Shrek

WOW! What a stunning production of this iconic latter day fairytale, given every ounce of pizzazz, energy, colour and technical excellence that could be showered on the ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ of this week’s GAOS stage.

An outstanding 15-piece orchestra were note perfect and brilliantly balanced to support the company throughout. They were nestled within a built promenade stage setting with the direction and choreography utilising this asset to engage more closely with the audience and for characters to move seamlessly between scenes.

The title character of Shrek was embodied by a highly talented young man, Lewis Wilde. With his Scottish accent, adequate padding, swamp ogre green makeup, and burly stature, he was the prefect person for the role. His portrayal was heartwarming and vocal prowess every bit as impressive. His engagement with other characters embraced the comical, emotional and powerful aspects of the role, which I’m certain was seen by all as an outright triumph.

It is difficult to choose one solo highlight as the emotion evoked in ‘When Words Fail’ and ‘Build a Wall’ is quite different, but excellently sung in both. 

Becky Frankland was the epitome of a ‘Disney type’ Princess. Superbly cast in the role of Fiona, she absolutely harnessed every aspect of the complex character through her fabulous singing, acting and experienced dancing. The support by young Fiona, Esme Borthwick and Teen Fiona, Ellie Bryson-Welsh was excellent as they all performed the transitional harmonic trio, ‘I Know It’s Today’, which was very cleverly staged by moving clouds. Her solo ‘This is how Dreams Come True’ was outstanding. In the Act 2 opening Fiona, comically engaging with singing bird and fabulous dancing rats and Pied Piper in a toe-tapping ‘Morning Person’. Needless to say she and Shrek had the audience in stitches in the misery spat ‘I Think I Got You Beat’, not holding back on the burps and farts, synonymous with ogres of course. 

The effervescent, sometimes bordering on manic Donkey was superbly portrayed by Simon Thomson. With comic timing and energetic and ardent attachment to Shrek he rightfully won the audience applause for ‘Don’t let me Go’, also dueting harmonically in the ‘Travel Song’ as well as in the ‘Who I’d Be’ trio, with Shrek and Fiona. 

A superb performance was given by Laurie Coburn as The Dragon, beautifully dressed in red, she brilliantly sung ‘Dragons Keep Forever’ with superb harmonic backing singers while the puppeteers deftly moved the gigantic dragon centre stage.

Lord Farquaad was most certainly in the competent hands of Grant Allison, hilariously dressed to impress on bended knees to complete the ridiculous and hilarious character. Colourfully supported by the Duloc dancers in ‘What’s Up Duloc’, as well as in his enlightening, embittered ‘Ballad of Farquaad’, with characterisation perfectly on point. His facial expressions were an absolute hoot, even down to the outrageously funny dismount from his massive white steed.

The superbly animated fairytale creatures filled the stage with colour and hopeful dynamism as they fought for the right for a forever home. Collectively their choral numbers were fantastic from ‘Goodbye Song’ through to the powerful ‘Freak Flag’. Strength was also evident in the creature leaders Pinocchio, Lewis Jeffs and duel role, Sugar Plum Fairy & Gingy, proficiently played to perfection by Grace Gilbert. 

The company rightfully gave many youngsters an opportunity to shine as villagers, rats, dwarfs and skeletons. Monday, Wednesday and Friday kids were Eilidh McNeil, Lottie White, Lucy Brown, Mairi Suzanne Campbell and Ailsa Williams. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday kids were Freya Chamberlin, Isla Black, Emily Garrioch, Ruby Jackson, Libby Ketteridge and Lily Munro. 

Well Done girls! GAOS stars of the future.

In the ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ of Shrek the sell-out audiences this week were taken to dazzling heights with this production. ‘This Is Our Story’ finale was mesmerising and the whole audience were on their feet singing to the energetic ‘I’m A Believer’ to conclude an amazing night’s entertainment. Massive Congratulations to all involved. 

 

 

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