One of the most popular musicals on the planet is coming to Dublin from next week. Wicked is flying back into the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from July 17th until September 1st.
The musical is based on Gregory Maguire's novel and tells the "other" story of the two witches of Oz, which people will know best from The Wizard of Oz. The show last came to Dublin in November 2013.
Tickets for the Dublin leg of the show are on sale now here.
Here's a little of what you can expect:
Our Entertainment Reporter Rebecca Shekleton was lucky enough to get to see the show in Edinburgh Playhouse for the first time back in May.
Here's why you need to see Wicked when it comes to Dublin...
The Songs
The music in Wicked is sure to cast a spell over you. Hearing 'Defying Gravity' live will give you goosebumps, 'Popular' will make you want to buy a pink dress and dance around your bedroom, while, 'For Good' will bring warm your Wicked heart.
Photo Credit Matt Crockett
The Set & Costumes
The outfits in the show are nothing short of magical, while the production value is on par with Broadway. Designers Eugene Lee (set) and Susan Hilferty (costumes) both won 2004 Tony Awards for their respective work on Wicked so you're in for a serious treat. The Emerald City scenes in particular will make you want to emigrate there.
The Cast
Amy Ross has taken on the role of Elphaba, Helen Woolf plays Glinda and Eastenders' actor Aaron Sidwell stars as Fiyero in the production. All three put on a mesmerising performance.
Former Brookside star Steven Pinder is also impressive as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz/Doctor Dillamond. While the ensemble cast features two talented Irish actors - Cork native Jason Broderick and Belfast's Emily Olive Boyd.
You can listen back to Cooper and Luke's chat with Amy Ross here.
Glinda's Bubble
Galinda, the young woman who goes on to become Glinda the Good Witch, makes her grand entrance by descending on stage in a giant metal bubble. Trust us, it's a spectacular sight!
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
The Storyline & Its Message
Wicked is based on the novel 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by American author Gregory Maguire and is inspired by the characters and stories created by L. Frank Baum in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'.
The musical imagines a beguiling backstory to the lives of the beloved characters and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely University friends on their journey of becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
You'll be enthralled by the clever script and how the story comes together! While the musical features a love story/triangle, we absolutely loved the powerful message of female friendship. Wicked stresses the values of love and trust. It also highlights the complexities of good and evil.
