After over twenty years onstage, Wicked has become one of the world’s most beloved musicals, with legions of fans who know the soundtrack off by heart, but whose eyes still light up when those first notes from ‘No One Mourns The Wicked’ open the entire musical. From its tongue-in-cheek Easter Eggs and references to the original Wizard of Oz, to its empowering, redemptive story of friendship, a tangled love triangle, and fighting back against fascism, it feels as if there’s something in it for everyone.

It stands to reason then that it’s also the kind of musical that makes careers out of any actress playing its lead roles of the prickly but good-hearted Elphaba or the bubbly blonde Glinda, enemies turned best friends constantly struggling to understand each other, and eventually, realising how important each one is to the other. Both armed with signature costumes and showstopping numbers, both Elphaba and Glinda rank among the dream roles of many young musical actresses, and in the latest touring production to hit Singapore, Australian performers Zoe Coppinger and Courtney Monsma play Elphaba and Glinda respectively across from each other on the Sands Theatre stage. We spoke to both Zoe and Courtney on what it means to take on the role of a lifetime, their working relationship with each other, and the hard work that goes into preparation for such demanding roles.

Read the interview in full below:

Bakchormeeboy: Courtney, Glinda is often played for comedy, but she also has deeply emotional moments. What’s a part of her character that you think audiences sometimes overlook, and how do you bring that out?

Courtney Monsma: I always aim to stick to her integrity as a character and that is informed by her genuine belief in everything she does, sometimes the aftermath of that is comedy. My aim is to show that authenticity and her internal struggles esp in moments like Thank Goodness, showing the complexities of possibly losing more than she’s won. To do this, I stay true to the script and arc and really allow the audience in by expressing her grief throughout the loss she has in the show.

Bakchormeeboy: Zoe, Elphaba is a character who’s had to struggle her whole life, which leads to her having alot of strength, amidst plenty of vulnerability. How do you navigate playing both sides of her, and how do you relate to her struggles?

Zoe Coppinger: It is super tricky and something that I continue to workshop and learn from each show. She is such a complex character that I will be forever learning and growing within her which is so exciting and terrifying at the same time. I think everyone can relate to Elphaba’s struggles in some capacity. What doesn’t completely knock us down, only makes us a whole lot stronger.

Bakchormeeboy: Courtney, you’ve played several iconic female characters—Glinda, Anna in Frozen, Katherine Howard in SIX. What draws you to these kinds of roles, and what do they have in common?

Courtney: What they all have in common is that they are multi-dimensional and follow similar journeys of self-discovery. I love characters who surprise the audience, who may start as one thing but reveal new layers as the story unfolds and that’s what feels similar between the three. These roles let me explore everything from high-energy humor to raw, vulnerable moments, and that’s what makes them so rewarding to play. These roles all allowed me to explore the balance between lightness and depth, comedy and heartbreak.

Glinda feels different because her journey is more bittersweet and complex. She doesn’t get a grand moment of triumph—her strength is in her resilience. My experience playing these roles have all led to me playing Glinda, in terms of the vocal agility required but also the emotional depth required that I have gained whilst growing up. There is something extra special about playing Glinda, it’s like a matured version of myself is approaching the role.

Bakchormeeboy: Zoe, Wicked is a physically demanding show, with Elphaba constantly moving and even flying. What’s the most unexpectedly difficult aspect of performing this role night after night, and how did you prepare for it physically?

Zoe: It really is super physically demanding. It is amazing how many times Elphaba gets up and down off the floor, the quads really get a workout. I feel like its super important to know and listen to your body. So I will always do a big walk and day and a stretch before the show but outside of that, I just see how I’m tracking if I feel like I need some cardio I will add that in or more of a strength sessions I will do some pilates. But it really is a day by day or week by week sort of thing.

Bakchormeeboy: Courtney, Glinda’s songs require both technical skill and charisma. Is there a favourite song to perform? What’s the hardest part of performing Popular?

Courtney: My favourite song to perform is Popular and it’s something I always look forward to. Having the stamina is often the hardest part about performing and making sure I am technically sound with my breath to get through. I love Popular because it is a moment to really explore that new found friendship with Elphaba and have genuine fun in a Glinda way.

Bakchormeeboy: Do you have any backstage rituals or superstitions that help you get into character before stepping onstage?

Zoe: I have soooo many. My little superstitions are out of control, but I can’t stop them now. My favourite one that I get to do with some of the cast is side stage at the end of the opening number we do three consecutive arm movements (like I do for the end of The Wizard and I) together and its a fun little thing that gets my nerves out and some blood pumping through my body.

