Shrek

This was a massive and impressive production involving 71 in the acting cast and 20 in the stage crew, so an opportunity for so many of all ages to participate from the school. Always a very high standard from Ormiston Victory in every production (just heard one of 11 schools in UK to be awarded rights for full version Frozen in 2025 (for East)). This was full Shrek, not the junior version for schools.

Sets, props, and excellent movement and management plus lighting and sound (heard every word) all to the expected Ormiston standard. The singing from all of all ages and size of role a credit to the team. The costume plot was quite amazing with numbers and colours and styles all a feast for the eyes, the many scenes so well realized especially with the precision choreography of every mood and style. Music good in accompaniment from the band.

The characters divided into the age ranges which gave excellent opportunity for some upcoming new talent in younger element as many nursery rhyme characters and we heard every word and enjoyed their interpretations of their persona, something to look to the future. The slightly older youngsters showed the training and dedication to the performing arts, such a strength in the academy. And this team of support artists offered a huge background of singing and movement to the named principals.

In the title role, Harry Brookes (year 11) justified the choice with his attack to the role, his style and singing and his interaction to the story and other actors (a very big part). Cali Chamberlain (in addition to choreography role) took on the part of the Donkey with humour and timing and movement plus singing, an interactive interpretation much enjoyed by all. Fiona (the oldest but the youngers all clear voices) Emma Howard had style and presence and good vocals and worked well with Shrek and Donkey. And Lord Farquaard, Patrick Kemp kept that crippling stance throughout and produced the deadpan humour required in the pompous and superior role, some very good sequences in his court and from those well drilled guards. An amazing Dragon appearance from Jennifer Lopes. Fun performances from Pinnochio  (Ella Hurren) and Gingy (Ellie Howes).

But above all the overall vivacity and dedication to the production with those big set pieces of style and movement and general fun for all that impressed and left a lasting memory to the evening, congratulations to all involved.

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