Green with Envy and Glorious Talent

Date-17th May 2025

Theatre - Apollo Victoria

Seat - Stalls B 34

Stars - 4 1/2 stars

NOTE: I apologize if the cast is wrong due to the list in the auditorium being different.

Elphaba (Laura) is a misunderstood witch who was born with emerald green skin. She grows up to be the Wicked Witch of the West. She becomes unlikely friends with Galinda (Zizi), who turns out to be the beautiful blonde popular girl. She is known as Glinda the Good. It's based on a novel of the same name.

I've seen Wicked twice before, and both times I loved the wonderful atmosphere

that the actors bring, and this time did not disappoint. Fiyero (Jacob Young) was the elegant, not so self centered prince that you instantly want to like. Nessarose (Hannah) is the girl people feel sorry for, yet she watches as her sister is bullied constantly and gets annoyed when Elphie stands up for her. Such a subtle foreshadowing of her future. There is a major standout role for me, and that was Galinda (Zizi). She was popular, perfectly knew how to toss her hair, and really showed the different sides of Glinda from her popularity, wanting love, to hating but with the subtle hint of worry and her caring for Elphie more than anything. The energy she brought to the stage was so perfectly good. The dumb blonde was also spot on.

Wicked has become a classic musical, and with it being performed all over the world, you can't argue with the action packed musical. It has smooth pacing with a balance of big musical numbers and quieter emotional numbers. It never feels like it's dragging, not even during the 7 minute song, as you're dancing your way through, and it never feels rushed.

The set gives an immersive feeling, capturing the mood of every scene. The clever use of the stage does not fall short, with the dragon indicating the time passing and the two side panels having textured details to bring the show even closer to the audience.

The costumes each had their own story to tell. Glinda's wand from the wizard, on the outside, shows glitz and glamour and all sorts of flashy, but like anything from the wizard, it's a con.

The two witches have a friendship that most people wish they had, yet despite being so different, they help each other and push beyond the barriers that stand in the way of their friendship.

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Welcome Mat Rating - 4 stars

The nearest tube station and train station is Victoria, which is a step-free tube and rail station.

For me, booking for my access needs was quite easy, and booking my PA next to me online was simple. We got great seats, and we both enjoyed the view.

Wheelchairs are available at the main entrance, and as the theatre has wide doors, they are easy to navigate. People will be different, so contacting the theatre beforehand will be a better option, as my needs don't include needing ramps.

There are accessible restrooms on site.

Assistive listening devices are available on request if you need them, audio description is offered at select performances, and braille materials are available on request.

There are sensory friendly performances available and quiet places if you need a break from sensory stimulation.

Eliza Rain A reel about her accessibility experience at the Apollo Victoria - https://www.instagram.com/p/DK2J-Lytdla/