Shrek the Musical

Shrek the Musical provides ideal family audience material for any musical theatre fan, but it takes a society with a great depth of talent – like Blyth Music and Theatre Company – to successfully bring it to life on stage. Having a great deal of ‘inside’ knowledge of this show, I’m delighted to say Jackie Grey, John Hudson and their Production Team ‘nailed’ this last night.

We, in the audience, were treated to a delightful evening of five-star entertainment, full of musicality (provided by a nine piece orchestra situated in the Green Room), first rate singing, comedy, colour and special effects, laced with all of the beautiful characterisations each and every one of the Company provided 100%.

Added to this was the very successful use of a large video screen depicting the many scenes involved in the show. A great investment which also paid off in droves.

I have to start by praising Scott Allenby as Shrek. He is the epitome of this character. His delivery, timing, singing, movement and interaction with others on stage is absolutely perfect. He endeared himself to us all from the very outset – definitely the King of the swamp!.

He was supported very well by Mark Navin in the role of Donkey. Another very warm characterisation successfully sung and acted.

Princess Fiona is a very complicated character to portray. She has to be fiery, bold and sassy, with a singular independence which Shaunagh Burge carried off with aplomb. She was the perfect foil for Shrek.

Lord Farquaad was superbly played by Kenny Toal. This is a difficult part to successfully portray, not the least of which requires being on one’s knees all night. It was a pleasure to watch, especially the emphasis put on the mincing steps on and off!. Well done.

There were many other stand-out performances in this production, in which there were absolutely no ‘weak links’. Kath Dryden – a great rock-chick Dragon. Sarah Robinson – a fabulous Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingy. Ava Nolan – a practically perfect Pinocchio. The Young and Teen Fionas – beautifully acted and sung by Matilda McDonald and Lilli Harper on the performance I attended.

The rest of the Ensemble of fairy-tale characters, guards and villagers were also first class. They sung and acted their parts excellently and never lost their focus. Congratulations to you all.

Jackie and John must be very proud of the results of their hard work this week. Combined with the talent of their collaborators on choreography; Hayleigh Rose and Sarah Robinson. Stage Manager Kevin Hutchinson and DSM Mark Robinson. Colourful and successful lighting design and effects from Mark Turner at Brightstar Lighting and Sound. Sound and projections by Darrin Roll at Dazzling Sounds; in an essentially important role. Wonderfully colourful costumes from World of Wiggle, coordinated by Claire Willis and Lynne Simm. Speciality makeup by Jasmin Soulsby and props by Louise Defty. A real ‘Team Effort’ for which every one involved needs huge congratulations.

I was pleased and proud to be your NODA Representative last night, and even more pleased to be accompanied by Councillor Peter and Youth Coordinator Michelle, who also enjoyed every minute!.

Finally, thanks to Chairman Graeme Sutherland for the invitation and friendly reception followed by an excellent night’s entertainment.

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