Shrek Junior

Ruby Slippers presents Shrek Jr. The Musical
Director – Jo Bell Musical Director – Sunshine Hurrell and Jo Bell
Thank you for inviting me to visit your production of Shrek Jr. There is clearly
passionate leadership at the heart of Ruby Slippers, and that same enthusiasm
filtered directly onto the stage. With such a large cast — and several performers
doubling roles — this was an ambitious undertaking, and the sense of teamwork
throughout was evident.
The costuming for this production was handled well, particularly considering the
number of performers involved. There was an impressive range — from minimal
pieces to more spectacular creations. The Dragon costume in particular stood out
and was a real visual highlight. It was clear that a lot of time and effort had gone into
ensuring each character had a defined look.
The set consisted of a variety of hand-painted movable flats and blocks, helping to
create the world of Duloc and beyond. The colourful design supported the storytelling
nicely and allowed for smooth transitions between scenes. There were some sound
balance issues with microphones during the performance; however, the energy and
excitement of the cast shone through. In some moments, performers were so eager
to share their lines that projection turned into enthusiasm-fuelled shouting — which,
in many ways, simply showed how much they loved being on stage.
With such a wide range of ages within the cast, this production truly reflected
community theatre at its heart. Every performer should feel proud of the work they
put into this show.
There were several standout performances on the evening.
George Evans as Shrek demonstrated solid characterisation and a good
understanding of the role. George handled the physicality well and maintained
presence throughout. If I could offer one piece of encouragement, it would simply be
to “go big” — there were moments where an even larger performance could have
elevated scenes further. That confidence will undoubtedly continue to grow.
Bethany Eaton as Fiona delivered some beautiful vocals, particularly in her solo
numbers. Her headstrong and sassy characterisation suited the role well, and she
carried herself confidently on stage. Overall, a well-rounded performance with strong
musical moments.
In smaller roles that made a big impression were Skyla Chambers as Gingy, Millie
Ingle as Pinocchio, and Luke Sumner as the Big Bad Wolf. Each of these
performers demonstrated strong stage presence and eagerness. Their commitment
to character was clear, and they are certainly ones to watch in future productions.
A special spotlight must go to Harry Hoy as Lord Farquaad. Costuming aside, Harry
embraced the physical limitations of the role fully — even handling a literal “lost foot”
moment with professionalism and composure. His added sass and confident stage
command brought energy to each of his scenes. A very enjoyable performance.

Finally, a small note for future performances: a reminder at the start of the show
regarding phones and recording devices may help minimise distractions, particularly
for younger performers who can easily be thrown by unexpected flashes or screens
in the audience.
Overall, this was a good community production filled with enthusiasm, colour and
clear dedication from both cast and crew. The passion behind Ruby Slippers is
evident, and that is something worth celebrating.
Thank you again for welcoming me to your performance — I look forward to seeing
what you bring to the stage next.

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