It’s no secret that I love the musical Wicked – I’ve been lucky enough to see it 7 times and seen 5 amazing Elphaba’s and 6 incredible Glinda’s perform. I used to dream of performing in a West End pit orchestra (and still do if I’m being honest) and Wicked would definitely be my dream show. I absolutely adore every part of it.

When we think of Elphaba and Glinda, it is easy to see them as opposites. Elphaba, the misunderstood outsider stands in direct contrast to Glinda, the sparkling picture of popularity. But the truth is far more nuanced than this. I think everyone has an inner Elphaba and Glinda – often one side more pronounced than the other, but there nonetheless. They’re not just fictional characters; they are symbols, mirrors for the parts of ourself we often hide or struggle to embrace.

Elphaba: For the Misfits and the Rebels

Elphaba is for every person who has felt like they don’t belong, like they’re too much or not enough all at once. She is for the ones who see the world differently and refuse to accept it as it is. She represents the misunderstood, the outcasts, and the rebels who dare to question the rules.

She is for:

• Every undiagnosed autistic girl who never quite fit in
• Every child who was labelled “too much” for simply being themselves
• Every loner who found refuge in books, dreams, or the stars
• Every person who stood up for what’s right, even if it meant standing alone
• Everyone who has learned to find power in the very things other people tried to shame them for

Elphaba reminds us that being different isn’t a curse – it’s a gift. Her story is a testament to the strength it takes to stay true to yourself in a world that demands conformity.

Glinda: For the Dreamers and the Evolving

Glinda, on the other hand, is for the ones who thought they had to play by the rules to be loved. She represents the perfectionists, the people-pleasers, and the dreamers who eventually learn that authenticity matters more than appearance.

She is for:

• Every girl who thought fitting in was the only way to matter
• Every person who hid their insecurities behind charm and a dazzling smile
• Every perfectionist who learned that growth comes from vulnerability
• Everyone who discovered that true power lies not in being adored, but in being brave
• Every friend who realised that love isn’t about staying the same, but growing together

Glinda shows us that it is never too late to rewrite your story. She reminds us that even the most sparkling facade can hide a heart searching for something real – and that transformation is possible.

Elphaba and Glinda teach us that there is no single way to be strong, no one path to belonging. Elphaba’s defiance shows us the power of staying true to ourselves, while Glinda’s evolution reminds us that growth and change are part of the journey. Together, they challenge us to embrace both our shadows and our light, our flaws and our potential.

Whether you see yourself in Elphaba’s fierce independence, or Glinda’s journey to authenticity – or perhaps a little of both – their stories are for all of us. They remind us that the labels the world gives us don’t define who we are. What matters is how we choose to rise, love, and grow despite them.

So, who are you today? The rebel standing tall against the storm? The dreamer learning to let go of perfection? Maybe, like Elphaba and Glinda, you are a little bit of both – and that’s where the magic truly happens.

All my love,

Anna x