I saw Wicked on Wednesday 22nd July   -my 16th visit. It was almost 1 year since my last visit and I went mainly to see the new cast members.  However,  The Wizard, Madame Morrible and Nessarose were all played by understudies.

However impossible it seems, the show gets better and better every time I see it.  Stevie Tate-Bauer was by far the best Nessarose I have seen. Such a powerful and moving performance. I also thought David Stoller took Dr. Dillamond up a few notches with a brilliant performance.  Alex Jessop was a pleasing "Boq" with a charming northern accent however hard he tried to tone it down. I am afraid James Gillan will always be hard to beat in this role and A.J.'s singing voice was a little light in comparison.

Desmond Barrit was wheeled back in as temporary(??) replacement for Sam Kelly. He (D.B.) played the Wizard on my last visit and whilst I enjoy his version of the character,  I felt this time he was a tad out of condition. His vocals were a bit wobbly and I was concerned somewhat by his puffing and blowing. It may be wise to have Andy Mace waiting in the wings just in case.

Can there be two more powerful and stunning performances in musical theatre, at this time, anywhere, than those of Alexia Khadame and Dianne Pilkington as the two witches. Dianne's comedic timing and brilliant acting had the audience enthralled.  The dramatic power and depth of Alexia's "Elphaba" with vocals that make your hair stand on end is second to none.  Her "No Good Deed" had me gasping. Bravo , bonytony

Continuing my review of my visit to "Wicked" on the 22nd of July.

In my opinion Alexia is the best Elphaba I have experienced. Kerry is a great vocalist and Idina has great physical presence but neither can put over the torment of the character like Lexi can.

Madamme Morrible was played well by Aileen Donohoe . She had it all and she gave it all!!!

Before I sign off for another year ( and believe me this show will run for years) I should mention Fiyero.  Oliver Tompsett has played this laid-back lothario for over three years and I quite expected a pedestrian and somewhat stale performance of a character who some see as little more than male "eye-candy" for the two witches. Wow, what a suprise!!  Ollie has developed this character into a well-rounded multi-faceted being with great warmth and humour and, eventually, pathos. His singing and dancing is stunning. I think he is the best male vocalist the West-End has seen in years

"Wicked" is still undoubtedly the best show in town.  Where else could you get a standing ovation from a full house on a Wednesday evening in a city ravaged by swine-flu!!!!!  Stay happy-stay well!! love bonytony.