When I first went to see this show I wasn't looking forward to it at all, and wished I was going to see something else. For some reason I was determined to hate it, but I just couldn't. It was simply breath taking! To date, despite seeing most west end shows for the past 10 years, it is my favourite of all time and will probably keep that top spot for many years to come.
When you first walk into the theatre the staging hits you - cogs everywhere and of course the dragon above the proscenium arch that fully functions. The set throughout is nothing short of amazing.
From the opening song I knew the show was going to be special - it took my breath away from the very beginning and this has got to be Stephen Schwartz (the composer) at his best. The soundtrack is enough to make you fall in love with the show itself!
The story is similiar to that of the Wizard of Oz but with a very different twist which you won't have heard before. I thought that it would basically be the same and that was why I wasn't looking forward to it, but my god, this is so much better.
Having seen it 4 times with both the principal cast and understudies I must say they never seem to disappoint. Each time the entire cast have blown me away.
There isn't much I can say about this show except that you should just go and see it, NOW. Don't hold back - Wicked is a truly magical experience and is exactly what the theatre industry is about. A must see.