Shrek

It was a pleasure to be invited to review Shrek The Musical, the latest production by Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society. Based on the animated film ‘Shrek,’ this musical was fun, colourful, and lively. Shrek and Donkey are sent on a quest, by Lord Farquaard, to rescue his bride to be, Princess Fiona, who is trapped in a tower guarded by a fearsome dragon. Along the way, they have many adventures, discover friendship, fall in love, and meet a whole host of fairytale characters.

Director Rachel Rogers created a fabulous show, it was fast paced, had well timed humour and looked visually striking. The cast and crew worked tirelessly, obviously well-rehearsed, and the result was terrific. Sets were designed and built in house by Stage Manager, Steve Clarkson and his team, with cloths brought in for forest scenes. The dragon’s lair looked great, I particularly liked the moving pillars and their use to trap the dragon. I also thought the wedding scene, where Fiona appeared to rise above the alter in the church was impressive, the cast hid the stairs used very effectively, I only caught a brief glance, and I was deliberately looking. The tower used by Lord Farquaard, added an extra element of fun as he struggled to get up and down due to his diminutive stature. For me, the 3D printed life size horse was outstanding, I liked the way it looked so easy to use (although I am sure it wasn’t) and accommodated two actors. The addition of the reversing sounds as it was moved off stage had the audience laughing aloud. The collaboration between direction and staging was excellent and resulted in a slick, fast paced show.

Musical Director, Helen Clarkson and her orchestra accompanied the show. The music hit all the right spots, it did not overpower the vocals or dialogue, yet was a constant throughout the show. Vocals were strong and harmonies were beautiful.

Emma Cook Choreographed the show. Chorus numbers were slick and energetic. The rat’s tapdancing scene was great, full of energy. The Fairytale creatures, all moving in unison whenever they were on, looked smooth. The dance with Lord Farquaard was hilarious and very well performed. Emma had worked hard with the cast, and it showed.

Both sound and lighting design were by Sound and Light UK. Microphones were clear with no noticeable feedback or dropouts. The use of green lights to aid Fiona’s initial ogre scenes worked well. There were many nuanced lighting effects used throughout the show, the whole production looked great.

The costumes were superb. Supplied by Charades Theatrical Costume Hire. The wardrobe team, Vivien Taylor, Madeleine Cullinane and Jo Howard made sure every single character looked amazing. I particularly enjoyed the Duloc characters and the fairytale creatures. I also found the Hangman costume very funny indeed. RC Prosthetics provided the specialist Make-up and prosthetics, assisted by Sarah Brierley, Abby Lally and Lou Whyte. The make-up looked great; each character clearly defined. There were some very quick make-up changes expertly managed.

With puppets designed and created by Stuart and Elizabeth Holland and props by Nina Hatfield and Vanessa Mortimer this show had a polished feel to it, nothing was missed, it looked amazing.

Playing the titular role of Shrek was Martin Cook. Martin gave a powerful performance. His accent was perfect, his stage presence abundant. He made a very convincing Shrek, looking the part in his costume and prosthetics. Martin was very funny in this role, the duet with Fiona ‘I Think I Got You Beat’ had the audience laughing aloud. A well-rounded performance from Martin.

Laura Wilkinson played Princess Fiona. Laura was excellent in this role. Her mannerisms and accent very convincing. She had a strong singing voice with an excellent vocal range. Her comedy timing was wonderful. Laura’s tap dance scene was energetic and vibrant, she gave an exceptional performance.

Donkey was played by Alexandra Townend. Full of fun and energy, Alexandra played Donkey, to the fullest. To say Alexandra was effervescent would be an understatement. She was energy abundant, tirelessly bounding across the stage. She had a wonderful accent and was very witty, her timing perfect.

Playing Lord Farquaard was Joe Marsden. Jo was hilarious in this role. His dance routine was just sublime. His accent was clear and spot on, his costumes perfect. This was a physical role, requiring Joe to walk on his knees, which he did to perfection. Joe gave a polished, funny, memorable performance.

