but I really think that it should be that way. After all, he's meant to be looking down over OZ.

We were a bit nervous about the show, having not been grabbed by the soundtrack we purchased online. We went into the theatre feeling even more unsure, as there were notices tacked up everywhere saying that Idina Menzel was not singing that night, but rather her standby, Kerry Ellis. I'd read reviews saying Menzel's voice carries the show, so was totally gob smacked when I heard Kerry Ellis. What a voice! Having never heard Menzel live I can not compare but OH WoW was Ellis amazing. She'll be taking over in January so don't by any means think you must rush to hear Menzel before she's gone, because Ellis has the kind of voice that gets right into your stomach and carries you through the show. When it ended I wanted to sit right down and watch it all over again.

The thing is, the entire show was amazing. It was the kind of experience where you find yourself shaking your head in disbelief because it's so good. The scenery is wonderful, the transitions (something I'm picky about) were seamless, the costumes lavish and the staging masterful.

Basically, don't miss this show.

KFried
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Went to the Matinee (18th November 2006). Spectacular show but the sound was truly appalling. We were in row F of Dress Circle (£55 per ticket). Good view. Spoken word could be heard and mostly understood but as soon as the orchestra struck-up we couldn't understand a syllable! There was just a wall of unintelligible sound!
Very disappointing.
GP
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I went to Wicked yesterday (23rd November 2006) and it was amazing. During the interval I was already plotting ways to see it again before the end of the year.

Our seats were pretty good although we couldn't see all the action on the left hand side of the stage, especially the part where the house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East. Luckily a girl was sitting in front of me so I didn't have to lean to the sides to see the action.

Although I was disappointed that Idina wasn't performing, Kerry was amazing and she won everyone over by the end of 'The Wizard & I'. She didn't hit all the notes that Idina hits in Defying Gravity but she put a lot of emotion in her singing.

Adam Garcia was pretty good. His singing wasn't on a par with Norbert Leo Butz and Kerry's voice overpowered his during the duet, but his acting and dancing was good. Kerry Washington, Miriam's understudy was also on. She was OK but I think Miriam would probably bring more to the character.

The wizard has a very dodgy American accent and I've figure out why; he's supposed to be from Kansas in the US. I guess Idina keeps her accent because that makes her even more different from all the "normal" people, and Kerry keeps her own accent because her Elphaba wants to fit in. I didn't think Nigel Planer was particularly good as the wizard; he was too flamboyant for a man who is actually quite unsure of himself.

In conclusion, I loved it and will be going to a Wednesday matinee before the end of the year hopefully
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I have now seen the show four times and have sat in a variety of seats. After 0 in the dress circle I have had row P centre in the dress circle, row W dress circle and row D in the stalls.

I have to say that from all of these seats I got something different from the show - but all were great. Row W of the dress circle - booked last minute - cheap - great overall view - took my cheap Argos binoculars for a closer view - but others in my party were still blown away by the show from here.

- only problem I have found with any of the dress circle seats - is the leaning forward person - if you have someone that does that - it is a real pain - but a polite word often does the trick.
Row D of the stall was a very different experience - very powerful and personal. Great as I'd already seen the show - but maybe you miss out a little on the whole effect. I would book these / or closer again - as I saw lots of little things I hadn't noticed from further back.

Dawn
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With 159 people in my group opinions stretched over the full gambit from at least three saying it was by far the best show they have ever seen, to two of the men wanting to walk out at the interval and one saying it was the worst show he has ever seen. You can never please everyone.

The main consensus however was that it was a superb production with incredible stage props and effects and amazing costumes. Kerry Ellis was Elphaba and no one should be disappointed about seeing her in the role full time from January 2007, what a voice!

I had encouraged all who had access to the Internet to read up on the story line of the link between "Wicked" and "The Wizard of Oz" and for the others I had copies of the story on the coaches for them to read, but still many had real difficulty in understanding what it was all about; but I think they were the ones who were just not inspired by it at all and didn't want to understand it. I suppose they were looking for catchy songs to sing on the coach back which they will get with our next two shows "The Sound of Music" and "Mamma Mia."

