Shrek

This was my first experience seeing Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society (QBMTS) in action and Shrek being their first show of 2022 was a wonderful choice.

This is not my first experience of the character Shrek by any means. I am positive that members of the audience would agree that he is well known by the original series of films which remain extremely popular since the first arrival on the big screen in 2001.

The musical brings a natural smidge of subtle expectation or comparison to the films and QBMTS achieved a tough challenge in driving a familiar story through an adventure that is well known, but there were some unique, fun, and lively touches by experienced Director and Choreographer Zoe Russell.

For anybody who has been living in a swamp for the past 20 years, Shrek is an Ogre who is suddenly thrown into an adventure after his home is invaded by several homeless but recognisable fairy tale characters. Shrek goes on the search for Lord Farquaad who is the person responsible for this eviction; all Shrek wants is peace and quiet and certainly not an invasion of his precious home. On his way he bumps into a talking Donkey who latches onto him much to his annoyance and joins him on his quest. When Shrek meets Lord Farquaad, he is sent on a mission to rescue Princess Fiona from a high tower guarded by a dragon. Lord Farquaad intends to marry Princess Fiona; however, it is Shrek and Fiona who fall in love and true love conquers all. Warts, farts, and all!

Carl Cook took the stage as the title character of Shrek and worked extremely well with holding presence and ownership of the main character. His entry onto the stage set the tone marvellously with a confident stance (to an excited cheer from the audience) and he continued to shine throughout with his skilful characterisation and incredible performance. He also had a great on-stage relationship with the very talented Luey Pearce who played Donkey. Luey played Donkey with the right amount of instinct and playfulness and a couple of personal highlights for me was Luey’s performances in the songs “Don’t Let Me Go” and “Make A Move”.

Princess Fiona was brilliantly portrayed by Sarah Coussens who had very clear diction and a strong singing voice, it was so nice seeing both Sarah and Carl have fun with their roles and building the quirky relationship on stage which came across warm and believable in parts.Tom Robinson who played Lord Farquaad delivered a spectacular performance with a very funny portrayal. He made it clear that even a massive plastic horse did not outshine him. 
The Dragon played by Natalie Baggott completely stole the show with such a stunning and confident voice. Her voice had so much energy and power and it took the show up a few levels.

Some stand-alone performances from Lord Farquaad’s guards reminded me of a scene in the film Monty Python and The Holy Grail and an excellently played Grumpy Dwarf (Lilybell Greaves) and Gingerbread Man (Gillian Homer).

The full cast of QBMTS members played over 100 characters between them with some doubling up and others complimenting a strong ensemble of voices and dance routines. I was also pleased to see Leanne Ditchfield performing with QBMTS after her performance in Anything Goes with Tab Operatic Society in March alongside Andy Poulton. Richard Chamberlain and Ian Davies (Light and Sound) also lending their skills and talent. Tish Davies and Daniel Woodhall also credited with Sound. Another name I was pleased to see was Stewart Homer who showed his skills as an experienced and talented stage manager. The backstage crew must have had some seriously interesting challenges and logistics to work out with little wing space. Well done to all backstage. Truly excellent work. This production also had a lot of value and design which contributed to the whole experience with the colourful characters, costumes, props and set design.

Musical Director Chris Handley, also a name that is well known throughout the Black Country, showed his versatility and talent in comfortably leading an orchestra who were superb. 

I wish to thank the amazing hospitality I received from Front of House and throughout the evening. I naturally observed a wonderfully supportive network within QBMTS, and everyone should be very proud of this production. 

I am very intrigued how Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Youth Society (QBMTYS) will produce The Little Mermaid which is on at Stourbridge Town Hall 21st-24th Sept 2022.

Thank you again for a wonderful evening.

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