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New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
Nicholas de Jongh's rating
Reader rating
Dir: Joe Mantello, Wayne Cilento (musical staging).
Cast: Alex Jessop, Alexia Khadime, Oliver Tompsett, David Stoller, Natalie Anderson, Harriet Thorpe, Sam Kelly, Dianne Pilkington
Description: A musical about the Wicked Witch Of The West. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Times: Mon-Sat 7.30pm, mats Wed, Sat 2.30pm (extra mats Dec 22, 24, 29, Feb 18 2010, 2.30pm, no eve perf Dec 24, no perf Dec 25), ends Oct 30 2010
Price: £15-£60, from Apr 5, 2010 £15-£62.50
Trains: Tube/BR: Victoria 
Phone: 0844826 8000
Website: www.apollovictoria.co.uk
All spectacle: Wicked's music doesn't impress, but the visuals make up for it
No musical as weird or steeped in fairy-tale magic as Wicked has cast its multi-million pound spell upon the London stage in decades.
I pleasurably recall the climactic, closing minutes of the first act when Idina Menzel's spectacular, green-faced Wicked Witch of the West, who slips easily into a pointy black hat, shoots into the rainbow-coloured air on her broomstick.
She sings, as she goes, a hymn to getting the better of the world - Defying Gravity - while her black cloak grows at least 12 feet tall. She is poised to lead the fight against Nigel Planer's bland but sinister Wizard of Oz who looks like George Bush and whose mission to cage all animals has made him her public enemy number one.
You think you detect an adult, political satirical allegory simmering away beneath the magical surface? You are right to. The musical's chief concern is to warn adults in the audience against simplistic (Bush-like) concepts of good and evil, but you would need to have read Gregory Maguire's recent adult novel on which Wicked's own, less politicised but amusing book is based, to be able to pick up or savour the serious nuances.
Meanwhile the impressive and not untypical scene which I describe is designed to make children of us all and persuade us to pack up all our real-life troubles.
Yet Defying Gravity, with unexceptional musical accompaniment and just competent lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, has already left my mind. For Wicked, it turns out, belongs in a rare pantheon of musicals in which the music does not matter much. Only Dancing Through Life, with lyrics that urge you to keep smiling through, ranks as memorable.
Otherwise it is the spectacle, the experience of a magical mystery tour through the fantasy land of Oz that takes and holds attention. If Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang are far more to my deeply juvenile tastes, when it comes to inventive make believe Wicked more than lives up to its name.
Sailing on the waves of escapist fantasy on which many of us depend for pleasure, the musical tracks back to the celluloid Wizard of Oz. It begins where the movie ends and dreams up a fresh narrative from the witches' viewpoints. Dying, danger and the shock of weirdness are faced in this land where monkeys have wings and animals teach humans.
Wayne Cilento's set reeks of magic potential. A winged dragon looks down from the rafters. A giant clock with huge wheels of time frames the action. The Wizard exists on a throne protected by a giant, gold face mask whose features shimmer. Idina Menzel's bespectacled "wicked" Witch of the West Elphaba, sports plaited hair, a turban and charisma, though her singing voice is not consistently audible.
Elphaba seems an absolute outsider at Shiz University where Miriam Margolyes's gorgeously comic Madame Morrible recommends her for sorcery studies. In comparison Helen Dallimore's squeaky-voiced blonde Glinda reeks of goodness.
The arrival of Adam Garcia's unnecessarily dull Prince Fiyero, whom each girl longs to marry, precipitates a clash of wills and wiles in Oz that involve Elphaba's wheelchair-bound sister, Nessarosa (Katie Rowley Jones) and the realisation that neither people nor the world itself are quite what they seem.
Joe Mantello's production expertly marshals this remarkable kaleidoscope of magical shocks, surprises and sensations. Wicked works like a dream.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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I saw the Saturday matinee with Kerry Ellis as Elpheba and have to say it was by far the greatest show I have ever seen. It is worth paying the admission fee for "defying gravity" alone. The song is as inspirational as any I have heard and I am at a loss to understand how anybody can take issue with the music or lyrics. In addition to a well written soundtrack, which I have now been listening to for 2 months in the car, the whole storyline is well written and acted. If you wish to draw political and satirical comparisons they are there beneath the surface but the storyline openly deals with issues of bullying and friendship which in my opinion are the true gems in the show. I defy, no pun intended, anybody to watch the show and not be entertained. I cried and laughed throughout the performance and was entertained more in that 2hours 50mins than at any other show concert DVD etc. I'll be going again without doubt and advise anybody not to listen to the derogatory opinions posted by the die hard Lloyd Webber fans living in the past wit their cats.
