Wicked’s Jonathan Bailey reveals the one thing that makes his Fiyero unique

Bailey was keenly aware of this when he took on the role, but explained to RadioTimes.com that while he was very much informed by those who had gone before him, there was one way in which he felt he could make his own mark on the character.

“Norbert Leo Butz – I had never seen him perform, but apparently there are clips online and I listened to a lot of people’s versions of Fiyero to… just because I loved the musical over time,” he explained during an exclusive interview.

“But I think the one thing I saw as an opportunity, especially when it’s on film, is that… in the quiet moments around the script, you know, there are very lean but brilliant moments with Fiyero , and to expand and to really capture that kind of nuance of exactly what happens when the mask falls, and this idea of ​​authenticity and being who you really are.”

He continued: “And of course we know that Fiyero has a completely transformative arc. So really there was just an opportunity that all the performances on stage are of course amazing, but there’s just… there’s little moments that you can achieve in a close-up, perhaps.

“So that’s what I was excited to explore.”

Bailey and Jeff Goldblum – who has the vital role of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the film – have struck up something of a bond on the film’s press tour, and the Jurassic Park star was full of praise for Bailey’s interpretation of the character, noting that was “beautifully done”.

“What a Fiyero!” he added. “And Norbert Leo Butz, you know, I saw him in this because I saw the original thing, and then I saw him in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and then I did Criminal Intent, we had an episode together. He’s amazing. But you are the definitive Fiyero, one for the ages!

“And yeah, I love that theme of what you’re saying about finding your true self, you know?,” he added. “And it reminded me of that thing that is the sailor’s credo. You know what he says, ‘I am what I am and that’s all I am. I’m Popeye the sailor,’ but in our case, ‘ I’m Fiyero!'”

Wicked: Part One is now in UK cinemas.

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