Wicked UK premiere: What is the popular musical about? Here's our quick Wicked plot synopsis

A love triangle develops between Elphaba, Glinda and FieyroA love triangle develops between Elphaba, Glinda and Fieyro
A love triangle develops between Elphaba, Glinda and Fieyro | Getty Images
Wicked follows the story of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West. It reimagines the Wizard of Oz from Elphaba’s perspective.

Wicked fever has well and truly taken over London 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 is one of the longest-running on the West End.

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The movie adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, is poised to be a box-office hit. We haven’t seen a movie cause a stir like this since Barbie back in 2023.

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 was portrayed by Kristen Chenoweth.

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

Wicked musical plot

Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth attend the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures "Wicked"Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth attend the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures "Wicked"
Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth attend the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures "Wicked" | Getty Images

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 Glinda (Ariana Grande), the popular and ambitious future Good Witch, despite their initial rivalry.

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 when she discovers his exploitation of magical creatures.

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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 Lion. Watch for how the backstories of these classic Oz characters are woven into the plot, often in surprising and poignant ways.

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