Review: Wicked (UK Tour) at the Milton Keynes Theatre

Wicked (UK Tour)
Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 5th February 2014

Whilst continuing to delight audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in the West End, last year Wicked launched a UK Touring production. Featuring a cast full of West End talent, it is astounding to see how such a huge production has been adapted for life on the road. Although elements of Wicked have been tweaked, I certainly wouldn't describe it as largely scaled down, as so many touring productions often are.

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, Wicked tells the cleverly put together, untold story of the witches of Oz. Despite being set in a different world, the secret to the show’s success is that it reaches out and touches so many people in so many different ways. At the core of the musical is a story of friendship, something so simple yet something we rarely see at the centre of a show.

Nikki Davis-Jones & Emily Tierney

You will never be able to think about The Wizard of Oz in the same way after watching Wicked. I will never forget seeing the show for the first time and becoming completely lost in the incredibly enchanting storyline. The first act, which focusses on establishing the story, is set before the Wizard of Oz takes place when Elphaba (aka The Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good) are at University together. The second act takes place during The Wizard of Oz and reveals what was happening behind the scenes… but not all is as it seems. “Are people born Wicked or do they have Wickedness thrust upon them?”

Following an almost three year stint as Standby Elphaba in the West End production, Nikki Davis-Jones has now taken on the sought-after role that every actress in musical theatre dreams of playing full-time. Nikki has really grown into the role and made it her own. From the moment she steps foot on stage, Nikki performs with such detail showcasing various little quirks. During the first act she portrays Elphaba as this slightly strange, isolated individual who pretends not to care what anybody else thinks. Nikki conveys Elphaba's weirdness with heart, allowing the audience to warm to the character immediately.

Liam Doyle & Nikki Davis-Jones

Nikki's vocals are note perfect and behold a tone which compliments Stephen Schwartz's score exquisitely. She has fun with her first big number 'The Wizard and I' and belts out the climax as if it's a walk in the park. Nikki's performance of 'I'm Not That Girl' is heartbreakingly tender but last night it was her rendition of the act one finale 'Defying Gravity' which cast a spell over the Milton Keynes Theatre. With tears almost streaming down her cheeks, Nikki acted the song like I have never seen anybody do before, she really took the audience on every step of the song's tremendous journey.

Act Two sees Elphaba mature into a stronger, more independent woman and Nikki deals with the transition effortlessly. Her portrayal becomes less playful and more dignified. Nikki really lets go during 'No Good Deed', providing the show's highlight. A star is born.

Emily Tierney performs opposite Nikki as Glinda, a role she interestingly also played in Andrew Lloyd Webber's recent West End revival of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Emily and Nikki share the stage with such warmth, their chemistry couldn't be stronger and together they give an emotionally heart-warming rendition of 'For Good'.

Emily makes the perfect Glinda, she is gifted with a stunning voice and superb comic timing. She has also made the role her own, portraying a different side to the character. Emily's performance of comical number 'Popular' provides another show highlight but it is her rendition of 'Thank Goodness' which truly allows her to shine as she removes Glinda's 'front', revealing the character's inner vulnerability.

Liam Doyle is particularly strong during the first act as love interest Fiyero. It's nice to see a performer sing, dance and act the part with such ease and strong stage presence. His 'Dancing Through Life' is nothing short of cool, slick and smooth. Marilyn Cutts's frantic and terrifying Madame Morrible is excellent whilst strong performances also come from Carina Gillespie and George Ure as Elphaba's sister Nessarose and Munchkin Boq. The ensemble bring such energy to the piece.

The  touring cast of Wicked

The set, sound and lighting is spectacular and the costumes are extraordinarily detailed. Stephen Schwartz's score is heavenly, but most importantly exciting and unpredictable - big numbers are suddenly stripped back and gentle melodies grow. The music is vital to the piece and always drives it forward, opening up and exposing the characters. Downloading the soundtrack is a must.

It is ridiculously exciting to see such a fresh production of Wicked. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by the minor changes and if you have never seen the show before prepare to be astounded. If you happen to live in Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Southampton, Edinburgh, Bristol or Aberdeen you don't need to worry about booking a trip to London as shortly the West End will be arriving on your doorstep.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

The UK Touring production of Wicked runs at the Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 8th March 2014. Please www.wickedtour.co.uk for tour dates, further information and tickets.

The West End production of Wicked continues at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and is currently booking to Saturday 25th April 2015. Click here to book tickets.

Click here to read West End Frame's recent 5* review of the West End production of Wicked.
Click here to read West End Frame's interview with Nikki Davis-Jones.

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

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