A Wicked Show in London’s West End

If you aren’t sure that you are a fan of musicals, then seeing Wicked might make you a believer. There is a reason, after all, that it is one of the most successful musicals of all time. Whether you see it on Broadway, in London’s West End, or by a touring company, you will be impressed. I had always wanted to see it and forced myself to contain my curiosity. By that I mean, I learned as little about it as possible beforehand. I just really wanted to be surprised.

I have owned a copy of the book for many years, but I haven’t read it yet. I knew some of the music in advance because it is so iconic you can’t avoid it. I knew it was the fantastical backstory of the witches of Oz. That’s it. I knew nothing else. Let me tell you, the surprise was more than worth it.

I mounted the steps of the Apollo Victoria theatre. Bathed in green light from every direction, it was clear the directors wanted every theatregoer in that packed lobby to be transported to another world instantly. It worked.

London’s West End

Broadway in New York City officially has 41 theatres. London’s West End has 39 theatres. In my mind, that means I have a lot of research to do. Afterall, that means I have 39 opportunities to see some of the best performers in the world. For me, people who sing professionally in musicals are the epitome of vocal training. One voice is so powerful and clear that it slices the air like a knife. On the right note, I get goosebumps.

Read about my very first visit to London’s West End to see Book of Mormon here.

We agonized for hours over which seats to buy. The theatre seats over 2,300 people after all. The dress circle is a balcony that hangs low over the stalls (ground floor, often referred to as orchestra seats). There were seats in the stalls only 10 or 12 rows away from the stage. But, many people love the panoramic view of the stage from the dress circle. I was just afraid that it would feel too far away. In the end, we paid a bit more and sat on the floor level in the stalls. It was brilliant. The location was perfect. Not too far back and not too close.

For nearly three hours, the story unfolded and wove in all the iconic elements of the witches’ stories to “explain” how those elements came to be a part of each woman’s story. If you like the Maleficent movies, you’ll love Wicked. The concept is the same. How does our history make us who we are today? If you don’t sing along in your seat (at least a little bit) you probably have no taste. If you don’t get choked up at least once, it’s possible you have no soul.

So, for my musical theatre fans. . . What is the one show you really want to see?  Share it in the comments.