Shrek

Newry Town Hall was transformed into the magical land of Far Far Away, as a very talented and enthusiastic cast of Newry Musical Society brought “Shrek the Musical” to life. Adapted from the beloved DreamWorks film, the stage show is known for its quirky characters, catchy tunes, and a message of self-acceptance. This was an Amateur Production Full of Heart and Humour

Paul McParland’s direction brought a clear vision and confident hand to the production. With such a large cast to manage, each scene was carefully and thoughtfully blocked, the pacing kept the story moving at just the right tempo, and his attention to detail with both the script and the comedy ensured that every moment landed as it should. Balancing humour, heart and spectacle is no easy task, but under Paul’s direction the show flowed seamlessly, allowing both the cast and the story to shine. It was clear throughout that this production was guided by a director who understands not only the mechanics of staging, but also how to bring out the very best in his performers.

Under the baton of Fiona Flynn, the impressive live 17-piece orchestra provided a rich and vibrant musical backdrop that elevated the entire production. Their full, polished sound brought real depth and energy to the score, giving the show a truly professional feel and perfectly supporting the performers on stage. The musical numbers were delivered with enthusiasm and confidence, clearly reflecting the hard work that had gone into teaching and rehearsing the cast, with strong harmonies ringing out throughout the performance.

Standout numbers such as I’m a Believer and Freak Flag delighted the audience who were fully immersed in all the fun of the show. 

Ann Marie Morgan’s creative choreography was cleverly designed to suit performers of all abilities while making excellent use of the Town Hall stage. Her lively staging ensured the whole cast was fully involved in energetic ensemble numbers that filled the stage with colour, movement and joy. A particular highlight came at the start of Act Two with the tap-dancing rats in Morning Person, a brilliantly inventive and hugely entertaining moment that drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The heart of any amateur production lies in its cast, and this group delivered with bells on. Samuel Moore, playing Shrek, captured both the ogre’s gruff exterior and his surprisingly soft heart, delighting the audience with a superb accent, powerful vocals and excellent comic timing. 

Princess Fiona, played by Anna-Maria Boyle, matched him every step of the way, with a fabulous voice and a flawless accent, gliding effortlessly between elegant princess and wonderfully wild ogre. The pair looked completely at ease in their roles, with not a hint of inhibition, and their chemistry made the love story feel wonderfully genuine as it unfolded before our eyes.

Meanwhile, John McCaffrey as Shrek’s “noble steed” Donkey, literally ran onto the stage with unstoppable energy, he chatted and bounced his way through the story with the confidence of someone who had absolutely no intention of being ignored, a very impressive performance from such a young performer.

Daryll Galloghly as Lord Farquaad made brilliant use of his clever costume, complete with an extra pair of yellow legs, he had the audience laughing from the moment he appeared. He was everything you could want from this gloriously horrible little lord, pompous, cruel, and ridiculously over-the-top  with great facial expressions, exaggerated gestures, and impeccable comic timing. Daryll clearly relished every moment of the role, milking the character’s ridiculousness for all it was worth. Welcome to Duloc was easily one of the standout moments of the show.

Molly O’Neill confidently took on the role of the sassy, demanding Dragon, delivering a truly powerhouse vocal performance. Special mention must go to the intricate, working puppetry of the large dragon, complete with moving wings, silk flames, and Molly’s incredible costume that brought the character vividly to life. A triumph of creativity and skill, and quite possibly the best I have ever seen this character brought to the stage.

Donna Kearney and Charlie Crawley, as teen and young Fiona, brought the princess to life with each note and gesture bursting with confidence and personality. Eoghan Drumm was a perfect fit as the mischievous rebel Pinocchio, delivering the right mix of cheek, energy, and comic timing. Tara Lundy’s Gingy was a treat to watch, full of sass, that had everyone rooting for the tiny cookie with the biggest attitude. Each of these performances added sparkle and joy to the show, proving that this well-rehearsed supporting cast shone just as brightly as the stars.

The set design and property design was truly imaginative, featuring a permanent swamp backdrop, tree wings, and cleverly designed trucks and set pieces that seamlessly transformed the stage into Duloc, Princess Fiona’s tower, and beyond. Every scene change felt effortless, helping to transport the audience into the world of this fairytale story. The lighting design was truly beautiful, with stunning use of jewel-toned colours and expertly handled follow spots that highlighted key moments. The sound on the evening was equally successful, with good balance, clear amplification and well-executed sound effects that enhanced the performance, particularly the Ogre roars and the playful effects during “I Think I’ve Got You Beat”. Together, the lighting and sound created a fully immersive experience that brought the magical world of Far Far Away to life.

A special mention must go to the costume team, Ciara Jennings and Kathleen McAteer who produced a fabulous range of in-house costumes that were simply outstanding. Each outfit perfectly captured the essence of the character wearing it, adding charm, humour, and vibrancy to the performance, a genuine triumph for this production.

It was clear that a huge amount of effort and financial investment had gone into the wigs, makeup, and prosthetics for this production. The range of techniques required—from intricate prosthetics to detailed stage makeup, is both challenging and costly, and their careful application takes considerable time and skill. While not every piece was a perfect fit, this in no way detracted from the overall effect. The results were impressive, bringing each character vividly to life, and it’s safe to say the makeup and prosthetics team did a very good job all round

Newry Musical Society “Shrek the Musical” was a triumphant testament to the magic of amateur theatre. Bursting with heart, creativity, and community spirit, it offered a thoroughly enjoyable evening filled with laughter, music, and sheer theatrical joy. This production was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the most memorable performances happen when ordinary people come together, uniting talent and enthusiasm to create something truly extraordinary.

Thank you to the Committee Cast and Crew of Newry Musical Society for such a lovely welcome, I can’t wait to visit you all again soon. 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

 

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