Given the phenomenal success of the 2003 Broadway show Wicked (based on Gregory Maguire’s novel), it’s astonishing that it’s taken so long to bring the gravity-defying musical to cinema screens, but here it finally is. Jon M Chu (who has form with the genre following his energetic adaptation of In The Heights) pulls out all the stops, delivering a polished and impeccably cast production that, despite its hefty 160-minute runtime, only tells half the story.

Cynthia Erivo is the ghoulishly green, soon-to-be-wicked Elphaba, with Ariana Grande the perky pink Galinda. The pair lock horns at the bizarrely named Shiz University, where Elphaba’s magical abilities are recognised by Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible, to the considerable chagrin of the gets-what-she-wants Galinda. There’s some tussling over a vapid prince (Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, having a ball) and later a trip to Emerald City to see Jeff Goldblum’s Wonderful Wizard.

There are far too many forgettable songs here (fun numbers such as ‘Popular’ and ‘Dancing Through Life’ aside), while Wicked is often at its most enjoyable when people aren’t singing, when it gets stuck into some silliness or, heaven forbid, the plot. But the sheer quality of the lead performances sees it through. Erivo is sensational, bringing cinematic subtlety and powerful singing, while effervescent pop princess Grande is a screen natural with a real gift for comedy. As their characters connect, the pair sell it beautifully as a platonic love story.

Although it lacks momentum and will feel like a long wait for Part 2, this first instalment does feel emotionally satisfying: people, after all, don’t turn evil overnight. If there’s enough spectacle to sporadically dazzle newcomers, it may be a little wedded to the original stage show to completely win over sceptics. However, there’s no denying that some people will be very, very happy with this. Others might find themselves wondering how something can be magical and meh at the same time.

Wicked: Part 1 is in cinemas from Friday 22 November.