Shrek the Musical

Centenary Theatre Company were back on stage at the Brindley, with their production of ‘Shrek the Musical’. Directed by Dean Callow, with assistance from Georgia Heyes, this was a big production in every aspect. Upon entering the auditorium, the audience were met with an oversized book, which was used during the opening number to great effect. The transitions between scenes were well handled, with set pieces being brought on to create different locations. Dean’s direction really allowed the comedy to shine throughout, such as the staging in ‘Travel Song’. The pace was very good throughout, and Dean allowed certain moments throughout the time to play out. Having Shrek come through the auditorium when objecting the wedding was a great directorial choice, allowing the audience to have a closer look at Shrek. The direction was secure throughout. The costumes were very good throughout, with recognisable characters from the animated film, as well as instantly recognisable fairy tale characters. The costumes were certainly fun and colourful.

Simon Pickup was the musical director for this production, and led the orchestra extremely well. The vocals from the cast were very strong, with the ensemble numbers full of power and character.

The choreographer for ‘Shrek the Musical’ was Rebecca Mainwaring. The choreography was exciting, with different styles on show. It was attacked well by the cast, performing it well. The tapping rats were a delight to watch, as were the Three Blind Mice.

Technical elements were well integrated into the production. The sound balance between the orchestra and cast was a bit off in the first act, with the orchestra overpowering the cast. This was rectified for the second act. The lighting design was good throughout, allowing the audience to be transported to this fantastical world.

Dan Grimes certainly had the audience in the palm of his hand as the loveable Shrek! There is a fine balance needed in showing Shrek’s initial gruffness, which Dan did well. It was nice to see a vulnerable side of the character as well, which Dan conveyed well. Dan sustained the Scottish accent throughout. This was a pleasing performance from Dan.

Jessica Bridge was brilliant as Fiona. Jessica’s performance was a joy to watch, handling a range of emotions throughout convincingly. Jessica shone in the comic moments of the character, demonstrating excellent comic timing. Her vocals were great, as was her dancing, especially in ‘Morning Person’, where Jessica was able to demonstrate her comedic acting, singing and dancing, which she did effortlessly. Well done!

Liam Darbyshire was full of energy as Donkey. There was a great stage dynamic created with Dan, and Liam breezed through his scenes. There were great comic moments throughout, and Liam’s performance of ‘Make a Move’ was full of soul and humour. A special mention to Helen Gorry, Jessie Scotson and Katie-Louise Allen appearing as the Three Blind Mice, ably supporting Liam in this number as backing dancers and providing backing vocals, which added to the comedy.

Kenneth McConaghy put in a mighty performance as Lord Farquaad. Kenneth was suitably camp in the role, providing many of the laugh-out-loud moments of the production. The asides were well timed and were very funny. Kenneth’s vocals were good, and he was well cast in this role.

Lisa-Ann Connor delivered a powerhouse vocal as Dragon. Performing her song, ‘Forever’, offstage must have been difficult, but Lisa-Ann’s performance was full of power, emotion and sass. Incidentally, the staging of this number was brilliant, with a huge dragon puppet operated by three puppeteers. The lip-syncing of the dragon to Lisa-Ann’s vocals was spot on.

Blair Smith fully committed to the character of Pinocchio. Physically and vocally, Blair threw himself into this role convincingly, leading the Fairy Tale Creatures. The comedy of the role was well performed, with the nose growing executed perfectly.

Kirstin Dunn played Gingy and Sugar Plum Fairy. The characterisation for Sugar Plum Fairy was great, but Kirstin shone as Gingy, giving the character their recognisable voice. Kirstin delivered a great vocal performance as well.

At this performance, Sophie Grimes and Archie Greenway played Young Fiona and Young Shrek respectively. Both were confident in their roles, and performed well. Sophie’s vocals were great in ‘I Know It’s Today’, performed with Dannielle Hodgkins (Teen Fiona) and Jessica.

The ensemble was strong throughout, whether they were playing fairy tale creatures or appearing as minor characters. They were committed to their roles, and it was pleasing to see that every single character was thought about, from the wonderfully comic Three Little Pigs (Jo Lee, Matt Corrigan and Joey Harrison) to Mark Murphy’s cross-dressing Big Bad Wolf – the attention to detail in all the ensemble characters was great.

Overall, this was a great production. The leading performances were strong, the ensemble was strong, and the costumes were a fantastic aspect to the production.

A big thank you to everyone at Centenary Theatre Company for their kind invite and their hospitality.

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