Shrek The Musical

I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to cover for another representative and attend Teesside Musical Theatre Company’s production of Shrek.  It’s a show I’m aware of and have seen professionally but never by an amateur group.  I’ve always heard very positive things about Teesside MTC and their members so it was my absolute pleasure to attend.

The welcome at the venue was warm and sincere from the group’s president Jonathan Winterschladen running a very busy front of house and it was their first one back following the pandemic so a very warm welcome back to you! 

It was apparent very quickly from the production that it’s no mean feat producing Shrek.  A huge varied cast of vastly varied ages – the fairy tale creatures were instantly recognisable seemed to just keep coming!  “Story of My Life” as such was a wonderfully varied number with slick choreography.  A fabulous set, colourful lighting and projections really made it – well done to the technical behind stage teams who clearly have all worked very hard to create Shrek’s world for all of the audience to enjoy.  We loved it!   Scene changes were slick and clever bearing in mind some really large pieces were being moved, you did a fantastic job all stage crew well done!

The work of the production team was clearly there for us all to see.  Director Alison Dale had her work cut out for her with such a huge show and cast and she clearly has relished in bringing such a spectacular show to grateful audiences.  Musical Director Stephen Sild brought out the best in his cast whose voices were strong and well supported by Chorus master Debbie Nicholson.  The Three Blind Mice especially, their harmonies shone through beautifully.  Orchestra levels were perfect throughout also.   Nic Jenkins brought us some clever and bright choreography which I did really enjoy, especially the numbers with the Knights who were perfectly timed and so funny, Duloc which was very cleverly put together and the tapping rats!

The makeup and costumes were excellent, supplied by Molly Limpets and Alison Dale and meant each fairy tale character could be recognised as they were.

The opening of the show was vocally very strong, a colourful sight and I really enjoyed the rotating storybook which Shrek and Princess Fiona used.  The characters were consistently bright and colourful and really were enjoyed by all the audience.

Now to some of the characters themselves.  Now like any other, it’s impossible to physically mention each person on stage other than to say there really was not a weak link to be seen here.  Lovely strong cast clearly having a lot of fun!  However I do feel I need to mention some exceptional performances which stood out to me. Dan Matuszak as the titular role Shrek was strong, consistent and had a fabulous voice which I really enjoyed.  His comedy timing was extremely good but yet even as an ogre was able to portray Shrek’s vulnerability for the audience.  “Who I’d be” was incredible with Donkey and Princess Fiona as was “Build a Wall” which gave credence to the sincere emotion of Shrek.  He was lively throughout and we loved his energy.  I loved Jake Mason as Donkey who had great expression and portrayed Donkey’s innocence brilliantly with the unlikely friendship between Donkey and Shrek.

Scott Ayling as Lord Farquaad had everyone in stitches – I hope your poor knees have recovered Scott.  His entrance was incredible and the comedy brought to a hysterically laughing audience with a straight face was a task I’m not sure many could have managed.  I especially enjoyed the muffin man section and the Ballard of Farquaad which was fabulously camp and certainly had everyone smiling.

The three Princess Fiona’s;  Hannah Smith, Lauren Wilson and Poppy Short/Isla Aitman and their number “I Know it’s Today” was really lovely, well done ladies. Hannah Smith took the role of Princess Fiona forward and what a power house she is.  Her expressions brought Fiona to life and her vocals were incredible.  She and Shrek really gave life and credibility to the blossoming relationship between Shrek and Princess Fiona.

THE DRAGON! Wow – Teesside had a full 9 foot (I believe) breathing puppet dragon and as an audience member that just blew us away.  The number which took place in the dragons den was absolutely fabulous and the sound effects used (did I pick up the use of surround sound?) was unbelievable.  The puppetry used for the Gingerbread man also was so clever and we loved it.

I especially also loved “Freak Flag” by the ensemble celebrating acceptance for all led by Pinocchio and emphasising on us all recognising inner beauty and that love can be blind.  A standout performer who caught my eye in the ensemble consistently was the White Rabbit played by Emily Bashford – well done Emily you didn’t break character once standing out from a fantastic large cast and not just with the continual hopping!

We ended with a mass party with the audience welcomed by the cast and “I’m a Believer”.  We were on a high and certainly despite attending after a very long week I smiled all the way back up the A19.  Well done Teesside!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.