Shrek the Musical

Shrek the Musical

West Kirby Musical Theatre Company

The Gladstone Theatre

18/06/2026

Opening like a story, our musical adventure begins with a large ogre named Shrek (Antony Holden) narrating the story of his seventh birthday. As he narrates, the storybook comes to life, and we see Shrek's parents Papa Ogre & Mama Ogre (Andy Walker & Laura Ellis) telling the seven-year-old (Harry Darker) version of himself that it is time for him to venture out into the world on his own. As he does, his parents' warning that everyone will hate him because of his hideous looks proves to be true, and he is forced to live alone, embittered and angry in a swamp.

His lonely solitude is interrupted one day, however, when all of the Fairytale Creatures of the land show up to his swamp, banished there by Lord Farquaad (Saul Danson). Not at all pleased to have his home invaded and encouraged by the Fairytale Creatures (Story of My Life), Shrek decides to travel to see Lord Farquaad in order to regain the privacy of his swamp ("The Goodbye Song"). Along the way, he rescues a talkative Donkey from Farquaad's guards and, after much begging on the Donkey's ( Nick Hawkswell) part ("Don't Let Me Go"), Shrek reluctantly allows him to tag along.

Meanwhile, in Duloc, we are introduced to Lord Farquaad, who is torturing Gingy (Amy Duggan) the Gingerbread Man into revealing the whereabouts of a princess that he wishes to marry so that he may finally be a true king. Gingy claims that Princess Fiona is locked in a nearby tower, cut off by lava and a dragon. Lord Farquaad decides to have a festival to draw the name of a Duloc citizen that will have to fetch Princess Fiona for him. As the crowd gathers ("Welcome to Duloc / What's Up, Duloc?"), Shrek and Donkey arrive; Lord Farquaad demands that, in return for the deed to the swamp, Shrek must find and bring back Princess Fiona.

While Shrek and Donkey set off, the lights come up on seven-year-old Fiona (Megan Harris/Nola Pasko), stuck in her castle and dreaming that she will one day be rescued by her prince ("True Love's First Kiss"). As she grows into a teenager (Molly McCabe/Imogen Downes), and then into a headstrong woman, (Emily James) she never loses her faith in her fairy tales ("I Know It's Today").

After crossing the lava-bridge and then arriving at the castle, Shrek sets off alone to rescue Fiona while Donkey encounters a ferocious Dragon (puppeteers Ruth Cooper & Jamie Darker) "Forever".

Shrek reaches Fiona, reunited with Donkey, they must then escape an angry Dragon. Fiona is thrilled to finally have her rescuer fighting for her ("This Is How a Dream Comes True"). Shrek traps the Dragon, and the trio makes it to safety, Fiona is appalled to find that Shrek is an ogre and not Prince Charming. Shrek explains that he is merely her champion; instead, she is to wed Lord Farquaad. As the sun begins to set, Fiona becomes apprehensive, insisting that they rest and that she spends the night alone. Donkey and Shrek stay awake and, as Shrek finally opens up to his new friend for the first time, we see Fiona transformed into an ogress, alone in the moonlight ("Who I'd Be").  Meanwhile in Duloc Farquaad plans the wedding. The story begins.

Bringing a much-loved animated story to the stage is never an easy task, but this production of Shrek the Musical succeeded with confidence, energy and charm from beginning to end. Shrek the Musical is a wonderfully entertaining show that captures the humour, warmth and heart of the much-loved film while presenting its own unique theatrical magic. This company embraced that challenge wholeheartedly, delivering a production that was full of colour, energy and genuine enjoyment.

Director Sharon Henderson's talent and experience was evident throughout the evening. The production moved at a confident pace, balancing the broad comedy with the more tender moments that remind us not to judge by appearances. Her choice of the four principal characters was inspired, with each bringing exactly the right qualities to their roles and working together to create a believable and engaging story.

Musical Director Rob Bowness deserves congratulations for the excellent musical standard achieved throughout the production. The principals and ensemble sang with confidence and enthusiasm, while the orchestra supported the performance without ever overwhelming it. The familiar score was performed with warmth and vitality, allowing the audience to enjoy every well-loved number. It was lovely to see you, Rob Bowness.

Deborah Clark ‘s choreography was full of imagination and made excellent use of the large company. Whether in the lively production numbers or the smaller moments, the movement always complemented the action and allowed every member of the cast to contribute to the storytelling.  Splendid contribution to the production from Wallasey School of Ballet.

The ensemble was one of the real strengths of this production. The stage was filled with an impressive array of fairy tale characters, each fully committed to their role and helping to create the magical world of Duloc and beyond. Although impossible to mention everyone individually, the enthusiasm, confidence and teamwork shown by the entire cast were evident from beginning to end.

The colourful costumes, attractive staging and slick technical support all combined to enhance the performance, creating a production that was visually engaging as well as musically strong. Above all, there was a real sense of enjoyment radiating from the stage, and that enthusiasm was reflected in the audience's response. I feel I need to mention two cast members who the audience loved: Jo Poston (Pinocchio) superb performance, proving there is no such thing as a ‘small part’. Nick Hawkswell, hilarious, splendid comic timing and stage presence in spades.

Congratulations to Sharon Henderson, Rob Bowness, Deborah Clark and everyone involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, for presenting a production that entertained, delighted and demonstrated the very best qualities of live theatre. Thank you, W.K.M.T.C for my invitation to see Shrek, it was a memorable evening.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

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