Shrek the Musical

The company transported us to the world of ogres, dragons and fairytale characters with a bright, colourful set and costumes from the outset. The large ensemble – some 35 in total – whether as fairytale characters, guards or townspeople sang and moved well. I was particularly impressed by the mischief of tap dancing rats appearance in “This Is How A Dream Comes True” – a great example of terpsichorean team work! Steven Kelly was outstanding as the title character Shrek dominating the stage with his physical presence from his first entrance. His strong singing voice shone through in the numbers with Fiona “Who I’d Be” and “I Think I got You Beat” though for me I preferred his rendition of the more reflective “When Words Fail” expressing a softer side to the character. He also showed a flare for comedy in his interactions with Andy Hurst’s larger-than-life Donkey who had the audience on side from his tumbling entrance. His renditions of “Don’t Let Me Go” and “Make A Move” with the Three Blind Mice were hilarious as were his expressions as he realised the growing attraction between his friend and Princess Fiona. Jo Galloway’s Princess Fiona showed she was a match for these two larger than life characters with excellent acting and a beautiful singing voice shown to its best in the trio “I Know It’s Today” with Young and Teen Fiona and in the up tempo “Morning Person” to open Act Two. However stealing every scene he was in was Shaun Cowan’s diminutive Lord Farquaad having the audience in hysterics as he blustered, bullied and even cowered his way through the show. His powerful singing voice came to the fore in his renditions of “What’s Up Duloc?” and “Ballad of Farquaad”. How he managed to be so energetic in the dances - and so limber in mounting and dismounting his large white steed - was a mystery to me. Caitlin Macleod made a huge impression as the Dragon with her magnificent voice soaring in her rendition of “Forever”. Strong support was given by Kate MacKenzie (Pinocchio), Dawn Gregory (Gingy the Gingerbread Man) and Harper MacRae and Hannah Robertson (Young and Teen Fiona respectively). Congratulations to everyone at Easter Ross Musical Theatre for a most enjoyable show as proven by the tumultuous applause from the full house audience at the walk down and the rousing “I’m A Believer” finale.

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