Shrek the Musical

The performance of Shrek the Musical at The Conquest Theatre was a triumph, delivering humour, heart, and memorable musical numbers under the skilled direction and musical direction of Lisa Legge, with vibrant choreography by Sofie Smith.

Gareth Nicholson-Wigg’s portrayal of Shrek was a standout. He delivered a convincing performance as the towering ogre, with excellent use of makeup and prosthetics to enhance his look. His characterisation was consistent throughout, portraying Shrek's gruff exterior while allowing moments of vulnerability to shine through. The Scottish accent was mostly consistent, though it did slip a couple of times; however, this minor inconsistency did not detract from his impressive performance. And what a voice – his belting vocals carried the emotional weight of key numbers such as “Build a Wall” and “Big Bright Beautiful World” with power and precision.

Emily Chambers was equally impressive as Princess Fiona, bringing charm, humour, and a spirited determination to the role. Her strong vocals were showcased beautifully, particularly in "Morning Person" and "I Know It's Today," where she harmonised seamlessly with her younger counterparts. Emily brought depth to Fiona's character, capturing both her feisty independence and her softer side. She was the perfect pairing to Gareth's Shrek, and their chemistry on stage made their developing relationship feel genuine and heartfelt. I especially enjoyed their rendition of the comical “I Think I Got You Beat,” with great sound cues from the tech team that were perfectly synced with Gareth and Emily’s movements!

The showstopping performance undoubtedly came from Shrek’s four-legged friend, Donkey, played by Heather Cambridge. Any initial scepticism about a female actor taking on this iconic role was quickly dispelled as Heather completely owned the character. With boundless energy, impeccable comedic timing, and undeniable charm, she brought Donkey to life in a way that felt fresh yet true to the beloved original. Her facial expressions, quick-witted delivery, and dynamic stage presence made every scene she was in an absolute delight. Heather’s vocals were equally impressive, delivering standout moments in songs like "Don’t Let Me Go" and “Make a Move.” She had the audience laughing, cheering, and fully invested in every word and movement. Heather was made for this role, and her performance was not just a highlight but the undeniable heart of the entire production.

Mitchell Worton gave an unforgettable performance as the villainous Lord Farquaad. Despite spending the majority of the show on his knees, he maintained unwavering energy and physical comedy throughout. His comic timing and exaggerated facial expressions had the audience in stitches, and even a minor wardrobe malfunction couldn’t detract from his charisma.

Another highlight was Rob Finney as the Dragon, reimagined in a stunning drag style that added flair and personality to the role. Rob's stage presence was lively and quirky during "Forever," complementing Heather's Donkey with perfect energy, and his dual role as the Big Bad Wolf showcased his versatility.

Conor Stobart gave a pitch-perfect vocal performance as Gingy and the Muffin Man, replicating the iconic voice from the film with uncanny accuracy. His comedic timing and delivery of lines such as "Not the gumdrop buttons!" and "Do you know the Muffin Man?" had the audience roaring with laughter.

Nancy Boulcott and Alana Haines, as Young Fiona and Teen Fiona, delivered strong vocal performances, contributing to the emotional weight of "I Know It’s Today." Lindsay Phillips stood out as Pinocchio, particularly during "Freak Flag," and Danielle Worlock shone as The Fairy Godmother. The Three Blind Mice brought charm and sass to their dance routine, while Catherine Crosswell as Mamma Shrek, alongside Andrew Cooper as Pappa Shrek, delivered a fantastic opening to the show, with young Harry Cambridge shining as Young Shrek. The emotional moment when his parents gave him a not-so-gentle push to leave the nest and embrace a solitary ogre life in the swamp had everyone reaching for the tissues. However, what would typically be a sad moment was turned into something quite comical, brilliantly executed.

The ensemble cast delivered strong performances across a variety of roles, with standout moments in "Freak Flag," where every cast member had a chance to shine, and the lively "What's Up, Duloc?" The choreography for "Morning Person," which featured a tap-dancing-esque rat routine by the younger members, was particularly impressive. However, with the large number of smaller speaking and singing roles, some lines in the larger group scenes and musical numbers were occasionally hard to hear, particularly where not all performers were miked.

Another highlight was the creative staging of "Travel Song," where the ensemble seamlessly transformed into a conveyor belt of moving scenery and objects. A delightful addition was Puss in Boots, bringing extra charm to the scene. The comedic moment with Lord Farquaad in the bathtub had the audience in stitches. Costumes, makeup, and prosthetics were all expertly handled, with Princess Fiona's transformation at the end standing out as a particularly well-executed moment.

The backstage crew ensured slick scene changes, and the tech team delivered vibrant lighting and perfectly timed sound effects. The finale, "I’m a Believer," had the audience on their feet, singing and dancing along.

Overall, Shrek the Musical at The Conquest Theatre was a joyous, heartwarming production filled with energy, humour, and impressive talent. It was a fantastic show for the whole family, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Congratulations to all involved!

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