Shrek the Musical

I was delighted to be invited to review Shrek the Musical performed by HAODS. This show has been over a year in the making following its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic, but how good that they were able to return to the Kenton stage and perform with the same cast members. It was good to see so many people on stage, clearly having a great time performing together.

The principals in the main were well cast with good characterisation and strong singing. They interacted well with each other and definitely engaged the audience. The large ensemble of fairy-tale characters supported the principals well and came into their own when plotting their rebellion against Lord Farquaard. A special mention for the actor playing Lord Faquaard who had excellent characterisation and movement whilst performing the whole show on his knees.

The Director and MD had worked hard with the cast who gelled well together as a team. The 12-piece band complemented the singing well, and having a live band really lifted the performance. The set was well designed with clever use of mobile set pieces painted with the different locations. The costumes and wigs which had been hired in were authentic to the Shrek story. They were very colourful and really enhanced the production.

I enjoyed my first outing to a HAODS show and look forward to the next production.

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