Shrek - The Musical

Having unfortunately been unable to attend Wigston AOS’s production of Footloose in 2025, I was looking forward to this production of the stage musical version of the original Shrek film. The show is full of engaging characters, a well known, if fantastical, story, lots of music and plenty of colour. The success of the film series, and the many successful productions of the stage musical, mean that this show does attract audiences. This was evident at the first night of this WAOS production of Shrek, which played to a virtually full-house, and (I understand) well-sold performances for the rest of the week.

The Direction, Orchestration and Choreography

The production was in the capable hands of Director Julia Glover-Kirtland, who brought interesting touches and interpretations to the individual characters and the flow of the story. The production was enhanced musically and effectively by strong individual and ensemble singing, and an excellent behind-the-scenes live Band, led by experienced Musical Director Kate Bale.

The production moved along with pace, with the ensemble making numerous appearances in a variety of guises. The main appearances were as the fairytale characters banished from fairyland. Every member, particularly in the storybook scenes, portrayed their respective characters convincingly, with energy and precision, ably choreographed by Choreographer Lyd Rushton and led by Dance Captain Laura Henderson.

The Cast

The entire Shrek cast, principal and supporting, are individual characters, all of whom performed with energy and enthusiasm. While space prevents individual descriptions, I enjoyed Lucy Foreman and Roz Brierley as, respectively, Pinocchio and Gingy, and hope their high-pitched and excited speech delivery wasn’t too great a strain on their vocal cords!

Shrek opens with a prologue in which Young Shrek and Young Princess Fiona are sent out into the world to find their fortunes. Unusually, Shrek's likely fortune is as a swamp-dwelling Ogre, and Fiona's a lifetime imprisoned Rapunzel-like in a tower, to await rescue by a handsome Knight. Over the show’s run the young characters were played by Alfie Coates & Bonnie Hunt. (Young Shrek) and Hollie Smith & Poppy Branston (Young Fiona). At this first-night performance the performers were Alfie and Hollie who appeared several times throughout the production, both showing promising stage talent. I have no doubt that the performers on other nights, Bonnie & Poppy, were equally enjoyable.

The four central characters are Shrek the Ogre, played here by Allan Smith, and Donkey, (Jacob Bale), Fiona (Emily Woodall) and Lord Farquaad (Jay Kenney).

In the title role Allan Smith played the part convincingly and with comic sensitivity as the gentle and self-aware Ogre who, together with Jacob Bale as an extremely agile and amusing Donkey, ensured that the show moved along with entertaining pace. In both cases the costumes and make-up faultlessly helped convey their characters. The show’s strong comedy was also provided by the appearance and comedic malevolence of Jay Kenney as Lord Farquaad, the would-be King of Duloc. Jay gave an hilarious and suitably ridiculous delivery of some excellent physical and vocal comedy material.

A revelation in this production was the performance of Emily Woodall as the imprisoned Princess Fiona, who herself eventually joins the ranks of the Ogres. Emily's strong singing voice and comedic talent made this part her own and contributed significantly to the enjoyment and success of the production. The song I Know It’s Today, delightfully sung as a trio by Emily, Young Fiona (Hollie) and Stacey Henson as Teen Fiona was a musical highlight.

The visually impressive ‘Dragon’ scene, first appearing in Act One, is difficult to pull off confidently, being presented ‘Warhorse-like’ by ‘puppeteers’ supporting the very large Dragon. It does however work, and makes a striking spectacle, helped visually by dramatic projected images and vocally by the strong singing of dragon-red Katie Wilson, sharing the Dragon’s scenes and  providing its voice.

The Staging

The whole production was supported by an impressive set, consisting of movable scenery and ever-changing projected back-scenes. Together with well controlled and balanced Sound (if at times the band seemed slightly overpowering), and very effective Lighting, this was I think as attractive a staging of Shrek as I've seen anywhere.  Having witnessed numerous other productions at this theatre, I don’t think I’ve ever seen its performance space more effectively maximised. Congratulations to Stage Manager and Technical Director Joe Roberts, Sound Designer Tom Brooks, and Theatre Stage Manager Nadine Hall and their teams for the impressive presentation.

Costumes, all individually appropriate and colourful, and make-up – in many cases complex, prosthetically-enhanced and expertly applied – provided an important theatrical dimension to the various characters. The effort and attention to detail in devising and producing the stage appearance of all cast members was impressive.

This was an entertaining performance of Shrek, and an encouraging first night for the company. It’s good to see amateur musicals selling well, and the audiences for the six performances of this production rewarded with a well-presented show.

Thankyou, WAOS, Director Julia, MD Kate and the whole company, for an extremely entertaining evening. It was particularly pleasant to have the opportunity for a chat with Kate and a couple of the principal performers after the show. My wife and I look forward  to your 2027 production. 

 

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