Shrek The Musical

It was once again a tremendous pleasure to be at Monmouth School to see their latest show “Shrek the Musical”, presented through the hard work of the school Creative Team and the very talented students at Monmouth School. Both the wonderful Orchestra and the Creative Team are made up of both staff and students and along with the student cast they have once again achieved an outstanding show.

The principal characters of this very popular show are very much stage front and centre and carry a great responsibility for the success of the show, but I must congratulate the whole cast on their tireless energy and choral gusto. The choreography was crisp and well executed and it appeared to make every cast member an important part to any scene. Everyone was so involved, and it was a joy to watch. I must comment on the closing of Act One that left the audience in no doubt that they were in the presence of a very professional performance.

Shrek played by Luke Peters[ in this performance], had taken the character to heart and he looked and sounded straight out of the motion picture image. With excellent vocals and characteristic body movement that were truly enhanced by excellent comic timing Luke gave us the character that everyone had come to see.

A beautiful vocal entry of the Princess Fiona from Hattie Ryder [Little Fiona] Enna Watkins [ teen Fiona] gave a lovely rendition of “I know It’s Today” Joined by Isla Davies. A surprisingly difficult song, that is so well known, and the three girls did not let the audience down, as the rapturous applause clearly showed.

A strong performance from our rescued Princess Fiona, played by Isla Davies [in this performance] with perfect characterisation, wit and good comic timing. Isla has an
excellent vocal range and performed with confidence and skill.

A superb characterisation from Chloe Mitchell [in this performance] as the much-loved Donkey. Chloe strutted the stage in great style, with energy and plenty of sass. The audience loved her strong relationship with Shrek and Fiona and the character was maintained to perfection throughout the show.

The entrance of Lord Farquaad played by Stanley Kirkaldie is always a high spot in this show and Stanley hit the stage in great style. The pure discomfort of this challenging role with all its choreographed movement while maintaining the vocal and verbal requirements never ceases to impress on me how dedicated some can be to perfecting their performance. This performance did just that especially as Stanley must have been one of the tallest in the cast. Bravo.

A very well done to Freya Piper as the Sugarplum Fairy and the custodian and voice of Gingy. A performance full of energy both visually and vocally. A lovely performance of a much-loved character Pinocchio by Zachary Shepherd. A classic voice and superb body movement.

An outstanding performance of the Dragon from Florence Hills as she made the stage her own with every movement sound. The performance was mesmerising, and the vocal power could not have been better. Oh, to be upstaged by a puppet, even if it was a huge purple Dragon very professionally handled and looking amazing.

It is impossible to comment on every character that appeared on that stage, but I must emphasise that every member of the cast made a difference to the finished performance and what a finish it was.

Having a split cast I have been unable to see some principle cast members. Owain Phillips [Shrek] Josie Asbury [Fiona] and TJ Friend [Donkey]. My congratulations to you all on your excellent performances.

You have my greatest respect for all your hard work and dedication which has resulted once again in an outstanding show. Bravo

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