Bakchormeeboy: Touring can be exhausting. What’s the most unexpected thing that has helped you stay grounded while moving from city to city?

Courtney: Getting to be in the cast with my sister! Having your closest friend/family member by your side makes me feel like home no matter where I am and it’s the greatest gift that makes touring so much more memorable and sustainable for me personally.

Bakchormeeboy: Wicked is such a spectacle—big sets, costumes, effects. Is there a behind-the-scenes moment that audiences would be surprised to learn about?

Zoe: I think the backstage of Wicked is super cool! The set, costumes, wigs and props are so intricate, they have such a life within them and I think anyone who gets the chance to see it all up close is always in awe. Some of the Wicked secret moments that are hidden back there I am sure many audience members would love to see and learn more about.

Courtney: If audiences could buy a ticket to watch the backstage traffic they would be thoroughly entertained! It is its own show within itself. I don’t want to spoil anything but something that is personally interesting is my preset in my bubble which is very high in the wings.

Bakchormeeboy: Elphaba and Glinda have very different journeys, but both are about self-discovery. Has playing these characters changed how you see your own paths in life?

Zoe: Playing Elphaba has taught me so much about myself. It’s made me realise I am stronger than I think I am and can achieve more when I believe that. I think to not sound gushy but being a part of Wicked, I think I can speak for most of us when I say we have truly been changed for good.

Courtney: Very much! That there is so much nuance in life, and it has raised the question for me of what is good and what is bad? How is that defined and who defines it? Wicked has taught me alot about intention, integrity and authenticity and they are things that bleed into my personal life.

Bakchormeeboy: Do both of you ever wonder what it’d be like to swap roles, where Courtney plays Elphaba and Zoe plays Glinda? How different would a production like that feel?

Zoe: We have actually spoken about this a lot and want to give it a whirl (not on stage) but just for fun off stage one day to see what we both do and most of all to have a laugh with each other.

Courtney: I would absolutely love to swap roles for a day to just see what the story is like in Elphie’s shoes. I would love to sing the score and get to fly in a different way! It would be so cool but at the same time, remind me that my home is with the Glinda role.

Bakchormeeboy: People often see Broadway and West End as the pinnacle of theatre and musicals, but as Australians, how do you feel about theatre down under and the way it is perceived by the world?

Zoe:Theatre down under is thriving. I think it is such an incredibly strong industry and I feel so lucky to be a part of it. I think the rest of the world sees the talent and definitely see’s the worth ethic that we uphold and I like to think we hold our own up against the rest of the world.

Courtney: I do think that, historically, Australian theatre hasn’t always been given the same recognition as Broadway or the West End, but that’s changing with the success of Australian productions, homegrown musicals, and our performers overseas is showing the world that we’re not just a stop on a tour—we’re a theatre powerhouse in our own right.

Bakchormeeboy: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself and female friendships from playing opposite each other in Wicked?

Zoe: Trusting and supporting each other is such a big part of Wicked, accepting each other for who we are, quirks and all. By doing this we can grow together and create something really beautiful. I have definitely learnt to lean on people throughout this process (mostly Court, my family and friends), it’s ok to be vulnerable and ask for help. People want to be in your corner and it’s the easiest way to get through life.

Courtney: I have learnt about the complexities of relationship and friendship. The underlying unspoken love and support given to Zoe shows me what true friendship is, just like the end of Wicked. Female friendship is the joined force to become stronger and to always champion those around you as its just as much a personal win to see her flourish and shine.

Bakchormeeboy: Wicked is known for its deep fan culture. How much pressure is there to live up to ‘fan’s expectations’ and how do you deal with those preconceived notions audiences might have of the roles?

Zoe: There is definitely such a huge fan base and expectation with this show, which we absolutely love. I think it’s about really trusting in ourselves and the work we have done around the roles, we are putting our versions out there every night and hoping everyone gravitates towards them. We definitely feel the pressure but at the same time we just want everyone to immerse themselves in the Wicked magic and enjoy it for the now. That’s the beauty and what makes live theatre so special.

Courtney: In the beginning I was a bit nervous given the expectations but have learnt to focus on the role and then let that be the aftermath. I have been met with nothing but love and support and I truly view myself as a Wicked fan so I relate and am one of the crowd in that way. It’s always a joy to continue to share the love of Wicked with fans all whilst staying true to my own interpretation of the role and staying solid within the belief of myself, despite the expectations.

Read our review of Wicked here

Wicked plays from 19th March to 27th April 2025 at the Sands Theatre. Tickets available here