Archive note: this review records Clarissa’s visit to a relaxed performance of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in June 2016. The original experience and cast are preserved below, with a current update added at the end.
Overview
In June 2016 I headed into London for a theatre-filled day and a relaxed performance of Wicked The Musical. It had been a while since I had enjoyed a girls’ day out, and I was excited to experience Wicked live on stage again.
Cast
Emma Hatton played Elphaba at this 2016 performance, and her voice was one of the biggest highlights of the day. Her portrayal gave Elphaba real depth and made the character’s journey land emotionally.
This archive post records the cast as experienced in 2016. Later cast changes belong to the continuing London production rather than replacing this historical record.
My Review
From the moment the show started, we were captivated. Wicked pulls you into its world of magic, friendship, ambition and unforgettable songs, and the atmosphere inside the Apollo Victoria Theatre was incredible.
The story made me look at The Wizard of Oz in a different way. One of the things I loved most was the idea that there are two sides to every story. Elphaba’s journey, her friendship with Glinda and the way the musical reframes a familiar world all stayed with me long after the curtain came down.
The lighting, stage design and special effects were a huge part of the experience too. The production felt vivid and immersive, but the relaxed-performance environment also made the day feel more comfortable and accessible.
Relaxed Performance
The relaxed performance was what made this visit especially memorable. Relaxed performances are designed to create a more flexible theatre environment for audience members who may benefit from adjusted sound or lighting, a less formal auditorium atmosphere or the freedom to move when needed.
For us, it meant being able to enjoy the show without the usual pressure and made the whole experience feel much more welcoming.
Related Archive
Later in the day we also visited the former Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction and saw a Wicked-themed display. That attraction has since closed, but the visit remains part of the Clarissa’s Corner archive.
Read the related Ripley’s Wicked archive post →
Where Are They Now? Emma Hatton
2026 update: Emma Hatton’s career has continued well beyond her run as Elphaba. Her current work spans musical theatre, jazz and blues performance, presenting, teaching and live concerts. In 2026 she has continued performing her own jazz-focused shows, while her official biography also lists ongoing work as a vocalist, presenter and musical-theatre tutor.
This makes Emma a strong candidate for a future Clarissa’s Corner Stagey Spotlight / Where Are They Now? feature, linked back to this 2016 review.
Wicked in London – Latest Update
August 2026: Wicked is still running at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The current London company includes Emma Kingston as Elphaba, Zizi Strallen as Glinda and Carl Man as Fiyero. The production also continues to offer captioned, signed and audio-described performances on selected dates.
Check the official Wicked London website for current performances and access dates →
Affiliate note: any historic ticket link tied to an expired performance date has been removed from this archive review rather than left live.
Aw this looks like a fab day out. I want to go and see this. Looks like your little girl had a great time
It is really worth going to see, I actually now have a passion for theatre shows now
One of my friends has taken her autistic son to the Lion King production. I think they are fabulous! There’s another Lion King coming up soon – hope you get to see that too!
Ah yes I’d love to go see this 🙂 would be great to add to our memories !
I think it’s a great idea to have relaxed performances for shows, it allows everyone to join in the fun without feeling restricted! 🙂
Definitely helped me not feel anxious, and was nice to just sit and relax 😊
I absolutely love Wicked and really want to see it again x
Looks like you all had a wonderful day 🙂
I haven’t been to see a show for ages! It’s definitely on my list for next year
I do love musicals and this looks awesome. I really want to go to one when Pickle is a bit older. Kaz x
Well it definitely looks like you all had a wonderful day in london!
It was amazing, I’m now a theatre 🎭 lover