Shrek The Musical Jr

Shrek the Musical Jr., performed by Fareham Musical Society's Youth Theatre section, is a reduced version of “Shrek the Musical”, both being derived from the DreamWorks Animation film “Shrek”. A story based on fairy-tale characters that requires a very large cast is an ideal show for a youth theatre group to choose, although I don’t envy the Director, Choreographer and Wardrobe department for all the work they were required to do to stage it! The story follows grumpy ogre Shrek who has been thrown out of his swamp and his struggle to get it back again. Along the way he meets all manner of weird and wonderful people and creatures and ends up falling in love with and marrying the beautiful Princess Fiona.

Director and Choreograper Artemis Zacharaki has assembled a strong cast for this show and, along with MD and co-Choreographer Ewan Wharton, has drilled them well so that everyone knew where they had to be and when. Everyone looked totally engaged and the singing, to good quality backing tracks, and dancing were excellent. The whole show was full of life and energy and a joy to watch.

Fern Sheldon totally nailed the character of Shrek - a strong and confident lead with a lovely singing voice to boot. William Illman was perfect as Shrek’s friend Donkey – cheeky and full of irrepressible charm. Emily Jarman really impressed as Princess Fiona, getting her character just right, while Lucas Chambers made a great Lord Farquaad, the would-be dictator for whom nothing seems to go right. His facial expressions were a joy to watch and spoke a thousand words. Lottie Gates gave the dragon great style – and what a singer she is too! Izzy Gates was sparky and charming as the poor put-upon Gingerbread man.

Stage Manager Charlie Sutherland and his crew worked very hard making the frequent scene changes slick and fast, and the show moved along at a cracking pace. Costumes were very well chosen, often just giving a hint of the character or animal that was being portrayed, but that was all that we needed - I was particularly impressed by the dragon costume. Lighting was great but sadly the sound quality of the head mics was a bit hit and miss, but that didn’t seem to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of the show.

This was an ambitious show to take on, but this cast of 33 youngsters, all brimming with enthusiasm and talent, pulled it off big time, and they delighted the packed audience who were cheering and whooping at the end. Well-deserved praise!

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