Wicked: What is the popular musical about, and how does it link to the Wizard of Oz? Plot explained

Wicked fever has well and truly taken over London, once again, but many might be wondering what all the fuss is about.

It’s just a movie, right? Wrong: Wicked is a hugely popular musical and one of the longest-running shows in the West End.

Wicked the Musical is currently at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and is billed as a show that is “bursting at the seams with technicolour fantasy'

The movie adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Galinda was a box-office hit.

The second act, Wicked: For Good, launched with a massive $150 million domestic opening and roughly $223–$226 million worldwide for its opening frame, making it the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation.

But we will say, there is a lot of assumed knowledge with all the decorations popping up across the city (our favourite is Greenwich being renamed Green Witch!)

If you’re not au fait with the story, you’re probably left puzzled by the never-ending pink and green paraphernalia.

In the original Broadway musical, Elphaba was played by Idina Menzel and Glinda by Kristen Chenoweth.

So here’s a quick synopsis of the Wicked plot (careful, there are a couple of vague spoilers...)

Wicked musical plot

Wicked reimagines the Wizard of Oz by telling the untold story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the misunderstood girl born with green skin who grows up to be the Wicked Witch of the West.

At Shiz University, she forms an unlikely friendship with Galinda (Ariana Grande), the popular and ambitious future Good Witch, despite their initial rivalry - or loathing!

Elphaba stands out not just for her appearance but for her strong moral compass. She rebels against the Wizard of Oz's (Jeff Goldblum) corrupt government after discovering his exploitation of animals.

The story flips the traditional Wizard of Oz narrative by showing that Elphaba is misunderstood rather than wicked, while those considered "good" often have questionable motives.

A love triangle develops between Elphaba, Glinda, and charming Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), adding emotional depth and exploring themes of loyalty and sacrifice.

The musical concludes with heartbreak, redemption, and a surprising twist, showing that the lines between good and evil are not as clear as they seem.

Wicked fans will know to look out for the Twist on the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion. Watch for how the backstories of these classic Oz characters are woven into the plot, often in surprising and poignant ways.

All the songs in Wicked on the West End:

Act I

No One Mourns The Wicked

Dear Old Shiz

The Wizard and I

What Is This Feeling?

Something Bad

Dancing Through Life

Popular

I’m Not That Girl

One Short Day

A Sentimental Man

Defying Gravity

Act II

Thank Goodness

The Wicked Witch Of The East

Wonderful

I’m Not That Girl (Reprise)

As Long As You’re Mine

No Good Deed

March of the Witch Hunters

For Good

Finale

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