Shrek The Musical

I don’t know how to begin this review.  The production I saw could grace any stage in the country.  Professional acting, singing and dancing.  Fantastic costumes and a set which was outstanding.

But review it I must so here we go.  This is the story of a boy, or in this case ogre Shrek meets girl (Princess Fiona), boy looses girl but in the end they reunite.  Boy is supported by his best friend (Donkey) to stop the girl making the biggest mistake in her life in marrying the wrong person, Lord Farquaad. 

Shrek was played by Pete Beck who gave a quality performance.  His command of the role was second to none.  The amount of dialogue he had to learn was immense as, like Donkey, he was hardly ever off stage.

Anil Patel played Donkey.  So much like Eddie Murphy.  He must have been so hot underneath the animal skin, all credit to him.  He had wonderful stage presence.

Charlotte Jervis played Princess Fiona, very convincing with a wonderful singing voice.  She brought the character to life.  I especially enjoyed the scene where the three Fiona’s sang together.  Charlotte, Ellie Summerfield and Scarlett Brennan sounded great.

Simon Smith played Lord Farquaad, a lovely comedic role.  How he managed to stay on his knees for so long I do not know.  Very cleaver role.

Good support came from other members of the cast and chorus including Chloe Child as the Dragon, great voice.  Finley Waldron as Pinocchio and Imogen Bloxham as Gingy and the Sugar Plum Fairy.  It was also good to see younger members of the company in the production. 

The staging of the production was very well done.  I really enjoyed the scene in the forest where we had the montage of nursery rhyme characters and also the dancing rats.

Scene changes were hardly noticeable and good use was made of the moving trees.

Maggie Jackson’s choreography was a delight to watch and Sheila Pearson as Musical Director conducted a good orchestra, just at the right level so you could hear every word from the stage.  Lighting was effective.

Director Paul Lumsden should be very proud of everyone involved in this production and I look forward to seeing more of his work.

Congratulations to you all.

 

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