Shrek The Musical

I was warmly welcomed at Front of House by Director Gabrielle Tyler and spoke with her during the interval and after the performance. The cast is over thirty children all aged between five and twenty years.

The set was quite stunning. Designed and built by Royston Wilson it featured very realistic trees in a forest scene, and various flats moved flexibly and unobtrusively eg for Shrek’s cave.. An interactive whiteboard at the back of the stage gave the illusion of movement and some amazing scenes eg the village street. Birdsong was in the air and use of dry ice created an aura of mist circling. There was a realistic bluebird at the start of Act Two. Lighting was used to great effect and sound levels were good. Most of  the cast projected really well and could be heard clearly. There were a lot of costumes, all sourced by Cheryl French who also made some. All were very attractive with some representing animals and some were complicated to make. Music was by backing tracks and I must say that all the cast performed well and in total timing with the tracks, something which can be difficult. Musical Director Gabrielle obviously worked hard with the children to achieve such accuracy.

All the young cast performed well and were enjoying their roles and many played several characters especially as fairytale characters and animals. There was a high standard of dance and  movement and I particularly enjoyed the group of accomplished tappers.

The principal roles were well cast with some stellar performances. Zac Higgleton was a very convincing Shrek who visibly grew into the role on stage. He had an imposing, but gentle manner and  great vocals. Finlay Kettle, as Little Shrek had a lovely niche part. Elijah Hamilton was a marvellous donkey, possibly the best I have seen elsewhere in this role. He had huge energy and twisted and cavorted around the stage. A comical character he displayed wonderful facial expressions and I enjoyed the Travel Song sung with Shrek. Well done!

There were three Princess Fionas ie Young Fiona (Lillia Weaver), Teen Fiona (Stevie Morris) and Queenie Hamilton as the adult. All sang I Know It’s Today with plenty of emotion and clear vocals. Queenie had a good stage presence and a well pitched voice especially in Morning Person. Tom Hume-Steer was a perfect Lord Farquaad showing a cruel and aggressive, sometime arrogant manner. Ho moved around the stage on his knees like a whirlwind! HIs costume was extraordinary and I loved his “head”! Well acted!

Violet Fowler was all I would expect of a fire breathing dragon whilst Eliza Cole was a convincing Gingy. Pinocchio was most expertly played by young Giovanni Alldred, a ball of energy on stage who sang Story Of My Life with the ensemble.  In fact there were so many songs which were sung very well and which the audience really enjoyed including The Goodbye Song with Shrek and the fairytale characters.

I was most struck by the sheer energy and enthusiasm of all the cast with some incredible acting.

This was a sparkling production created by Director/Choreographer/Musical Director Gabrielle Tyler supported by a talented crew and cast. Well done to everyone involved in any way.

 

 

 

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