Shrek The Musical

Having seen Shrek a couple of times in a small auditorium, thinking the Angles Theatre in Wisbech and a Village Hall it was quite a delight to see this production in a large venue with a large stage enabling the company to fill the stage without being crammed in. There are many characters who have their own moment in the limelight and the big company numbers needed this space, not to mention the space required for that Dragon.

From the moment the curtain went up it was clear that this was a show that the audience was determined to enjoy, as much as the cast to perform, for the second time that day. The fifteen-piece orchestra under the direction of Steve Hession filled the theatre with sound from the Overture through to I’m a Believer, a good balance of sound and talent that did not drown out the singing. The show moved along at a good pace without scene changes hindering the flow, although a couple of times small pieces of set/prop got on caught on the blackout legs. The advantage of a large stage is that large pieces of set such as Fiona’s Tower and Lord Farquaad’s Castle and good back cloths help to make a show a success and of course the Dragon herself, an amazing fire breathing monster.

The principals can make or break a show, the chemistry between them is most important and here the relationship between Shrek – Will Silver and Donkey – Scott Topping is all important, they were perfect foils to each other and the audience warmed greatly to their incessantly bickering friendship as it develop throughout the story, two sterling performances. Matched by that of Princess Fiona – Pippa Kingston as she slowly realises that she is becoming fond of Shrek despite desperately wanting a handsome Knight to rescue her, the chemistry here too was binding. Then of course Lord Farquaad comes along, this is a role to die for and Calvin Weston made this his own. These four together gave us great singing in their various songs ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’, ‘Don’t let me go’, ‘Travel Song’, ‘Morning Person’, the duets and trios were great. The three ages of Fiona singing ‘I Know it’s Today’ was sung delightfully and I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Ballard of Farquaad’.

The company too had some great performances – ‘Story of my Life’, ‘Freak Flag’, as well as the Ensemble numbers – ‘What’s Up Duloc’, ‘Wedding Procession’ and several more. Lots of good little performances here. Although there are too many to mention them all I liked Harvey Jones as Pinocchio, Emily Hale as Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy (although to be honest I couldn’t always understand what Gingy was saying). But most of all I can’t miss out Dragon - Joanne Powell with the amazing rendition of ‘Forever’. The Choreography in the Company numbers was spot on and well drilled, everyone knew their place and kept in time wonderfully. I also liked the Tap dance routine with the rats, very reminiscent of 42nd Street. The Company did very well with many of them doubling up, or trebling up, the costumes changes and make-up were obviously very quick and fluent by the end of run.

The Makeup and Prosthetics Team led by Sharleen Tebb did a fantastic job, very good throughout the cast and although the costumes were hired in the Wardrobe team led by Lucille Ash no doubt did a great deal of work on repairs and alterations throughout the run.

The singing throughout was musically very good for both soloists and Company, with, at times, a challenging score. Excellent lighting design, with sound and Stage Crew working very well together.

Robert should be truly proud of not only his cast but his production team – Rob Melhish Production Manager, Steve Hession Musical Director, Harvey Jones and Nikki Marsden as assistant Director and Choreographer respectively. Well done all.

 

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