Winchester News Online
REVIEW: Wicked at Mayflower Theatre

Well this is one that needs no introduction. Southampton has had another Oztastic makeover, coloured emerald for the return of ‘Wicked’ to Mayflower Theatres stage. This is the Godfather of musicals. When somebody mentions the word musical, ‘Wicked’ is more than likely the first to pop into your head. And if it isn’t, it’s definitely top three at the very least. Anyone who is anyone, theatre lover or not, knows of this musical. It’s more than just multi-award winning, and it’s clear to see why. The soundtrack alone is one that holds more broadway staples than any other. With the movie release of this musical being just around the corner – I only hope that it gets more people into the theatre to see this show. This IS musical theatre.
If you’ve been living under a rock for the past 21 years (yes it really has been running since 2003!), and don’t know what ‘Wicked’ is about, I’ll give you a very brief rundown. The story is basically a prequel to ‘The Wizard of Oz’. It follows the back story of the Wicked Witch of the West – Elphaba, and the Good Witch of the South – Glinda. It’s a very loose adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel: ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’. Written for the stage by Winnie Holzman, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, it’s so easy to see how ‘Wicked’ has gained more than 100 global awards. It’s even attracted Hollywood again with the two-part Universal Pictures film coming soon, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the roles made famous by Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth. I remember the first time I saw ‘Wicked’ and I just remember thinking, “Yeah, this is the ceiling of musical theatre, you can’t get better than this.” From the story, to the set, to the music, to the overall scale and design. Just immaculate. Chef’s kiss of a musical.
To basically get a standing ovation after every song they sang says all it needs to!
I could talk for days about the incredible cast members that have come and gone before, but in terms of this particular tour – I’m happy to say that this cast can rightly join a big list of theatre royalty. ‘Elphaba’ and ‘Glinda’ are two roles that every actress dreams of playing, and they’re also two roles that are the most vocally challenging in theatre. Reprising her role from the West End is Laura Pick as ‘Elphaba’, and brand new to the role of ‘Glinda’ is Sarah O’Connor. These two were phenomenal. Everything about their performances were just gorgeous. To basically get a standing ovation after every song they sang says all it needs to! Certain riffs and vocal decisions from Laura were sublime, things I genuinely think I’ve never heard an ‘Elphaba’ do before. Sarah as ‘Glinda’ gave a hilarious and heart-wrenching performance, and that voice! WOW! Possibly the best ‘Glinda’ I think I’ve seen. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen this show now, and I have seen some really impressive names in these roles. However I think these two have certainly edged their way towards the top of that list.
I also saw the show again last weekend (yes the show is that good!), where we had the alternate ‘Elphaba’, Casey Al-Shaqsy, who deserves her own special shout out. She was incredible, and in shows that have run as long as this one, and soundtracks as well known as this one – there are certain, more difficult ways to sing certain parts of the songs that have become very well-known. For me, I’m now always waiting to see if actors will ‘opt-up’ or not. Casey opted-up at every opportunity she could and with ease. Genuinely breathtaking. I think ‘Wicked’ is a show that always has the best cast, they’re all at the top of their games, and that’s the same here. I feel like I could write a full essay on each individual performance, and to be honest I’m sort of gutted that I can’t. To name a couple more notable performances, Carl Man as ‘Fiyero’ was superb. He exudes ‘cool’, even during his infamous dance during ‘Dancing Through Life’ (if you know you know). He was another to use some riffs I had never heard before as well. Finally, Simeon Truly as ‘The Wizard of Oz’ & ‘Doctor Dillamond’ really brought the best out of the characters to life. Usually these characters’ songs aren’t my favourite, and they’re ones that I’m never usually too bothered about. However this time I was fully invested and thought his betrayal of ‘The Wizard’ was just brilliant!