- Mandy, Manchester, UK
I went to see 'Wicked' and really enjoyed it, it was like no other musical I had ever seen before. The comedy was fantastic, the vocals were amazing, and the lighting and set designs... incredible doesn't do it justice! I will definitely be seeing it again.
- Jayde Chamberlain, Manchester, UK
Wicked, Is one of the best musicals on the west end at the moment. It is full of new fresh ideas. It is a funny yet heart warming story about a misunderstood girl. All Cast Of Wicked are Very Sweet. Kerry Ellis is the most amazing talented person in the west end her playing opposite Dianne Pilkington is just amazing! It is worth going to the stage door after a performance to meet the cast they are very sweet.
Over All WICKED is the best musical sensation.
- Lauren, Aberdeen Scotland
I have read through the reviews of Wicked and have to say how much I love the show, with so much tradition about it's nice to sit and enjoy something so different and fresh. I have seen the show several times now with both Idina and Kerry in the lead. I guess people who have the soundtrack will always respect and love Idina as she is what you listen to at home or in the car, but in real life at that moment when Elphaba flies up the stage and your skin is tingling because you know what is about to come Kerry Ellis delivers it everytime. At the stage door I have met both casts and never had any problems. At the end of the day we all have to accept these guy are shattered and maybe want to get home! I hope Wicked sticks around, but people need to accept the change in shows as when Legally Blonde and several similar arrive in the West End. It's best to embrace the change and accept it for what it is.
- Ben, Norwich, UK
I have read the reviews, and have to say that I love Wicked, and the reviews sum that up in the most part. There are a few things that I disagree with in the reviews that have been written. Firstly, Kerry Ellis is not the most snobbish member of the cast at all, she is absolutely adorable, and goes above and beyond her job to make people smile at sd. The London cast of Wicked have done a great job in continuing the success the show achieved when Idina Menzel was a member of the cast. And just to clarify, Kerry Ellis isn't only there because Idina Menzel quit, she has always been in the cast, and was there before Idina was. She was their first choice for Elphaba, but Idina was given a limited run to bring people into the theatre. Anyone who thinks Kerry is second best to Idina needs to listen a little more carefully when they see the show, because she is vocally superior. She is one of the biggest names on the West End, and Wicked is lucky to have her.
- Beth, London
Shasa: Kerry was actually originally cast in the role before Idina agreed to come over, so she is not there "only because Idina quit". Personally (having seen both of them) I have always considered Kerry to have the stronger voice of the two.
I have seen the show several times and have always thoroughly enjoyed it as has everyone I have taken with me, from my mum to my little cousins. The sets and costumes are great and every different cast member I have seen has been really good (Especially Sarah Earnshaw who is currently stand-by for Glinda and was absolutely hilarious, and Katie Rowley Jones and James Gillan who play Nessa and Boq). As for the music, I agree with other posters that when listened to it is full of witticisms which may not be noticed due to the sheer spectacle of the show and I always seem to leave the theatre humming "One Short Day"....
I think comments made in some previous posts about certain cast members' behaviour at stage door are completely unnecessary as it is not in their job description to do the stage door and sign autographs, and the fact they do it at all should be appreciated. Surely reviews should be about the performance not the fact the star didn't spend ages chatting to you at SD?
- Ellie, London
This is by far the best show in the west end, Kerry Ellis is the perfect leading lady with such a powerful voice and Helen Dallimore really added a lot to the show to with her quirks, and to who said Kerry Ellis is the snobbiest member of the cast are you sure that was her? because she is on eof the most nicest people out there and as for Helen Dallimore not smiling in photos I don't see where you got that from.
- Emma, London
Well, I went to see Wicked with my mum and my sister for my 17 birthday, and loved every minute of it, from casting to sets. It is just really, really enjoyable, One of the best nights I have ever spent in London and it was also my first time at the stage door. I have to disagree with some of the reviews about Helen Dallimore at the stage door. She DOES smile at stage door we didn't even have to ask for a picture, She just came up like that. And also I met Oliver at stage door as well, he nearly tried to steal our pen. And as for Kerry Ellis's voice her rendition of Defying Gravity and No Good Deed where AMAZING. Over all if you want to see a good musical I'd recommend Wicked to ANYONE YOU KNOW!
- Simon Aitken, Scotland, UK
May I just say that I loved Wicked, and Kerry Ellis in particular! I thought no one could stand up to the talent of Idina Menzel, but I was wrong. And in her defense, Kerry was the sweetest cast member at the stage door.
Helen Dallimore couldn't be bothered even to smile for the camera during her stage door appearance. Also, I completely disagree with Shasa that she "makes the show." Her tempo was always off during the duets. (This happened in videos I saw online as well.)
