Shrek

Has it really been twenty or so years since Shrek the movie hit the screens, then adapted for the stage in 2008. I’m sure everybody is familiar with the story of Shrek but suffice to say that an ogre begins  a life-changing journey alongside a wise-cracking donkey, a feisty princess, a short bad guy and other fairy tale misfits, there is only one hero though  - Shrek.  TWODS have done a fantastic job of bringing the story to life with clever staging and fantastic sets and costumes, with tap dancing rats and a whole host of fairy tale characters. There is even a huge puppet dragon voiced by Lauren Hynes.

The orchestra, under the leadership of Daniel Moulton played at just the right level so as not to overpower the singers and what talented singers throughout the whole company. The imaginative choreography for this large company, devised by Elizabeth Witt and Jessica Punch is to be commended, as I mentioned earlier, I particularly liked the Rat Tappers. Scenery changes and lighting were slick and accomplished seamlessly.

Throughout the company there are numerous memorable performances and everyone appeared confident, but Michael Jamieson-Smith seemed to enjoy every moment as Lord Farquaad spending most of the show on his knees behind prop legs in yellow tights. Lee Beaney was a superb Donkey with good comedic timing. Emily Price was a likeable Fiona and had a lovely singing voice. Matched superbly by Jessica Bowerman and Isabella Aleppo as young and teen Fiona (the Far Far Away team). The night though, belongs to Samuel Smith in the title role of Shrek. He was outstanding, commanding the stage and a superb voice. 

Director Lucy Moignard can be justly proud of each and every one of this cast, who, when they look like they are having fun, instantly affects the overall enjoyment of us as an audience.

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