Shrek

It is well known that The Portsmouth Players put on high quality, high calibre shows and Shrek The Musical was no exception. Audiences are now expecting nothing but great things from this company due to their consistently outstanding performances in any genre of theatre they choose to produce and were not let down on this occasion.

Director, Lee Thompson, expertly put together his vision for this busy and challenging show.  I can only imagine that his style of directing was inspirational to the cast as their performance was tight, well interpreted, collaborative and everyone looked like they were having fun, which the audience reciprocated.

With elaborate scenery and well made and varied costumes the show began with an energy that did not falter throughout the entire production. The music, directed by John Pearson, beautifully accompanied the singing which told parts of the story of how Shrek reluctantly becomes a hero and just as reluctantly falls in love… and everything in between! The ‘freaks’, characters from Fairy Tale Land were very familiar and wonderfully interpreted by very competent and skilled acting, singing and dancing and excited children and grown ups around me smiled and laughed to see their frollicks and comedy. It felt like they could do anything, such was their professionalism and their timing was impeccable.  The ‘normal’ human characters were delightfully ridiculous and stuffy.

Shrek, played by Jack Edwards, carried the entire show with ease. A seasoned actor and singer he is no stranger to Portsmouth audiences and wonderfully interpreted the journey of Shrek’s transition from angry, bitter, scary ogre to a happy, loveable and kind member of the community. It was sublime to watch.

Donkey, played by Tom Wood, made a fabulous foil to Shrek’s grumpy personality. His comedic timing was excellent, his relentless positivity and hopeful view of life gradually wore Shrek down until he finally admitted their friendship. Everyone needs a Donkey in their life!

Megalomaniac Lord Farquaad, played by the unlikely Nick Williams, was hilarious. I laughed till I cried! His larger than life character interpretation was genius and his performance in no way as diminutive as his stature. Again, his timing and performance as a baddie were consistently excellent and he had us all enthralled.

Princess Fiona, played expertly by Lauren Kempton, a sweet and kind Princess but with a feisty undercurrent, won the heart of Shrek…eventually.  The audience were captivated by her beautiful singing and her performance, and it seemed everyone was rooting for her.

The entire cast gave a very slick and professional performance and we, the audience, were highly entertained throughout. All credit goes to those who are rarely seen but who work hard behind the scenes to make and build a show. It was difficult to remember that it was an amateur production, such was the high quality of the performances. 

Nadine Darnley De Salis
District 10 Assistant Representative

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