When it comes to set and design, I mean this is the benchmark to hit. It’s instantly recognisable, it’s big, it’s mobile, it’s just beautiful. No picture will ever do it justice – you need to see in person. From the dragon and flying bubble, to the iconic ‘Defying Gravity’ sequence; its literally breathtaking. The lighting is so clever as well. It paths out where characters are going to go, it diverts your eyes to important details and captures ‘Oz’ brilliantly. This is all without us even mentioning ‘The Wizard’ or ‘Emerald City’ yet! When I say everything turns green for your visit to the ‘Emerald City’, I mean everything is green! And the impressiveness of ‘The Wizard’ really does give a perfect contrast to the facade that he is, exactly like the story.
One thing I noticed in this particular tour run over previous times I’ve seen it on tour or in London, was the amount of dance. I loved it! Im struggling to recall if these moments of just dance were always in the show or if this is something new. Maybe it was just this brilliant cast but either way, I thought it was a really really nice to see. As for the costumes as well – totally Ozmopolitan.
‘Wicked ’ is a bucket list musical, and in my opinion it should be on everybody’s bucket list
At the heart of this musical is the music. The soundtrack is so well known, but there’s nothing quite like hearing it live. I think ‘Wicked’ is one of the only soundtracks that it doesn’t matter who sings it, it’s always exciting. With soundtracks like ‘Hamilton’ for example, you get so used to hearing that original cast that anything else starts to sound weird. ‘Wicked’ definitely isn’t like that. Again I don’t know if it was just this time or not, but the band were on top form. There were certain guitar riffs or drum rolls that I had never heard, that just elevated the whole song. The music is another bench mark for all other musicals, but I don’t think another musical has really hit the mark since.
To sum up, I think this was one of the easiest reviews I have ever written. I feel like I could’ve pretty much written it all without even seeing it. ‘Wicked’ is a bucket list musical, and in my opinion it should be on everybody’s bucket list whether you’re an avid theatre goer, or you’ve never been before. In sporting terms, it’s the world cup final of theatre. Seeing this on tour again has certainly made me super excited for the film when it comes out, but it has also got me thinking about when I can get to London to see it again. Everyone has either heard of or listened to ‘Defying Gravity’ at least once, but nothing compares to seeing it live on stage. Even if you don’t enjoy the rest of the show (which is highly unlikely), ‘Defying Gravity’ or any of the many ballads in the show, will make it worth your while. I’m not going to beat around the bush and say about seeing this show – instead I’m going to say this…
You NEED to see this show. If it’s touring near you, go and buy a ticket. If it’s not, try get yourself down to London. It’s a decision you will never regret. Seeing this touring cast in particular will be a treat as well, because as I’ve said – it could be the best overall cast I have seen in this show. ‘Wicked’ is at Mayflower Theatre until Sunday 16th June before continuing on their UK tour. You’d be crazy to miss this one. I wish all of the cast, crew, and company the best of luck going forward, and all the success in the world.
Winchester News Online
Greenham Common holds half marathon in aid of baby charity

On Sunday, Run Forest Run organised a half marathon alongside a 10k run, canicross route and a kids race all having the goal of raising money for the charity New life who help provide essential and specialized equipment for neonatal units helping premature and seriously ill babies survive and live their life.
New Life was launched by Trevor Goodall 30 years ago after his two sons died after they were born underweight.
Since then the charity has raised more than £2m.
The half marathon, which was making its second appearance on the common, was won by Lawrence Gillard in a time of 1:26:46.
In the 10k ,out of 99 runners, Danny Hawkins came out on top completing the route in just over 34 minutes and with their furry companion in the canicross, Mark Chance crossed the line first in 42:52.
The course passed the control towers and bunkers which were previously used in the Cold War.
The nearby airfield was previously used as a filming location for some Star Wars films as well as Fast and Furious.
It wasn’t only the other runners they were racing against but having to navigate cattle and herds around the area.
One of the founders of Run Forest Run, Mark Hayes said: “We’ve got six events planned for next year and possibly two others.
“We had about 400 runners last year, and raised around £22,000 and we always have New life special care babies as our primary charity.”
Sport
Billie Jean King – Battle of the Sexes – 1973

