Crying to Defying Gravity

Beginning my twenty-first birthday celebrations with a bang, I was lucky enough to be gifted tickets to go and see Wicked at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. I’ve wanted to see this musical for over five years, so this truly was a dream come true; I was not disappointed!

For those who have no knowledge of this musical, the premise revolves around an alternative telling of the events we see in the Wizard of Oz, telling the not so evil back story of the ‘wicked witch of the West’ Elphaba, and her best friend Glinda ‘the Good’. The story shows what really happened to Elphaba, and how she gained her unjust reputation around the land of Oz, through the medium of song and dance.

I’m in no way an expert when it comes to musical theatre, but I can genuinely say this was the best show I have ever had the privilege of seeing. The singing was on point, with not a wrong note from any of the cast. Amy Ross as Elphaba was mesmerizing, and Charli Baptie made a fantastic Glinda; you would never know she was an understudy. The dances were elaborate and more than anything athletic…the agility and frankly gymnastic like movements were so impressive to watch. The costumes were so diverse and elaborate, with every ensemble member wearing something unique to them. Equally in that sense, the ensemble really did lift the show up, you never felt like they were just for the background, and once again not a note or toe out of place.

However, my absolute highlight was seeing Defying Gravity, with Elphaba punching her broom into the sky. I can’t really describe the feeling but it certainly ended in an emotional wreckage, with me in floods of tears. I’m fairly sure all the other audience members around me thought I was mad, but I truly did not care; they will never know how much that moment meant to me. It was a magic I have not felt since Disney, with me once again crying over visual and aural spectacle. 

Wicked is still playing until the 5th of January, so if you are in Manchester over the festive period, I highly recommend going to see it. Sitting writing this the next day, I’m still not over the feelings of yesterday afternoon; this is an experience I will probably never forget.

I can’t wait for my celebration to continue over the weekend;

Take Care Everyone, I’ll Speak to You All Soon!