Smash-hit musical Wicked returned to Sunderland Empire for a four-week run on September 6.
Since its premiere in Manchester in 2013, this gigantic and celebrated touring production, involving over 100 people onstage and behind the scenes, has not only dazzled audiences across the UK but also in China, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland and Ireland.
It took 13 articulated lorries to transport the show’s spectacular sets, props and costumes to Sunderland, making a 330-mile journey from Dublin.
A backstage team of 60 worked for 3 days to build the production and prepare the theatre for the first performance last Thursday; including creating an area backstage known as ‘Wardrobe Village’, which houses the show’s 350 award-winning costumes, 75 wigs, 140 pairs of shoes, 110 hats, 125 pairs of gloves and 30 prosthetic masks.
Wicked transports audiences to a stunningly re-imagined world of Oz, providing wonders beyond the imagination.
With people travelling from far and wide for what could be the shows last stint in the North East, we’ve took it upon us to round up some of the things you’ve been saying.
@_i_am_matt said: From the set, to the orchestra, to every single performer…unreal. Can not recommend enough!
Ok, I love a musical and I’ve seen some unreal shows at @SundEmpire over the years. But last night’s performance of @WickedUK was off the heezy. From the set, to the orchestra, to every single performer…unreal. Can not recommend enough! 🧙♀️ #theatre #Sunderland #nefollowers pic.twitter.com/nSVfZ9Kgyu
— Matt – Capital FM (@i__am__matt) September 12, 2018
@magickingdom_mochi said: My heart has been left on stage, it is by FAR the best performance I have ever seen.
@Atrixareads said: First standing ovation I’ve ever given, it was such a good show!
After wanting to see it for about 12 years, i’ve finally seen @WickedUK at Sunderland Empire! First standing ovation I’ve ever given, it was such a good show!
— Louise (@Atrixareads) September 12, 2018
@speirs_74 said: I loved the show that much I’ve just booked tickets to come again next Tuesday… can’t wait
Well deserved review, I loved the show that much I’ve just booked tickets to come again next Tuesday… can’t wait 💚
— Mark Speirs (@speirs_74) September 12, 2018
@Aime_Addison said: I could watch that show every single day. It was incredible.
I think @aaronsidwell might be the best Fiyero I’ve ever seen in @WickedUK. I could watch that show every single day. It was incredible. Absolutely blown away by Elphaba’s singing too 🙌 I want to go back already
— Amie Addison (@Amie_Addison) September 12, 2018
@simon_dukey said: A magical time at @sundempirefor @wickeduk Press Night
@arellashebson said: my love for @WickedUK is indescribable. it is just EVERYTHING!
my love for @WickedUK is indescribable. it is just EVERYTHING! (the music, message, characters, set…) i hope it goes on to play for years and years, so that one day i can take my future children to see it so they can fall in love with it just like i did 💚
— Arella loves Alice (@arellashebson) September 13, 2018
@KittieKat_94 said: What an amazing production and a ‘Wicked’ end to my summer holidays
What an amazing production and a ‘Wicked’ end to my summer holidays before I head back to uni on Saturday @WickedUK #Wicked #SunderlandEmpire pic.twitter.com/l3ltk9F2ZP
— Kat Henry (@KittieKat_94) September 13, 2018
@paigebrittain said: Defying Gravity was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever seen and heard
@bethanbradley said: Such an amazing show, I can totally see why people go back 4 or 5 times to see it!!
