Shrek JR

Based on the well-loved film, lightly adapted for the stage, the story of Shrek has become familiar to children and parents alike.  Shrek JR is a shortened version of the full show and is tailored to suit the abilities of young actors. As many will know, the story revolves around our hero Shrek, who finds himself on a life-changing journey, in the company of a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess!

The excellent costuming, wigs and make-up of this show was exceptional.  Stage design was good as was lighting in the main. Sound levels could have been taken down a few notches as it did overpower the young voices at times.  Body mics were managed reasonably well except for a few blips here and there.

Those responsible for the singing and dancing had obviously worked the cast incredibly hard in rehearsal and they must have been well pleased with the end product.  Without exception everyone gave one hundred per cent of what was expected of them.

In the title role of Shrek Rebekah Farnsworth did a splendid job.  A great  performance which was maintained throughout the whole show. 

Henry Webster gave a wonderful performance as the loveable but annoying Donkey. His characterisation was spot on.  Great movement and delivery of lines and he worked well with “Shrek”.

Another excellent performance came from Jess Gipson as Princess Fiona great to watch and a joy to listen to.  “I Know It’s Today” with Teen and Young Fiona (Mabel Hardy and Jess Houldsworth) was one of my favourite points in the show.

I loved Lord Farquaad exceedingly well played by Dexter Thomas. He had splendid delivery with a nice sense of comic timing and was very funny.  His costume too was super.

The Dragon was played by Hannah Blake. She had a wonderful costume which she used to great effect and delivered a powerful vocal performance.

Emily Dodd as Pinocchio lead the huge number of fairy tale characters well, and the three Story Tellers (Florence Atkinson, Noah Long and Anya Peploe) not only kept the story flowing but also added their voices to many of the musical numbers.

In addition to those referred to above there were fifty-nine other members of the cast so I obviously cannot mention all the characters by name but the script gave a number of them  their own chance to shine.  They all worked well together with each performer characterising their fairy tale role well.

This challenging show with its huge cast was well directed by Principal Caroline Ranson and her team of Teachers and Assistants who certainly know how to get the best from every single member of the cast. Congratulations to all involved in this fun production. 

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