The year was 1973. The lights of the Houston Astrodome glared down on a tennis court that had become more than just a playing field — it was a stage for a cultural revolution.
Cameras flashed, tension buzzed in the air, and two players stepped onto the court — one a confident showman, the other a determined trailblaser carrying the hopes of millions.
As the first serve sliced through the air on that September evening, millions around the world weren’t just watching a tennis match — they were witnessing a fight for equality, respect, and change.
Billie Jean King is a legendary American tennis champion and advocate for gender equality whose career and impact extends far beyond the court.
With 39 Grand Slams titles and a historic victory in 1973, “Battle of the Sexes” match, she not only proved her athletic ability but also challenged stereotypes about women within the world of sport.
As a founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and a leader behind equal prize money, King became a powerful force for fairness and inclusion, later emerging as a voice for LGBTQ+ rights.
Her legacy as both a world class athlete and a fearless activist changed the game for generations to come.
The “Battle of the Sexes” was a famous match, between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, a former men’s champion who was adamant that men were superior athletes.
The match was played in front of more than 30,000 fans at the Houston Astrodome and watched by roughly 90 million people worldwide, the event was a both a sporting spectacle and a major milestone in the fight for gender equality.
Billie Jean King defeated Riggs in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3), this proved that women could compete in the highest level which inspired greater respect and opportunities for female athletes around the world.
The event’s impact was immediate. Women’s tennis surged in popularity, drawing new audiences, sponsorships, and media coverage. King used the momentum to push for lasting change.
This helped the US Open to become the first major tournament to offer equal pay. Her win also empowered a new generation of female athletes to come out and code and what was rightfully theirs.
More than five decades later, the Battle of the Sexes remains a cultural milestone.
It symbolised more than just a tennis match, it was a statement about equality, perseverance, and the power of sport to challenge societal norms.
Culture
Review of The Roses 2025

If something looks perfect from the outside does it mean it actually is?
That’s the concept that director Jay Roach brings to life in the new movie The Roses released in August 2025.
The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 film The War of the Roses which was originally based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel.
Although unlike the novel the characters instead are shown to struggle with their different careers either rising or falling.
It has been adapted, in my opinion, to make it resonate with women a lot more as in both the novel and first film the women were stay at home mothers who felt unsatisfied.
This appears to be one of the main reasons for the divorces with Barbara (Kathleen Turner) eventually turning to a catering business.
However, within the new modernised version Ivy’s (Olivia Colman) successful career is a point of contempt for Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch).
While it starts off with a more realistic depiction of parents struggling with the loss of a career and a start of a new one, it slowly divulges itself away from the typical divorcee movie.
I watched this movie at the Everyman (luxury I know!) and the grip it had on me as an audience member was outstanding.
With the selection of actors involved in this movie it’s no surprise that there is a mix of comedy and drama making it a satirical black comedy.
While it was delightful to watch, I feel that some audience members might criticise the realism of the movie.
Yet I go to the cinema to be transported from real life so the mix of realism and shock factor was highly entertaining.
A contrasting mix of comedy and darkness
The performances from the actors was exactly what the movie needed.
The chemistry, or lack thereof, between Colman and Cumberbatch was so believable that you would think that they were married in real life.
Their delivery of both the comedy and the rage was again so believable that it sucked me as the audience into what was the “dirty laundry” of their personal lives.
With a supporting cast including Andy Samberg, Allison Janney and others their characters mostly brought the comedy relief needed in to break the movie up.
They also gave us a contrast to the main relationship being shown which helped us recognise how some of the actions were exaggerated for our benefit.
However, some critics online have noted that while it is undeniably a satirical dark comedy, the dark comedy seemed to be held back some times, therefore not always giving it the edge it needed.
I think that for a 15 certificate movie it had just the right amount to stretch over its wide audience.
Another criticism that The Roses received was that the contrast between the comedy and cruelty was sometimes so abrupt that it didn’t hit as hard as it could have.
At some points the comedy seemed out of place which almost gave the film a sort of jarring feel as they changed between the emotions.
The ending is ambiguous which can have mixed reactions from the audience.
Some may like to have the movie tied up neatly at the end whereas others like that they can believe what they want to believe.
I am the latter in the case of this movie as I enjoyed the fact that I could believe either the more macabre ending or not.
To me the ending, without giving any spoilers, had me on the edge of my seat with a real 360 turn.
Again it had the perfect amount of shock factor and comedy which highlighted the overall tone throughout.
I felt that it drew the entire film together nicely especially with the ending performance from Coleman and Cumberbatch.
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WINOL 20 November 2018