I will always wish I could have seen Idina, but I adore Kerry, and Wicked is Spectacular!
- Michelle, UK
We enjoyed this show. Too bad we missed seeing Idina in the role of Elphaba. Kerry Ellis tries too hard and was the snobbiest cast member to come out and sign autographs. She needs to remember she is only there because Idina quit. WISH we could have seen her. Now, Helen makes the show....without a doubt.
- Shasa, UK
I wasn't overly keen on this show. The production seemed messy and there was little unique about the show. Everythign just seemed a little luck lustre, from the cast to the music even through to the costumes. I just seemed as though there was little effort put into the show at all. I won't be rushing back to see this again.
- Mike, North London
Quite the worst show I have ever seen. A total mess. Awful music, tuneless singing, vile costumes, artless choreography. Try sticking pins in your eyes, it would be much more fun.
- Warren Alexander, London, UK
As a 60th birthday surprise my husband took me to London to see Wicked. I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a show so much in my life The singing was so good, in fact everything was unforgetable. We loved everything about the show. Well done!
- Sylvia Kyffin, Wrexham
I saw Wicked in preview in September and I can honestly say that I have never been so underwhelmed in my life. The music was instantly forgettable, the dancing weak, the singing weaker - what a waste of money. I couldn't even clap (and neither could the group of people I was with and quite a few people left at the interval). The most disturbing thing about the whole production was the standing ovations and the cheering - there is no accounting for taste!
- Alex Boakes, London, England
I found Wicked entertaining but instantly forgetable. After just leaving the theatre I couldn't remember how any of the songs went. The set design, costumes and singing are all impressive but there is very little substance to it all. The main problem was that it fell between two stools - not funny enough to be a comedy and not serious enough to be emotionally engaging.
- Carl, Sutton
After receiving fantastic recommendations from several friends (but reading several poor ones in a the broadsheets) I plucked up the courage to seeing what all the fuss was about. I can't say I didnt enjoy myself but I left feeling disappointed. Many people in the audience were seeing if for a second, third or fourth time and it obviously has a really 'die-hard' following.
The songs were average and the story line was absurd. Don't even get me started on the ending, you could tell that this was writen to appeal to an American audience, with it's silly 'sugar sweet' ending. Another thing that really bugged me, with every reference to the 'wizard of oz' everyone was clapping and whooping, it was like being in a Jerry Springer show!
I was forced into giving a standing ovation at the end as I couldn't see a thing for all the people standing in from of me. I went to see 'the seagull' a few weeks ago with Juliet Stevenson and that was far more deserving of one, which it did not get.
I can't deny that the set design was fantastic as were the costumes but this is one musical I will not be going to see again, I am very sad to say I was deeply disappointed.
- Hayley, London
Having seen dozens of musicals in the past, I would like to say that this was refreshingly different. I personally found the music to be wonderfully unlike anything anyone written in the past.
Idina Menzel's singing was superb - not in the belt-it-out style you usually get in a musical, but more tender and soft. It helped to add to the vulnerability of the character (important when you're green, and you really do have to give a lot of credit to someone who is prepared to turn completely green every night for several months at a time!). Most definitely worthy of the Grammy she won for the part.
Even those of you who aren't so into the music would appreciate the wit in the script. If I tell you there are blonde jokes and in-jokes about the Wizard of Oz film, that might discourage you, but in their well-written context they are very funny indeed. And I AM blonde!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half, and expected the second half to be more of the same. I then surprised myself by getting totally caught up in the story, and by the time the exquisite and bittersweet duet 'For Good' was sung, it was all I could do not to blub loudly in my seat. The music really heightens the story thanks to its delicacy, rather than trampling over it as in others I have seen.
Hooray for original, witty, poignant and beautifully written musicals! May Wicked set a precedent for the future.
- Sacha Tomkins, Bedford, UK
Personally, I thought Wicked was by far the most inventive and fresh piece of theatre the West End has had the pleasure to accomodate for years. It is so rare to find such a fantastic ORIGINAL musical, which is so successful. I know it is based on a book, but it is so nice to enjoy a show that, for once is not based on a film, or is a jukebox of some forgotten 70s group. I would recommend Wicked to those who are willing to commit to a great night of imagination and theatricality - and to those who look for a good blend of family fun and (amazingly) substance!
