Shrek

This musical, based on the original 2001 animated film, is a real crowd pleaser with larger-than-life characters, great costumes and catchy songs. With a complicated set, lots of different fairy tale characters and a large singing dragon, this production is a big undertaking for any amateur group.  However, the Frome Musical Theatre company tackled it with energy, skill and enthusiasm.  The stage crew, props team, wardrobe, hair and makeup all came together to produce a fabulous looking show with every detail taken care of.

Shrek was the perfect leading man who delivered on all fronts right from his big opening number ‘It’s a big, bright, beautiful world!’. His dialogue had the lovely lilting Scottish accent of the original and his strong singing voice and fine acting helped him to achieve an instant rapport with the audience.  He made the most of the comedy too making his scenes with Donkey and Princess Fiona particularly memorable.  Princess Fiona was wonderfully feisty with a fine, clear singing voice.  This was not a Princess Fiona to be messed with and she commanded the stage with good humour and attitude.  The essential chemistry between her and Shrek was also evident throughout.

Donkey is a loveable character who is always a favourite with the audience. He handled the comedy extremely well and, although his dialogue was a little unclear at times, he made a very strong impression. Lord Farquaad was wonderfully pompous and despite his diminutive stature was always the focus of attention when on stage.  The character certainly provided some of the show’s funniest moments.

Dragon is a part of two halves with a huge puppet operated by two people and the voice provided by another. The huge red dragon was handled with skill, its movements expertly synchronised with the lyrics to each of the songs. However, what really stole the show was the quality of dragon’s singing. Wow, what a voice!  It was simply superb and, when she joined cast for the finale, she had real stage presence too. Very well done.

There are too many Fairy Tale creatures to mention individually but all of them did an excellent job introducing their characters in ‘Story of my Life’. There were some lovely solos delivered with clarity and great energy which swept the audience along with the story.  Likewise, the ensemble worked well to provide some real highlights in the show. The Dulac performers, tapping rats (my particular favourite!), villagers and guards all moved and sang well and showed what a real team effort this production was.

There were also some wonderful solos and acting from the younger cast members, with the young Fionas all really holding their own in ‘I know it’s today’ and Little Shrek, together with his Papa and Mama Ogre, providing a splendid opening to the show.

This was a production with skilful direction, accomplished choreography and a fantastic band. It may have been a few years since the Frome Musical Theatre Company put on a musical but it was well worth the wait.  This was an excellent production full of character and joy which the family audience loved and the cast very obviously enjoyed being part of.  

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