Wicked - New UK and Ireland Tour (2018)

I am back from my weekend trip away to Edinburgh, where I saw both shows for the closing day of the tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse. I just wanted to post a brief-ish review of the show (for anyone who may be interested). Quick note to say that Edinburgh is a gorgeous city, and the Playhouse is a stunning theatre which really helped bring the show to life. The audiences really helped make it a special final day in Edinburgh! 

Amy Ross (Elphaba): Amy was just stunning as Elphaba. I had seen her previously in Liverpool, and she has improved many aspects of her performance. She has added some new acting choices which really make her Elphaba more unique, her acting in the role is what truly makes her a standout for me. Amy is able to combine so many different layers of emotion in her Elphaba, which makes her journey very believable and emotional to watch. Vocally, she is quite consistent. She dropped a few of her smaller riffs, which I believe has benefited her in being able to consistently perform eight times a week without over-exerting herself. By far, a standout among the Elphabas I have seen to date. 

Charli Baptie (u/s Glinda): I was delighted to get the opportunity to see Charli as Glinda, as I had heard positive reviews from other fans of the show. Charli gave a very emotive performance, her facial expressions are very good and you can see the emotions that she is processing throughout the show without becoming overly expressive and "cartoon"-ish. Charli really had the audience going during Popular, where she added some really unique touches that I haven't seen any other Glinda do. She has really brought her own stamp to the role already which is a delight to see.

Aaron Sidwell (Fiyero): Aaron was again very cheeky and oddly charming as Fiyero. I enjoy when Fiyero adds that level of smug, bad boy charm to their performance, without making it overbearing. The chemistry between Aaron and Amy is very believable on stage, and you can see this connection building throughout the show, with it culminating in an incredibly steamy rendition of As Long As You're Mine. Vocally, Aaron is very solid and has some gorgeous vocalisations throughout the show, often using his accent to help improve these moments. 

Kim Ismay (Madame Morrible): I don't think I have ever hated Madame Morrible THIS much. Kim has transformed Madame Morrible into the nastiest b*tch on stage, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Throughout the show, you could see the absolute disdain that Morrible held for Glinda. Every second that Glinda and Morrible were together on stage, Kim would have the most hilarious grimace on her face and she would not let up on this throughout the show. Her comedic timing is excellent and she really manages to sneak in every bit of humour (where it is appropriate), while also keeping her menacing presence.

Iddon Jones (Boq): Being perfectly honest, I am quite disappointed in Iddon as Boq. I understand that Boq isn't exactly a big role with much scope, but he just seems fed up with the role. You can tell that Iddon is just running through the motions on stage. He misses several opportunities where he could make his character stand out, and instead gives a tired performance. 

Emily Shaw (Nessarose): I am pleased to say that Emily has improved on several aspects of her performance as Nessarose. Emily comes across as quite a timid, yet likable Nessarose. She does not overstate her performance, which lends well to the way that she has decided to play the role. Vocally, she isn't as powerful as I'd like in her big moment of Act 2, but there is certainly an improvement from when I have previously seen her. During certain parts of the show however, I do feel that Emily is somewhat bored. Regardless, she still delivers an enjoyable performance. 

Steven Pinder (The Wizard & Dr Dillamond): I adore Steven Pinder. In both roles, he manages to make the characters come to life with an added layer of personality that I haven't seen other actors quite achieve. As Dr Dillamond, Steven really achieves the caring, fatherly role towards Elphaba, and certainly succeeds in making you feel bad for Dr Dillamond. As the Wizard, Steven makes the role so much fun and makes scenes such as Wonderful a joy to watch.

Press night in Leeds last night and Nikki was on, not that we would know in advance and get the chance to go as they now seem banned from saying... Shame.

Emily Olive Boyd is debuting as Madame Morrible today.

Amy Ross posted on Instagram that it was her debut.

Does anyone know if the set for the UK/Asian tours is brand new, or is it recycled from the German/Dutch/Australia productions?

Is anyone seeing the tour once it reaches Dublin? I'll be seeing it... a few times *ahem*

Kim Ismay’s eye seems pretty f’d up so Helen Walsh is currently playing Morrible.

She's a really good midwife.

Her "nose" riff is something else!

Fire evacuation around half and hour into the show tonight (still wearing Shiz uniforms). In true British fashion an early finish at work means they MUST go to the pub.

It's going to be interesting to see how Leeds Grand Theatre handle this. Hopefully better than the Bristol Hippodrome did during the bad weather.

I mean, it’s entirely different isn’t it, let’s be honest here. If a show is cancelled, you’ll get a refund. ATG, RUG, independent venue, whoever.

The situation in Bristol was a sh*tty one for those people who couldn’t go, but as has been said umpteen times on here, bad weather is beyond the control of the theatre and the producer. If Wicked decide they don’t wanna give refunds because of the weather, there’s naff all that ATG can do about that. If they gave refunds it would come from their coffers and not Wicked’s - and why should they do that?

I know we all love to bash ATG but I think it’s important to stick up for them where appropriate, as I would for any organisation in this situation!

Photos of the cast outside the theatre looking thoroughly thrilled with the fact they have to be outside in 25°C weather in woollen costumes are amusing too look at.

Leeds Grand Theatre have said they will contact all ticket holders in the morning. Refunds are looking more likely than exchanges or are refunds the norm in event of a cancellation and everyone on twitter is just wrong.