'Wicked' may not have memorable songs but it has a uniqueness that makes it quite special.

I was waiting and waiting and looking for Elphaba to get on that broomstick and do a Harry Potter but it never happened!

I think it is true to say that more ladies enjoyed it than the men and it certainly appeals most to the teenage and younger, audience, but most of the thanks and comments coming my way after the show have been most complimentary and so far those who did not like it have not expressed those views to me.

I did get one complaint about the brass rail on the balcony which is just on eye level, fortunately there were other seats empty which they moved to and others in the circle almost had vertigo due to the rake of the seats and they moved to the stalls.
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We had seats H34 and 35 in the Dress Circle. I took my 10-year-old daughter and she thought they were the best seats we’d ever had! Unobstructed view and it was nice not sitting next to anybody! We usually pay top price so I was apprehensive but I would recommend these to anybody. Show is fabulous - don’t be put off by critics’ reviews – I’ve recommended this show to many people and they were all knocked out by it!

Francesca
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Went to see "Wicked" for the second time on Saturday 9th December 2006, having first seen it back in October 2006. Then, I sat at the very back of the stalls in the centre. This time row N of the stalls, centre block.

This show is a breath of fresh air in West End theatre. Yes the revivals are great, and yes I've got my tickets for "The Sound Of Music" but give me "Wicked" any day. The music is wonderful, the dialogue sharp and witty, the costumes sumptuous and the sets quite spectacular. And as for the performances...

Both times I have been fortunate to see the full original cast. Second time around Nigel Planer and Adam Garcia had definitely settled into their roles and were a pleasure to watch. Miriam Margolyes strongly deserves to win her best supporting actress nomination as she commands the stage each time she comes on. Helen Dallimore gives a clever and very amusing performance as Glinda. Whilst perhaps not matching the voice of Chenoweth (original Glinda on Broadway) she acts as a great foil to Elphaba and the two of them work a good chemistry on the stage. So what of Idina Menzel?

Outstanding! Not only is her voice the most incredible I've ever heard in live musical theatre, she creates a totally believable character in Elphaba. She takes Elphaba on a journey from the young, naive,e nthusiastic girl in "The Wizard And I" to the dark, haunted and tormented woman of "No Good Deed" with ease. Her second calling of Fiyero in "No Good Deed" must be one of the most emotional and chilling moments of the show. There is no note she cannot hit, no musical dynamic she cannot master. Got to be on for the best performance in a musical at next year's Olivier awards.

Technically the show runs like clockwork. We just had a very short failing of Elphaba's microphone at the start of "One Short Day". Otherwise,perfect.

"Defying Gravity"r emains the biggest show stopper of "Wicked" but second time around I enjoyed many other parts of the show as much.

My feeling with "Wicked" is that there is no middle ground. You'll either love it and allow yourself to be transported to Oz with all its wonders or it simply won't be your thing at all. Guess which category I come under.
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I think loads of reviews have talked about the wonderful performances in Wicked, but the show as a whole is amazing too. Many musicals on the West End seem to have their very firmly in cheek, 'Spamalot' and 'Avenue Q' (which I absolutely love) being obvious examples. Indeed many critics seem to think that musicals must be wryly self referential and ‘not take themselves too seriously’ in order to be taken seriously . Wicked is definitely a funny show, but it is definitely of the old school, proudly sporting at least two power ballads and the odd romantic duet. I think this may be why many newspapers and reviews have not been kind about it, but I believe they have missed the point. It's well executed, the songs are not too overdone and there is always a joke or a knowing Wizard of Oz reference to stop things getting too serious or self important. It may not be the 'coolest' musical, but it has a magic to it. I got lost in the show for two and a half hours, caught up in the fun and excitement of what is going on.