- N. Shreeve, Martham, UK
I saw the Saturday matinee and spent the rest of my weekend feeling subdued. Wicked is an okay musical. To say it's amazing is misleading. Okay, the story is quite good but I would be interested to know how the American audience responded to the political message within it. I couldn't tell you how any of the songs went but there was one I quite liked. The best moment is at the end of the first half- my spine actually tingled, but this is as a result of spectacle (well done the techies!). The whole thing lacked any real sense of pace and could have been reduced to an hour and a half. I'm not a kill joy but if you are going to make a new musical linked with one of the most iconic musicals of all time you'd better do something special. I had to stand to see the curtain call as others gave a standing ovation, I just wanted to show my respect for the performers. I'm sure the bank manager is happy with the regular full houses and the ten pound programmes but if you want a show that kicks ass go and see Billy Elliot. As a non musical lover Billy is wicked, Wicked is acceptable.
- C. Harrison, London
I may be in a minority of one, but I have to say I was very disappointed with the show. The songs were weak, the set wasn't at all magical and the ending totally let it down, I don't want to spoil it for those that haven't seen it - but it felt contrived and just put it so there would be a happy ending - surely the whole point of the show was that life isn't all goodness and light, no matter how hard you try!
- Zoe Jackman, London, UK
I'd been looking forward to seeing Wicked for months, and it didn't disappoint. I agree that the music, at times, perhaps wasn't as strong as it could have been, but the sets, costumes and strong storyline more than made up for that.
I'd definitely recommend going to see Idina in the role of Elphaba, as I think she's made it her own and is definitely worth seeing. I also thought Adam Garcia was great as Fiyero - he has a fantastic theatrical voice.
- Sarah, Sussex, UK
Yes, I agree with Nicholas that the music stinks... and the casting is weak. It's just another excuse for spectacle.
- Stephanie, London, UK
I read the review by Nicholas de Jongh with interest, to say the 'music takes a back seat', I suggest you have a listen to the soundtrack. There are so many subtleties in both lyrics and score which are so easily overlooked while enjoying the on-stage spectacle. I thought the show was amazing, I had been looking forward to it since April and lived up wholly to my expectations. I think Idina's performance as Elphaba was flawless - she made me laugh, cry and gave me shivers down my spine. Amazing. Go see it before she hand over her role in January.
- Ben Deller, London, UK
It would probably help people to know that Wayne Cilento is, in fact, the choreographer. The sets were designed by Eugene Lee.
- Matt Borkowski, Chicago, IL
I saw 'Wicked' last week and thought the show was fabulous, and by the reaction of the other 2,000 or so audience members, they all felt the same too. It is honestly one of the best productions that I have seen in the West End for many years. Obviously Helen and Idina were out of this world but the ensemble were absolutely amazing too. Every one of them gave 100% commitment and effort. I would definately recommend this show. I felt I got my money' worth. Some West End shows in the past have been lacking in quality for me and have put me off going to the West End but Wicked has restored my faith completely. Everyone involved London's production of Wicked has done a grand job.
- Helen, London, UK
Well, what can I say... mainly bad reviews for what I see as one of the best shows around. I do know that everyone has an opinion and therefore I shall put mine across seeing as other people are allowed! I'm guessing 'Wicked' isn't the usual type of show these reviewers usually see, what with revivals of Evita and such other 'well loved' and eagerly anticipated shows but it just goes to show how different Wicked really is to anything else in the west end. It's fresh, it's exciting... it's not your typical west end show. Judging by the reception that it got when I was lucky enough to see it, it won't matter about the bad reviews... thank you Nicholas de Jongh for seeing what 99% of audiences see... a damn good show! And thanks for also spelling Fiyero right... in one review they missed out the i... shows how much attention they must have been paying to the show!
- Alex B, Northampton, UK
Myself and three friends sat in the front row of the opening of Wicked and at evenings end gave this enchanting and spectacular show a well deserved ovation. I have now seen Wicked in San Francisco, NewYork and London. Interesting to see that the reviews today are similar to the New York ones which didn't matter a jot to its success or audience response. It's very clear critics do not hold any sway over audiences when they genuinelly like something. "Wicked", is an evening of theatrical bliss with political overtones, wit, imagination and a truly original staging. Miss this at your peril. It's magnificant. Thank you to the majority of London critics who don't seem to know their bottom from their elbow and react like sourly children when faced with somethig new. Leave your cynicism at the door and enjoy this trip of a lifetime to Oz. You will leave the theatre feeling better than when you went it. London will be an emerald city for a long time to come.
- Gerry Sloan, Kent, UK
Wicked is a refreshing new musical which will run for many years to come. I was crying one minute and laughing the next. It had modern day in-jokes and clever references to the original story of The Wizard of Oz. I'm already making plans to see it again. The story and the songs have more meaning behind them the more you listen to/think about it. Go and read the book too, it will help your understanding. Idina Menzel and Helen Dallimore are superb as the lead characters, their on-stage chemistry certainly helps to make the show special.
