SHREK THE MUSICAL

In my humble opinion, producing a show as current, well-loved and iconic as Shrek presents a challenge to any group. To take a show which the audience know and love and make it your own while every bit as spellbinding as expected, represents pulling quite a large rabbit out of a hat. 

Well. 

BMCDS pulled an extended family of magic sparkling rabbits out of their particular hat and then some. They delighted the audience with an exuberant, glittering and joyful performance from beginning to end.  You can put a show on with meticulous dance routines and perfect adherence to the script (and, BMCDS did all of this) but what really launches a show into overdrive is passion, energy and enthusiasm and the company personified these things throughout. 

The show opens with an intro to young Shrek as Mama Ogre and Papa Ogre break the news to him on his 7th birthday that he is now on his own in a Big Bright Beautiful World from which he would be wise to cringe and crawl under a stone. Mama and Papa Ogre, were deliciously cruel, relish written all over their faces which added considerable humour to their very pretty vocals as the young Shrek looked suitably and empathically dejected. Their energy set the pace for the show. As Shrek heads out to face a life of solitude and persecution, we are briefly introduced to the story of the lonely princess and Queen Lillian and King Harold, (both of whom also had great vocals) but more of that later. 

We are then meet the Fairytale characters as they are booted out of their homes in Duloc. Pinocchio added all the charm of the film character to her own brand of humour and skill, the shrill speaking voice perfectly audible throughout – each fairytale character was absolutely on point, from the physical representation to the voice and as a group they lit up the stage on every appearance.  Story of My Life was a spectacular romp of colour and life, the ensemble absolutely tight with not a foot out of place. 

Duloc’s evil leader Lord Farquaad had brilliant comic timing and seemingly steel knees, the actor shimmying through beautifully choreographed dance numbers, even lifting members of the ensemble in what looked like pretty professional dance holds from his somewhat vertically challenged position without so much as a wince! (If I was anything to go by, the audience were definitely wincing on his behalf!) A truly brilliant and hugely entertaining performance. 

As we get to know the witty, down to earth Shrek himself, it’s impossible not to be swept along with his charisma and energy – he was funny and highly relatable – he is beautifully complemented by the arrival of Donkey – what a performance this was, again, not a carbon copy of the film but a very physical performance with an original and very funny take on the character that was utterly compelling. The two of them were a joy to watch. 

As Fiona is freed and comes to realise her liberator is definitely not what she was expecting, we are treated to wonderful comedy acting and a journey from deliciously polite and naïve to downright feisty  with a fabulous singing voice. Another great performance.  

As the show progresses we are treated to so many amazing scenes from the spectacular dragon, puppeteered by a good half of the ensemble, the stunning sequence with the Pied Piper with the rats and their fantastic tap dance, the appearance of the three blind mice, Shrek and Fiona finding love and the gorgeous vocals in When Words Fail which really show off Shrek’s glorious singing voice. The great plastic horse and its reversing alarm – the truly beautiful cathedral backdrop with the stained glass windows – and hilarious cameo for the priest. 

It’s hard to pick out any one aspect which made this show so special, which brings me to the Director – such universally inspired performances are always nurtured and grown somewhere and Jordan Buckingham’s hard work, attention to detail and ability to inspire and motivate shines out throughout this piece of theatre.  Added to that the wonderful music and vocals cultivated by Graham Ruhleman and the particularly skilled and original routines created and coached by Lauren Tithecott, added to that the co-ordination which involves pulling together the people and the skills to create the sets and costumes et all pulled off by producer Julie Snooks and you have a formidable team. 

What rings out about this show is the love and time put into it by every member of the company from the front to back stage – the special effects, puppetry, costumes, lighting, makeup (which must have taken considerable time and skill to accomplish) and set were all vital ingredients which made Shrek the best show I’ve seen in quite some time.

Well done everyone!!!!

Katie Jones

NODA 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other

performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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