Wicked has been a smash hit on London's West End, captivating audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre since 2006. With breathtaking visuals and iconic songs like 'Defying Gravity,' it's one of the longest-running shows in West End history.
We caught up with Alexia Khadime, who currently stars as Elphaba in this musical phenomenon!
Check out our conversation below, and book your tickets today.
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Can you tell us a bit more about the character you play in Wicked?
Alexia: I play the iconic character Elphaba. We know her to be evil/wicked from the classic and well-loved story The Wizard of Oz, but in Wicked we explore how she’s misunderstood. The story of Wicked acts as an origin story of the witches in The Wizard of Oz.
In Wicked, we see how Elphaba has lived a life where she has experienced preconceptions from others and discrimination due to the colour of her skin being green. Even after everything she has endured, she is compelled and has a passion to do good, to stand up for what she believes is right and to help others.
In the beginning, Elphaba wants to help the animals who are being victimised in the land of Oz and she uses her opportunity to meet the one person she has idolised her whole life, to help the animals of Oz instead. This is one of the beautiful things about her, as a character, she puts aside her own desires to help others. It’s not something she ever has to think about. It’s second nature for her to think of others and stand up for what she believes in, she’s logical and it’s just what she does. She is an activist, compassionate, driven, brave, smart and yes, a bit feisty, but has a heart of gold.
What does Wicked reveal to us about these familiar characters?
Alexia: I think Wicked shows us that there is so much more than just what’s on the surface. It shows us another perspective, and another side of these wonderful women and shows them to be multi-layered, not one-dimensional characters. These are women with passion drive and heart, and we get to see them grow throughout their respective journeys both together, and individually.
The soundtrack for Wicked is popular all over the world, with some songs being musical theatre staples! Is it nerve-wracking to perform such well-known and loved songs?
Alexia: I’ve never thought about it like that, I just feel so blessed to be able to sing these amazing songs that Stephen Schwartz has written. I think of these songs as an extension of the script and I’m lending my lens to interpret the songs and to bring the story to life. For me, the main thing I think about is telling the story, being present and honest, so that we can take our audience on a wonderful Wicked journey. It truly is such a great story.
Wicked is also known for its incredibly vast array of costumes, do you have a favourite costume that you, or any other character, wears and why?
Alexia: The costumes are phenomenal. I love that they are loosely inspired by fashion designers too. The cuts, the colours, the sequins, the hats and accessories to go with them...the detail is truly special. My personal favourite to wear is my black dress for Act 2. It’s a masterpiece, and it really leans into the who Elphaba is becoming at that point. I know for me, it helps me as an actor in the building of her character and growth of her character. It’s stunning.
In your opinion, what makes Wicked such a timeless and beloved musical, even years after its debut?
Alexia: Wicked to me will always be relevant. It’s a masterpiece that’s resonates with so many, young, old, no matter what your story is. We naturally connect with things where there is familiarity, and these characters are relatable despite their differences. The layered themes of identity, love, friendship, trust and tolerance, are all things we connect with. The songs are classics and ageless, they get you in the heart. It’s a special piece.
If you could invite any character from Wicked out to an imagined dinner, who would you choose and why?
Alexia: This might be an unexpected answer, but I would take Madame Morrible. I would like to know her backstory, I would be intrigued to hear how she became head Shiztress at Shiz University.
Without giving away any spoilers for people who haven’t seen the show, do you have a favourite moment or line in the show?
Alexia: It’s the moment where characters, Elphaba and Glinda, start to realise their different paths in Act 1. For me that’s the first monumental shift in their journeys to become ‘Glinda the Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’. Neither of them could have predicted it.
The Wizard has some thought-provoking lines too. “The truth is not a thing of fact or reason, the truth is just what everyone agrees on. Where I’m from, we believe all sorts of things that aren’t true. We call it history.”
And finally, describe Wicked in 3 words.
Alexia: Spellbinding. Captivating. Friendship.
Book your tickets now for "one of the West End’s true modern classics." (Metro)
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