- Julie Ann Pope, London, UK
I too, read the various 'critiques' today, notably the Times & the Guardian which only prove that hardened theatre critics have lost their inner-children in their watery attempts at cynicism & ennui! The whole point of musical theatre is to engage the people, suspend reality and lift the heart from it's daily toils..... Wicked does all of this and more! Hide your inner-child no more, forget your debts/impending divorces, soar with the majesty of Idina as Elphaba as she 'Defies Gravity', laugh with the gaiety and humour of 'Dancing through Life', hug your hands to your heart and wipe away your tears with the poignant music & lyrics of 'For Good' - everyone has just that little bit of Elphaba the outsider and the child-like optimism of Glinda the Good within them... ignore the grumpy and jaded critics of the broadsheets. Wicked leaves a handprint on the hearts of all who have seen it - you will leave the theatre truly spellbound!
- Sarah A., Salisbury
This is a much farer review than others I have read. The preview I saw had a standing ovation from all generations.
I did not buy the cd until after seeing Wicked but the songs grow on you very very quickly and as Dan Masdomo says the lyrics are far wittier than acknowledged in the original review.
- Christine Westbrook, Cheshunt
Did the critics and I see the same show? Sure, there are things I didn't like about "Wicked" - Planer's dreadful Wizard, Dallimore's consistently underpowered singing, inconsistent acting, sloppy vowel sounds and slippery accent, mediocre choreography and the tacked on "happy ending" but, overall, I was more than happy to join in with the rapturous reception the show got from the audience - and which it well deserved. I wonder whether the majority of critics didn't like it because it is "popular" - both in terms of appeal and box office advance. The show is very well adapted, with an intelligent, thought provoking plot and great songs (I've been humming "Defying Gravity" for three days!) For me, this was one of the most enjoyable nights out at the theatre I have had in many months (in fact, I would happily go see it again).
Shame on the majority of old, cynical reviewers who have failed to appreciate this show for what it is - a "feel good" and upbeat show which challenges pre-conceived notions about familiar characters we have loved and hated since childhood. No mean feat, but I will certainly never watch "The Wizard of Oz" with exactly the same eyes again.
Menzel is STUNNING in her characterisation and vocal ability, and if she doesn't win bucketloads of awards for WICKED, then I'll eat my black pointy hat!
- Russell Bowes, England, UK
For me Wicked is the show of the 21st Century. I too have read many of the reviews out today, all of which except this and the Telegraph are very negative.
The show is fun, witty and entertaining and the music is clever and compelling. The performances are on the whole very good and Idina's voice is outstanding and for me it was worth the price of the ticket just to hear her sing. For me the weakest link in the cast was Miriam Margolyes who talked through all her singing lines and not even in time to the music.
The effects, costumes and lighting were all fantastic and have hardly been mentioned in any review. The one thing that frustrated me having also seen it on broadway as well were the accents. I dont feel 'Popular' works in a English accent, and duets with Idina in an American accent against most cast members doing English was slightly odd.
I am sure the show will do brilliantly in the UK as it has done in the states no matter what the reviews as at the end of the day the public love it and word of mouth spreads.
- Kate, London
This review is more balanced than those in the broadsheet papers. If people haven't heard any score before seeing a show I doubt that they would rave about it. The original broadway cast recording of 'Wicked' won a Grammy and has sold incredibly well. Most people who know the score seem to think it is well-crafted with deft lyrics. This show epitomises the big bold Broadway musical - on one level it provides great entertainment while on another capitalising on the themes explored in Gregory Maquire's novel. Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz have done an expert job in adapting Mr Maquire's source material for the stage. In the words of one of the songs - 'Popular - it's all about popular' - and it seems 'Wicked' will be for many years to come.
- Christopher Gough, London UK
How nice to see a fair review, after the broadsheet papers have weighed in this morning with tepid words that tell us more about the reviewers prejudice against the musical theatre art form than the show itself.
The only issue I would have with the Standard review is in regards to the score of Wicked. It is a score brimming with bright, inventive and wonderful lyrics. I would direct all readers to search out the lyric of "For Good" wistful, poignant and above all human it stands alongside Hart, Hammerstein and Lerner as a perfect example of the lyrist's craft.
Congratulations to the cast of Wicked in London and congratulations Mr Schwartz and Ms Holzman for giving us a show that is full of energy, heart and also points us back to a musical theatre that has a degree of intelligence missing from so many of the postmodern musical shows that clutter up the west-end.
- Dan Masdamo, London
