Shrek The Musical jr

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Abigail Grimsey and Emily Littlejohn who explained that there were over 50 young people in the cast, aged 5 years to under 17 years of age. Furthermore, each and everyone of the children had at least one or two specific parts to play with at least one spoken or sung line. No mean feat!

Without exception everyone on stage acted, danced and sang very well indeed. The main characters were very well cast and played their parts extremely well.

The scene was set immediately by the three storytellers, Ella Smith, Poppy Newton and Scarlett Evans and this introduced Young Shrek (Gabriel Saunders) , Mama Ogre (Megan Watson) and Papa Ogre (Neve Kidd).

Finn Sears, as adult Shrek, was amazing, full of energy and action. Her makeup and prosthetics were incredible, thanks to Codi Heathcote who did such a marvellous job!  I loved the donkey, played by Daisy Dixey who was a larger than life character, braying and laughing throughout. Her antics were so comical and the audience reacted well to her. Tristan Williams played Lord Farquaad, an imposing character who travelled around the stage at great speed on his knees. So hilarious and well done.

Codi Heathcote played Pinocchio in a very robust and entertaining way, with an ever growing nose which caused a lot of laughter. The three Fionas, Thea Veater (Young Fiona), Delilah Salter (Teen Fiona) and Poppy Mcglasham-Veater, (Adult Fiona) all reacted well together and their voices really blended well in I Know It’s Today. It was delightful. Poppy had a lot to do and played her role confidently.

Holli Dixey was a wonderful Dragon playing this role with great energy and enthusiasm. Maddie Griffiths was a great gingerbread man and Madelyn Eaves was a convincing Wicked Witch.

Other than the main characters everyone else was involved in the ensemble/chorus scenes which included nursery rhyme characters, villagers, guards, animals, knights and trees. All were very striking and acted well. In addition, the guards performed a colourful dance.

There were many favourite songs here sung extremely well. I particularly enjoyed What’s Up Duloc which introduced the Duloc Performers, Forever, featuring a flamboyant Dragon and, of course, the two final songs. This Is Our Story, sung by Fiona and Shrek and the whole cast in the rousing finale song, I’m A Believer.

Throughout I was amazed at the extravagant and colourful costumes and the number of costume changes for most of the cast. All the costumes were made in house so many congratulations to the costume team. Makeup was appropriate for all the characters and particularly impressive for some. The children’s hair was tidily styled, a small but important point.

The set and scenery, produced by the society were quite simple with changes projected onto the back screen and good use of the stage curtains. There was a small piece of scenery denoting the castle wall and good use of props. Well done to   the backstage crew.

Many congratulations to Director/Choreographer/Stage Manager Abigail Grimsey, ably assistd by Emily Littlejohn and Kayleigh Root, for bringing this impressive show to stage and harnessing the many talents evident within the society.

The audience obviously enjoyed this production as much as I did.

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