Shrek The Musical

This was another of those productions originally planned for 2020 but owing to the pandemic had to be postponed. It was well worth the wait. This was a spectacular production directed by Ian Coley with lavish sets and superb costumes. This was complemented with a great sound of the orchestra under the leadership of the experienced Damian Bell.

Brendan Pell-Culshaw was a very likeable Shrek with a convincing Scottish accent and you were immediately drawn to him. He had a very strong vocal and his characterisation was endearing throughout. Donkey played by Jack Hodgson was wonderfully annoying and over the top. He had great energy and movement and played the comedy well. Harriet Thompson as Princess Fiona, well what can I say ? Her characterisation was perfect with all the right qualities of a leading lady. She had a wonderful singing voice as did her younger self played by Mollie McCartan as Teen Fiona and Laren Mandy as Young Fiona. The villain of the piece would be Phil Green playing Lord Farquaad. His characterisation was excellent with great comedic timing and he sang very well. Although cunning and evil to the end you couldn’t help but like him just a little.

With such a large cast it is very difficult to mention everyone. Lawrence Arnold as Pinocchio gave a lovely characterisation and there were strong vocal performances from Ria Westhead as Gingy and Elle Kay as the  Dragon. The costumes and make -up brought to life many of the characters of Young Shrek, Mama and Papa Ogre,  The Three Little Pigs, The Three Blind Mice, Little Red Riding Hood, The Big Bad Wolf, The Mad Hatter, Alice In Wonderland, The White Rabbit, The Wicked Witch Of The West, Tinkerbell, Snow Whiteand The Pied Piper. Everyone in Duloc wether characters, guards or villagers played their parts well. Jessica Mellows did a great job with the choreography and I particularly liked the tap dancing rats.

Well done Phoenix on another wonderful show. The audience loved it. Thanks again for a great evening of family entertainment.

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