REVIEW: Wicked - UK Tour 2014

Last week Wicked flew into Glasgow for the first time to begin its sold out run with record breaking statistics. Over 53,000 tickets were sold and after seeing the show on opening night, it's clear why. 

For those of you who have been living under a rock and are unaware of the plot I'll give you a brief run-down. Wicked is the prequel to the much loved classic 'The Wizard of Oz'. The story centres around the two witches, G(a)linda and Elphaba, who at first glance could not be more different. They wind up sharing a room at Shiz University and strike up an unlikely bond - from there we are taken on a journey of love, heartbreak and everything in between. 

The casting for this tour could not be more on point. Nikki Davis Jones takes on the role of green girl Elphaba with ease. She brings a lot of spunk to the character and  belts out each song more impressively than the last. No Good Deed and the show's 11 o'clock number Defying Gravity were particularity notable. Emily Tierney excels playing the show's other female protagonist - G(a)linda. Humorous from the outset, Tierney really puts her own stamp on the coveted role and, with equally good vocals as her counterpart, these two woman make a killer team. Local boy George Ure gave a spirited performance as lovable munchkin Boq. Ure's portrayal really made you feel for his character and you could tell the audience was lapping up that Scottish accent. 

Touring productions are known for being scaled down but this was not the case with Wicked. Everything you would have expected to see from the West End set was present and correct which contributed to bringing the world of Oz alive. The costumes were almost like pieces of art, each one different with quirks that made you feel like you were in another time and place. 

I myself am no stranger to Oz, clocking up 8 London viewings, but being in my home town surrounded with excited newbies and repeat attenders alike was thirillifying, and I don't think I was alone in that thought. Although Wicked is sold out in Glasgow you can catch it on two other Scottish dates, all information can be found here. 

Interview: Rebecca Trehearn

style="line-height: 1.4;">Rebecca Trehearn's career is going from strength to strength. With shows like We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing and Love Story under her belt, she is currently astounding audiences in the UK tour of Ghost. I caught up with her recently to chat all things Molly Jensen and beyond.

Your bio is really impressive and performing seems to have always been a part of your life – what in particular attracted you to theatre?
I think the idea of being someone else just really appealed to me!  Having started singing competitively so young, the attention that came with that also brought with it a degree of being picked on that kind of knocked the confidence out of me.  I was a pretty shy kid; I guess for a long time I was just more comfortable in someone else's skin than in my own.  Having a character to hide behind felt safer!

Is there anyone specific within the industry you would love to collaborate with?

I've been fortunate to have worked with some amazing directors, writers and performers over the last few years, so it's difficult to single someone out!  I think it's more a case of dream venues for me at the moment.  I'd love to work at the National or the Donmar and having done a gig at Birdland in New York last year, would also love to work in the States again.

You were fabulous as understudy Molly in the West End production.  How different is it to be playing the role full time now?

One of the biggest differences is having to find a new way to pace yourself, I suppose.  As an understudy you go for your life, knowing that you're unlikely to get much more than a couple of weeks on at a time.  Playing a role like this long term, I've had to learn not to be quite so hard on myself!  The biggest joy though, has been getting to experience a proper rehearsal process and really explore the character and her relationships with Sam, Carl and Oda Mae, in a way you simply don't get the opportunity to do as a cover.  I think I feel a sense of ownership of these relationships now that I didn't when I was having to slot into someone else's process at short notice.

What can people expect from the show?

An incredible spectacle, illusions that will blow you away, amazing choreography, gorgeous songs, plenty of laugh out loud moments and more than anything else, huge heart.  Bring your tissues!

Ghost is obviously a very intense and demanding show, what do you do to stay motivated and keep the role of Molly fresh?

I think the fact that we're touring helps.  Having to get used to a new venue every few weeks keeps you on your toes, you really can't afford to hit auto pilot, ever!  It's also a testament to both the writing and my co-stars that the idea of keeping the show fresh has never felt like an issue to me.  I have so much fun bouncing off of Stewart, David and Wendy every night and the writing is so strong, that I can't help but be completely swept along by Molly's journey every night.

Being part of a touring cast you get to visit a lot of cities. Do you get any down time to experience them? If so what's been your favourite city so far?

Yeah, there's always some time to explore!  So far, I'd say Edinburgh has been my favourite city.  It's just so beautiful there, the architecture is incredible.  I had a list as long as my arm of things I didn't get round to doing, sadly!

Aside from Ghost what's your favourite production at the moment?

I'd say Once.  I saw it on Broadway and in the West End and I just love it, it's a stunning piece of theatre.  Dream job!

What's next for you ?

I've got a couple of gigs coming up in London soon; beyond Ghost, who knows...?!

Huge thanks to Rebecca for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions. 

Be sure to catch Ghost as it tours the country-  venues, dates and ticket information can be found here.