Shrek

CLOC was indeed fortunate to present its latest production before the Corona Virus put amateur and every other sort of theatre on hold! With full houses they will have experienced a financial boost, and be able to come back with more excellent musical theatre in the future. Anyone lucky enough to have seen ‘Shrek’ was also fortunate. In these troubled times, to have a night out where fantasy, fun and laughter was the order of the day, allowed us all to forget world events for a few hours.

‘Shrek’ is a complex piece of theater … if you have seen the animated film and who hasn’t? ... the green ogre from the swamp and all the fairy tale characters are instantly recognisable, not only from their persona but also from the voices … because the film used well know ‘stars’ to provide the voice overs. So, the production team and the cast, will have the expectation of the audience to deal with. Also, quite obviously an animated movie can do physically what humans cannot, so there are bound to be issues when it transfers to the stage. CLOC covered many of the obvious difficulties using talented imagination and building of excellent - no outstanding home grown props, scenery and many of the costumes. Brilliant dragon and special effects. Lovely characters, Shrek, Donkey and Fiona  and Lord Farquaad, and wonderful cameo from Pinocchio.

Overall, this was a very good production, the costumes and make up were excellent, the imaginative cartoon-like scenery was excellent, the orchestra and chorus singing were very good and the principle singing mostly was excellent although there was a degree of ‘off key’ on occasions. I was disappointed in the sound and the reproduction of some of the accents. Sitting in the ‘balcony’ I lost much of the fast dialogue which I imagine was very witty … the accents were so ‘thick’ it was difficult to understand some of the principal lines. The dance routines were excellent and worked extremely well and the back projection added real expertise. I really was fortunate to be able to see this show. I wish you success in the future. CLOC has a terrific reputation in amateur circles … long may you all continue. Be safe … I wish you all good health at this terrible time.

Well done CLOC this difficult production was really enjoyable from start to finish.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.