Shrek
Information
- Date
- 3rd June 2022
- Society
- Margate Operatic Society
- Venue
- Winter Gardens, Margate
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Steve Porter
- Musical Director
- William Parker Gorman
- Choreographer
- Amy Simpson
- Assistant Choreographer
- Brya Porter
Based on the well-loved film, lightly adapted for the stage, the story of Shrek has become familiar to children and parents alike. As many will know, the story revolves around our hero Shrek, who finds himself on a life-changing journey, in the company of a wisecracking Donkey and a (very) feisty princess!
Directed by Steve Porter, this production was a visual delight! The superb set and spectacular costumes were exceptional. Every scene was layered with colour and texture throughout. A special mention has to go to all involved with costume and properties for your obvious hard work! The pace was generally very good and scene changes were short and succinct. I appreciated the time spent on characterisation, humour and storytelling from the whole of the cast especially the ensemble who took great pride in creating their individual characters.
Musical Director William Parker Gorman and Choreographer Amy Simpson (along with her assistant Brya Porter) certainly hit the spot with the song and dance aspects of the production. They had obviously worked the cast incredibly hard in rehearsal and without exception; everyone gave one hundred per cent. It was a good showcase for the obvious talent in this society.
In the title role of Shrek Drayson Goldfinch was a tour de force. His was an outstanding performance, which he maintained throughout the whole show. A secure Scottish accent came through a performance full of light and shade. His vocals were amazing and ‘When Words Fail’ was incredibly touching. Molly Knight reigned supreme as Princess Fiona. She managed to play every nuance necessary to maximise the most out of this wonderful role. I would happily listen to her sing the phone book and it was delightful to watch her sing and dance in a more comedic role. The chemistry between her and Drayson was convincing which made the story more believable.
Calvin Mitchell gave a good performance as the loveable Donkey. His characterisation was great though I sometimes found his diction was unclear. Young Fiona (Amelia Martin) and Teen Fiona (Sienna Sproates) were both brilliant! ‘I Know it’s Today’ was breathtakingly good! I adored the commitment both gave, particularly the energy that Amelia Martin gave to this role! Sienna Sproates’ vocals were stunning, and I look forward to seeing her in future roles, as she is defiantly one to watch for the future.
Guy Underwood’s Lord Farquaad was suitably camp and suitably bad and entertaining throughout. He was hilarious and loved by children and adults equally. His costume was ‘brilliant’ and the audience eagerly anticipated his every entrance. There were just a few occasions where the illusion of being “small” was spoilt for me. The Dragon played by Jodie Gower was, I am sure, equally eagerly anticipated by the young members of the audience and was well managed by her puppeteers.
There were too many other characters to mention them all by name but this clever script allows each person their own chance to shine. They all worked well together with each performer characterising their fairy tale role perfectly. However, I would like to mention Alfie Murray as Pinocchio, Julia Sanders as the Wicked Witch and Karen Wilshaw, Jacqui Simpson and Coralie Hughes as the Three Little Pigs. Other honourable mentions go to Mary Peskett for her performance as Gingy – a great vocal performance with great comic timing and storytelling as well as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Genevieve Sanders was also a standout as Peter Pan/Ensemble. Her energy on stage was infectious!
Every member of the company played their part and positively contributed to the overall production. ‘Duloc’, ‘Who I’d Be’, ‘Morning Person’ and ‘Freak Flag’, were standout ensemble numbers. Congratulations to all involved in this “Big Bright Beautiful World” of a production.
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