Kate Foster gave a fabulous portrayal as Dragon. The costume, a large dragon head atop of her own head, looked dramatic, and she oversaw it with ease. Her song was strong and enthusiastic, her performance solid.

I honestly did not recognise Jade Schofield as Pinocchio. Her costume and make-up looked amazing, and her accent was perfect. Jade gave a terrific performance and was jolly funny in this role.

Abigayle Rogers played Gingy. She also played Teen Fiona and the Sugar Plum Fairy. She was strong in each of these roles, confident, with good comic timing. Gingy’s accent was perfect.

Erin Kennedy gave a notable performance as Young Fiona. Her singing was clear and assured, her performance impressive.

It is hard when a show has such a large ensemble, each member with their own specific character, and as much as I would love to mention everybody, it is just not possible. Every single performance is noted and appreciated. The whole cast looked and sounded fabulous. That said, I would like to mention Charlie Miller, who played Young Shrek at the beginning of the show. Her performance was comical and her vocals strong. Another person who caught my eye was Dawn Marie Nicholls, firstly playing Shrek’s mum, but more so as a palace guard. She was very funny to watch, and I enjoyed her performance very much.

I would like to thank TAODS for inviting me to review their show. I had a lovely time talking to David Winslow about the society and the Hippodrome. I look forward to their next production.

With puppets designed and created by Stuart and Elizabeth Holland and props by Nina Hatfield and Vanessa Mortimer this show had a polished feel to it, nothing was missed, it looked great.

Playing the titular role of Shrek was Martin Cook. Martin gave a powerful performance. His accent was perfect, his stage presence abundant. He made a very convincing Shrek, looking the part in his costume and prosthetics. Martin was very funny in this role, the duet with Fiona ‘I Think I Got You Beat’ had the audience laughing aloud. A well-rounded performance from Martin.

Laura Wilkinson played Princess Fiona. Laura was excellent in this role. Her mannerisms and accent very convincing. She had a strong singing voice with an excellent vocal range. Her comedy timing was wonderful. Laura’s tap dance scene was energetic and vibrant, she gave an exceptional performance.

Donkey was played by Alexandra Townend. Full of fun and energy, Alexandra played Donkey, to the fullest. To say Alexandra was effervescent would be an understatement. She was energy abundant, tirelessly bounding across the stage. She had a wonderful accent and was very witty, her timing perfect.

Playing Lord Farquaard was Joe Marsden. Jo was hilarious in this role. His dance routine was just sublime. His accent was clear and spot on, his costumes perfect. This was a physical role, requiring Jo to walk on his knees, which he did to perfection. Jo gave a polished, funny, memorable performance.

Kate Foster gave a fabulous portrayal as Dragon. The costume, a large dragon head atop of her own head, looked dramatic, and she oversaw it with ease. Her song was strong and enthusiastic, her performance solid.

I honestly did not recognise Jade Schofield as Pinocchio. Her costume and makeup looked amazing, and her accent was perfect. Jade gave a terrific performance and was jolly funny in this role.

Abigayle Rogers played Gingy. She also played Teen Fiona and the Sugar Plum Fairy. She was strong in each of these roles, confident, with good comic timing. Gingy’s accent was perfect.

Erin Kennedy gave a notable performance as Young Fiona. Her singing was clear and assured, her performance impressive.

It is hard when a show has such a large ensemble, each member with their own specific character, and as much as I would love to mention everybody, it is just not possible. Every single performance is noted and appreciated. The whole cast looked and sounded fabulous. That said, I would like to mention Charlie Miller, who played Young Shrek at the beginning of the show. Her performance was comical and her vocals strong. Another person who caught my eye was Dawn Marie Nicholls, firstly playing Shrek’s mum, but more so as a palace guard. She was very funny to watch, and I enjoyed her performance very much.

I would like to thank TAODS for inviting me to review their show. I had a lovely time talking to David Winslow about the society and the Hippodrome. I look forward to their next production.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.