I was sat in stalls seat B11, marked red by Theatremonkey. I totally agree with this assessment. Soundwise it is fine, but because it is so far over the side of the stage, you miss some of the action upstage left. The way the chorus are arranged in some scenes also prevents you seeing all the action, which is not great if you don't know the story. I also got a very good look at:
a) the stage hands in the wings, and
b) Helen Dallimore's pants at least twice in every scene (which some may see as a selling point).

However, if you are seeing the show for a second time, it has its advantages. What I lost from some of the chorus numbers, I gained in the leads songs. I was really close and it did really give the more emotional songs more impact.

I love Wicked, and the 15th December 2006 was the second time I have seen it. Even though I am a massive fan, straight theatre is more my thing and I generally wouldn't be so into this type of musical. It really is hugely enjoyable and has something which has now made it a lasting favourite of mine. It is an fun, honest, unpretentious and amusing musical with brilliant tunes. I agree with another reviewer who says you love it or you hate it. If you fall into the first camp then you can help but go along with it. It might not be to everyone's taste, but give it a go and you may be pleasantly surprised.

a later review:

You got me... I went to see Wicked again on 30th December 2006. I started queuing at 12.40am on the Apollo Victoria steps in driving wind and rain wearing practically all my clothes. And I was reading a Dan Brown novel. Things could not get much worse. But I stuck it out until the morning and got a ticket! The last day seat to be exact, stalls A36.

As it was Idina Menzel's last night (you wouldn't catch me sitting in central London all night otherwise) I don't think there is much point in reviewing the performance. However, all I would say is just because she has left, don't stop going to see the show. She is undoubtedly an amazing performer, otherwise I would not have queued nine hours for a ticket, but the show doesn't rely on her performance, it is a brilliant musical in its own right, and the other actors are brilliant. I know she has her detractors but Helen Dallimore is a treat as Glinda. She has a real warmth and watchability which has grown over the three (ahem) times I have seen Wicked. You feel for her in a way that I think may have been harder if she had been the bitchy cheerleader type that she was on Broadway.

I was nervous the queue was going to be a mad scrum but everyone was really calm and fair about who had arrived first. If you can spare the time to queue, these tickets are great value, especially as the prices are going up. Now that Idina Menzel has left I doubt people will need to turn up that far in advance either, especially on weekdays.

For £25 this is a really good seat. I have sat on the far side at the other side of the stage and the view here is much better (and I didn't see Helen Dallimore's pants). The odd bit of a scene was blocked by chorus members, but all in all I caught most of the action.

I realise this is now my third review but I would like to point out I am not a weirdo (much). I have never seen any other musical more than once, and indeed have never owned a soundtrack for a show I haven't been in apart from this one. Wicked has something about which has got me, go and see it!

Hannah M
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I saw Wicked for 1st time in November 2006 from row G of the circle, 2nd time in December 2006 from row L of the stalls.

I queued for day seats on a very cold Tuesday, arrived 0830 (box office opens 1000). I was 14th in the queue but about 5+ people joined friends ahead of me at various stages so I ended up further back. All the day seats went by about 4 people in front of me - **NB** every 1 person can buy either 1 or 2 tickets (it does state this on the show's website) (worth checking the policy though, if planning to buy these seats, as it can change - editor). The people at the front of the queue had been there since FIVE THIRTY A.M.!!! and this on a day where it was about 1 degree C. Goodness knows what the queue is like on Saturdays!

I think they should do 1 ticket per person as most day seats are, that way you can judge if you are too late in the queue.

Other points:

I would agree with previous reviews about the sound - when I saw it in the circle I could barely make out half the words of the songs. The theatre needs to sort this out - that's why you have preview performances. The sound quality was MUCH better in the stalls. It's not fair to penalise people who can't afford top price tickets such that they get bad sound quality.

The view was still excellent from row G circle though, and I didn't find the bar in front of the seats restricted the view.

Idina Menzel as Elphaba is EXCELLENT. Helen Dallimore and her understudy are both very good. The other parts are all well cast.

Wicked is a visually spectacular show. Costumes and stage are well designed.

The songs are a bit pop-musical-ly and I didn't think much of them the first time round - although 'Popular' and 'Defying Gravity' did