IT has played to rapturous audiences on Broadway for over 12 years and London theatregoers are still falling under its spell almost ten years after it opened in the West End.

Now, the global smash hit musical Wicked has flown in to Salford to begin a two-month residency at The Lowry and it seems it still has enough magic to enchant and enthral a whole new generation of fans.

Last night’s performance saw hundreds of adults and children alike flock to Salford Quays to see the story of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, play out in all its colourful glory.

Based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, it re-imagines the relationship between the two witches from the 139 film ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Told from their perspective, the story sees Glinda and Elphaba form an unlikely friendship as sorcery students who battle clashing personalities and a shared love interest to overthrow a corrupt regime wrought by the dastardly Wizard of Oz.

Underpinning the tale is the moral conundrum of whether we are born evil or simply have it thrust upon us as a result of our circumstance and birth.

BAFTA-nominated Emily Tierney takes on the role of Glinda and does so with such likeability and comic flair that it’s impossible not to fall for her charms.

Ashleigh Gray as Elphaba joined the Wicked cast in 2007 and beautifully embodies the downtrodden, embattled green sorceress whose unfortunate notoriety belies a gentle heart.

And Chester-born Steven Pinder, best known for playing Max Farnham in Brookside for 13 years, handles the slippery, duplicitous Wizard with aplomb and a flawless American accent.

The ensemble cast dazzle in roles as diverse as flying monkeys, goats and citizens of Oz; clothed in eye-popping couture that is part Cirque du Soleil and part Capitol from The Hunger Games.

The production values are second-to-none; the dazzling, mechanical sets bring the magical world of Oz to life, conjuring a dream-like, and sometimes nightmarish, visual feast.

Highlights of the show are, naturally, the show-stopping songs and there was a collective case of the goosbumps when Ashleigh Gray belted out ‘Defying Gravity’ as she was elevated in to the air.

Tears slipped down my face as the two female leads sang ‘For Good’, a pean to the witches’ friendship and how it had forever changed each for the better.

Glorious, glossy and with a cauldron-full of heart, this is a feel-good show with every magic ingredient for a perfect family night out.

A show for all ages, I defy you to not to fall for its charms.

Four stars out of five

Wicked is at The Lowry, Salford, until Saturday July 25. For more information or to book tickets call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com