Wicked, Birmingham Hippodrome - review with pictures

The hit West End musical runs at the theatre until April 29, with every showing completely sold-out - a testament to the excitement that has surrounded it's arrival.

Wicked, inspired by the classic novel and 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda.

The two student witches, who both attend Shiz university, strike up an unlikely friendship which leads them to meet the wonderful Wizard Of Oz. But things turn sour, and the pair are torn apart as they go down different roads with their magical abilities.

Was Elphaba, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, really all that bad, or was she the innocent victim of a corrupt regime?

Amy Ross brought Elphaba to life with her hair-raising vocal range and masterful grasp of character expression. With simple body movements and facial changes, she embodied Elphaba's journey from a kind and doting sister to Nessarose, right up to her transformation into the iconic evil witch.

Her voice dazzled the crowd through hit songs The Wizard and I, I'm Not That Girl and Defying Gravity which made her appear every bit as magic as Elphaba herself.

Helen Woolf's contrasting Glinda the Good Witch was also a phenomenal highlight of the show. Her high-pitched voice, hair tosses and spoiled attitude regularly had the audience raucously laughing, while her equally powerful vocals through comical track Popular and heartfelt ode For Good left them stunned.

Though Elphaba and Glinda are very different, Amy and Helen's chemistry on stage made their unlikely friendship spark and the troubles they faced seem even more heartbreaking.

Eastenders star Aaron Sidwell played Fiyero, both of the witches' love interests and also the subject of much of the crowd's affection. His infectious charisma and strong voice left many members of the audience weak at the knees throughout the show.

Wicked simply wouldn't be the same without the wonderful Wizard of Oz himself, and Brookside star Steven Pinder brought the icon to life with an incredible voice and convincingly duplicitous attitude which grasped the audience's attention whenever he was on stage.

Other highlights included the strong and scheming Madame Morrible played by Helen Walsh, and Iddon Jones as Boq. Though both in smaller roles, the pair commanded the stage whenever they were on it and left a lasting impression on the entire crowd.

As well as the captivating songs and acting, Wicked commands the attention of all those who see it through the jaw-dropping set pieces and props which create the world of Oz. Glinda is first seen by the audience as she glides through the air on a mechanical bubble-blowing machine, while the Wizard is disguised by a moving metal head with flashing red eyes. Elphaba and the enchanted monkeys flew across the stage effortlessly, and a dragon with gleaming red eyes loomed over the audience.

The special effects seen within the show frequently received shocked gasps from the audience, and made the show even more magical than I ever could have imagined.

Though Wicked is set as a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, the story takes place before, during and after the classic plot. Little references to the classic tale, such as a barely noticeable yellow brick road and quotes referenced by the characters, highlighted the attention to detail that went into putting the show together.

This precision was also noticeable in every stunning costume worn by the cast. Even the students of Shiz University and the citizens of Emerald City sported dazzling outfits designed by Susan Hilferty that would not have been out of place in a high fashion magazine.

Wicked was a rollercoaster from start to finish. With a fantastic cast, beautiful songs and an engaging narrative packed full of intricate costumes, make-up and props, the show earned a deserved standing ovation before any of the cast took to the stage for their final bow.