Following much the same plot as the 2001 animated film, Shrek the Musical subverts the fairytale tropes to create a humorous and occasionally touching story about friendship and self-acceptance. In case you missed the early-2000s Dreamworks phenomenon, eponymous ogre Shrek is abandoned by his parents at age seven and settles down in his claimed swamp. Years later, his beloved swamp is disturbed by a hoard of fairytale characters who have been evicted from their homes in Duloc by evil Lord Farquaad. In a mission to reclaim his home, Shrek starts a quest to take on Farquaad, meeting Donkey and rescuing Princess Fiona along the way. Over 20 years later and the story and humour holds up – after all fart jokes are timeless…
Directed by Samuel Holmes and Nick Winston, this musical is not only an homage to a magnificent film, but also to other musicals with nods to Wicked and Dreamgirls in Jeanine Tesori’s music. The songs are enjoyably boisterous and cross genres with a splash of Latin and tap. An assortment of big, jazzy numbers shows the fairytale ensemble’s skill as they navigate Nick Winston’s vigorous choreography.
Antony Lawrence is the lovable ogre, who steadily shreds his cranky character to reveal a kind but crude personality, perfectly matched by former Strictly star Joanne Clifton as feisty Fiona, bringing some fabulous vocals and a heavy dose of attitude. The whole cast delivers character and quality in their performances. Brandon Lee Sears’ infectious energy is a scene stealer as sassy Donkey, while a rather camp Lord Farquaad is played by James Gillan. Other standout vocals include Georgie Buckland who brings Gingy to life with some stunning high notes, and Cherece Richards who looks and sounds fantastic as the fiery pink dragon.
Puppets added a sense of scale to the production – especially the grandiose dragon swooping onto stage, but having the dragon next to costumed Cherece was a little distracting as neither the cast or audience knew where they should be looking.
Philip Witcomb created a set capable of transitioning seamlessly from scene to scene, from fields to frolock in and dungeons with dragons, to the kingdom of Duloc and Shrek’s treasured swamp. Thanks to some clever projections by Nina Dunn zooming in and out on the fairytale book, not a single beat is missed in keeping the story moving and engaging.
This week you don’t have to go far, far away to find fun for all the family. Shrek the Musical is at the Curve until 21st October, get your tickets from the website: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/shrek-the-musical/
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Katie Reviews 