Review: What we thought of Wicked at the Sunderland Empire

Elphaba Thropp is different. That is, she’s always been different ever since she was born. Her green skin and unexplained magical powers made her stick out like a sore thumb her whole life, frightening those who make eye contact with her. 

Played by powerhouse vocalist Laura Pick, Elphaba arrives at Shiz University with her younger sister Nessarose (Megan Gardiner) and is recognised for her powers by the devious yet perky Madame Morrible (Donna Berlin). 

Laura Pick as Elphaba. (Image: MARK SENIOR) What follows is an unlikely and inspiring friendship with fellow student Glinda played by Sarah O’Connor and their journey to Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz played by Simeon Truby. 

However, things soon turn south when the Wizard’s motives are revealed to be less than moral, leading Elphaba to disagree and be portrayed as ‘Wicked’ to the city and a witch hunt ensues.

To put it simply, the whole show is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the chilling beginning of No One Mourns The Wicked to the iconic Defying Gravity that sends Pick and the audience soaring.  

Pick’s strong and powerful Elphaba is a relatable tale of being misunderstood. She steals the show, her piercing powerhouse vocals earning her countless cheers and applauses.

The ensemble with Laura Pick as Elphaba. (Image: MARK SENIOR) She truly embodies the initially nerdy but later strong character of Elphaba but brings her own flare and emotion to the fore which truly makes you fall in love with her. 

Sarah O’Connor as Glinda is a real delight - at first a bubbly yet self-absorbed student who transforms and changes to a vulnerable yet endlessly charming woman. 

She continued to shine bright in her effervescent portrayal of the good witch throughout the show, almost floating across the stage during every interaction - but her sometimes ditsy delivery still managed to score a few laughs. 

Sarah O'Connor as Glinda. (Image: MATT CROCKETT) This was particularly true during her interactions with Prince Fiyero (Russell Dickson), who himself brought a complexity to an initially vain character who later falls in love with Elphaba despite her wicked portrayal. 

However, much can be said about the perfect pairing and sheer chemistry of Pick and O’Connor which was the real draw of the show. Their ever-changing, ever-evolving yet complex and raw friendship is moving. 

Recommended:

• Review: We saw The Mousetrap at Darlington Hippodrome
• Grease, Theatre Royal Newcastle: Our review of the show

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Laura Pick as Elphaba. (Image: MATT CROCKETT) This is particularly shown during their emotionally charged final duet ‘For Good’, a poignant goodbye for the characters who during the course of the musical saw their lives intertwined. 

Overall, Wicked is a treat for all ages. Visually and musically it is everything you ever hoped it would and could be. You feel immersed in the sparkling green emerald city through the detailed set design and dazzling costumes - even down to the ensemble who were always sporting the most macabre yet fun suits and dresses.  

If you’re someone like me who has waited to see the show or if it’s been on your bucket list for years - this is your perfect chance to go and see and experience the magic.