Shrek The Musical

It most certainly was a Big, Bright and Beautiful world over at the Montgomery Theatre in Sheffield as Wales Community Theatre Players presented Shrek the Musical. 

The show started strong with Mama and Papa Ogre, Sue Hatton and Nigel Brewitt, sending their 7 year old son, Shrek , Charlie Wright, off out into world. This was a great scene by this trio and gave a strong first impression. I must also praise Darcey Wilkins, who shared the role of Young Shrek with Wright. As we entered the swamp we were introduced to the colourful world of the fairytale characters, headed by the always impressive, Alison Wade as Pinocchio. Wade was an excellent Pinocchio, with great characterisation and operated the ever growing nose with ease. There were many featured characters in this fairytale world, including Gracie Woods, Abbie Underwood and Fiona Howard as the 3 pigs, Chloe Stenson as Ugly, Libbie Rowbottom as Elf, Louisa Ashforth as Fairy Godmother, Alex Slack as the wicked witch, Lawrence Arnold and Ruth Gallagher as Papa and Mama Bear, Alana Habergham - Rice as Mad Hatter, Harry Lynch Bowers as Peter Pan, Cecily Hicks as White Rabbit  and Kieron Emerson as Big Bad Wolf , who individually and collectively provided energy to the scenes which build as the show progressed. 

Karen Fuller, excelled as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the voice of Gingy, and provided some of the evenings funniest moments. Praise must also go the dragon puppeteers who controlled the huge dragon, on the Monty stage with ease. The voice of the Dragon was in the more than capable hands of Katy Marsh, who delivered powerhouse vocals. Her rendition of Forever, backed by the Knights was faultless. Joseph Bairstow, as Lord Farquaad, may have been in small in stature, but was absolutely huge in presence and personality. Bairstow was excellent in the role and gave the audience a masterclass in comedy.

The transition of Fiona growing up was beautifully choreographed and preformed.  Isla McPherson as Young Fiona was delightful and was brilliant to see this young performers confidence grow. I understand that Isla shared this role with Chloe Gallagher, who I hear from friends who saw her was equally delightful in the role. Jessica Wade as Teen Fiona and Humpty Dumpty is growing  into a true triple threat  performer and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented youngster. 

Faye Wood was an excellent Princess Fiona, who sang, act, burped and broke wind with absolute brilliance. Wood’s singing voice was one of the best I’ve heard in a long time. From his first entrance to his last,  Adam Wigglesworth as Donkey, had the audience in the palm of his hand. Wigglesworth acted with brilliance and showed off his fine falsetto voice. 

And now to Shrek… incredible… sensational. Will Marshall was simply outstanding as the title role, and was absolutely believable as the loveable ogre. Marshall certainly took hold of this role and ran with it, who captured the many different emotions with brilliance. An exceptional performance.

Costumes were brilliant, and I must congratulate the stage crew who changed the set with ease. A couple of technical issues with sound and lights, however, this did not distract too much from the wonderful performances.  Director and Choreographer, Claire Harriott and MD, Ray Gallagher, along with the 11 piece band, did an amazing job in bringing this huge show to the Montgomery. I left the theatre firmly being a believer!

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