Wicked (2003) is a smash hit musical that tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. Featuring fantastic music by Stephen Schwartz, who also composed Pippin, a show I hold dear, the production continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Like any long running show, the cast is regularly refreshed. I had the privilege of experiencing the brand new 2025 cast this weekend at the London Victoria Apollo Theatre. I was particularly excited to see Zizi Strallen as Glinda and Emma Kingston as Elphaba: both actors I’ve seen before in Cake and Grease. They are incredible performers with stunning vocals!
Wicked is a two act musical with a time jump in between. The first act centers on Elphaba and Glinda’s time at Shiz University, where they develop a close friendship (which some interpret as more than friendship). Unfortunately, outside influences cause their bond to break. The second act picks up three to five years later, revealing how Oz has changed and exploring the consequences of their earlier actions. Only the first half of Wicked has been adapted into a movie musical so far; the second act is set to be released later this year.
Thankfully, the entire main cast was present for this performance: a rare treat for me. The set was as spectacular as ever, transporting us straight to Oz. The costumes were beautifully crafted, and it was a delight to see the details up close. So, how did the cast perform?
First, I must commend the ensemble. They poured their energy into every dance, especially during ‘Dancing Through Life’, a lengthy number demanding vigorous movement. Supporting cast members such as Sarah Ingram as Madame Morrible, Ross Carpenter as Boq, and Hannah Qureshi as Nessarose all delivered fantastic performances. I do have some reservations about Nessa’s character arc, particularly her transformation in the second half, but Qureshi’s portrayal was very compelling.
Two supporting actors stood out: Carl Man as Fiyero and Michael Matus as The Wizard. Carl Man captured Fiyero’s carefree, charismatic side perfectly, making the audience fall in love with him. His vocals in ‘As Long As You’re Mine’, performed alongside Kingston, were particularly impressive, blending beautifully. Matus was delightfully wicked as the Wizard, surpassing the film version. His performance of ‘Wonderful’ radiated joy and conviction, making his plans feel truly compelling.
Zizi Strallen is truly made for the role of Glinda. Her portrayal offered a uniquely British take: her mannerisms and stage presence felt fresh, even after the film’s release. Her vocals in ‘Popular’ were exceptional; she hit all the high notes with ease. During ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘For Good,’ her harmonies with Kingston created magical moments that had the entire theatre captivated. She is, without a doubt, the perfect Glinda, and I would love to see her again.
Emma Kingston’s Elphaba is equally captivating. She embodies the role with a spirited, somewhat standoffish attitude that felt authentic and well-received. Her singing was sensational, especially her powerful rendition of ‘No Good Deed,’ which showcased her vocal depth and emotional range. I did notice that her voice was a bit harder to hear during ‘The Wizard and I,’ possibly due to microphone issues, but she quickly regained volume and strength, reaffirming her vocal prowess.
If you’re a Wicked fan, seeing this new 2025 cast is a must. They faced the challenge of stepping into roles made iconic by the movie, yet they truly defy gravity and elevate the material to new heights!
Max
References:
London Victoria Apollo Theatre (2025). Available at: https://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/synopsis/ (Accessed: 27/07/2025)
Wikipedia (2024) ‘Wicked’. Available at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_(2024_film) (Accessed: 27/07/2025)
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