Oz has always been a world of wonder and escape for me. Like many, my journey began with the enchanting 1939 musical The Wizard of Oz. But my love for this marvelous land deepened when my grandmother gifted me a copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz when I was first learning to read. Written by L. Frank Baum, the series was truly ahead of its time, featuring female leaders, explorations of identity, and, of course, an abundance of magic.

Baum penned 14 more tales before his passing, and others, including his grandson, carried the torch, preserving Oz’s childlike innocence and endless imagination.

Then came Gregory Maguire, who gave Oz a dazzling new perspective. His novel Wicked unveiled the untold stories of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West. The book became a phenomenon, inspiring Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s beloved musical, which, in turn, led to the breathtaking feature film released this past November.

Now, this stunning adaptation is available to rent or download on streaming platforms—finally allowing you to experience the magic from the comfort of home, uninterrupted by someone in the third row channeling their inner Ariana Grande (but sounding more like a tone-deaf antelope with a deviated septum).

While I will never forgive John M. Chu for what he did with Jem and the Holograms in 2015, there is no denying that Wicked defies all expectation with “Dancing Though Life” again being absolutely brilliant.

Priced at $29.99, it’s worth every single penny. 

Cynthia Erivo is stunning as Elphaba, capturing every ounce of her vulnerability, and Ariana Grande dazzles as Glinda, infusing the role with charm, humor, and heart. Jonathan Bailey is nothing short of scandalicious as Fiyero, his version of “Dancing Through Life” practically perfect 0 in every way. Ethan Slater’s boyish energy and earnest longing make him utterly endearing as Boq, while Jeff Goldblum is the slithering slimy snake of a Wizard, and Michelle Yeoh is deliciously devious as Madame Morrible. 

The physical of wicked will be available on 4 February – and I can’t wait for the steenbok. There will be more Wicked soon so…

Stay tuned!