Shrek The Musical Jr

You could feel the energy and the buzz as you walked through the door of the Centre for this production by Hayling Youngstars!  I certainly felt that something big was about to happen, something I had not witnessed before.

To say that this group has a very collaborative and cooperative approach to creating a show is an understatement. There was an atmosphere you might feel if surrounded by a very large family of all ages, all of whom possess abilities that had been eked out, explored and encouraged to flourish.  Speaking with both directors, Sarah Jane and Luke there was no doubt about the immense pride within them both and also within other adults involved, who gushed about the Young Stars and how they had worked so hard in coming together to create what promised to be a wonderful stage production of Shrek. I was intrigued at what was to come, and, smiling already, I took my seat.

Straight from the off, the spectacle was excellent in quality and expression as the story unfolded within the lyrics. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments from the start and the dancing and stage presence were confident and secure. The choreography was excellent, expressive, and meaningful and the cast really rose to the challenge of interpretation. Many of the cast played at least two roles and as many as six for some, along with having been part of the production team, executing the hundreds of tasks necessary for putting on a show.  The story flowed, which was enhanced by wonderful costumes of beautiful bright colours. The set was minimalist, but this did not detract from the cast. If anything, the open stage, unencumbered by too much set and detail meant that the entire space could be filled with joyful light, colour and sound as the entire cast portrayed their characters through song and dance. The energy never dipped throughout, and the transitions between scenes were unobtrusive and seamless. The accuracy and vibrancy of the 76 costumes transported you into the Swamp, the Forest or Duloc and I felt we the audience were perhaps a tad under dressed!

The entire production was slick and very professional considering it was an amateur show. I was very impressed with the fact that the acting continued off the stage on the floor and out into the corridor, as if these areas were mere extensions of the stage.  This gave the impression that the swamp or Duloc continued to exist beyond the hall doors and carried the story and the magic beyond our boring human boundaries.

It is very difficult for me to mention individual YoungStars here, such was the excellent performances of each individual as there was something about everyone that was wonderful to watch and hear. However, a special mention must go to Joe Coates who played the ornery Shrek very well, even managing to emulate his Scottish accent and commanding presence. Shrek’s sidekick, the ever loyal, annoyingly positive and upbeat Donkey, played by Livvy Coates was full-on vigour and energy.  Shrek’s feisty love interest the Princess Fiona, played excellently by Daisy Harkness certainly brought out Fiona’s no-nonsense approach to Shrek!  The ridiculous Lord Farquaad caused much laughter from the audience, with a little bit of ‘something for the grown ups!’ Comedy is a difficult thing to do as it is all about timing, expression and intonations which Finlay Harkness was a natural at doing. Amanda Bond, I loved your Pinocchio!  Well done for making a difficult part seem easy and I hope your dream of being ‘A Real Boy’ comes true soon!

I have to mention a song that really had an impact on me. I was left amazed at how the three Fiona’s performed their song, considering how difficult and complex it is. Singing three different stories with different tunes standing together is apt to go terribly wrong but they stayed in their stories and in their music and it was beautiful. Molly Plavaniers, Hattie Urwin and Daisy Harkness were sublime.

There were a few occasions where a character became difficult to hear as clear enunciation was smothered at times by sheer exuberance, fast movements, the pitch of the characters voice or accent.  This did not mean that it was distracting however, as it was very evident that the cast wanted to give of their best and showcase their wonderful acting skills. 

From the Nose running across the stage to the Dragons, Dwarf to Baby Bear being flung onto hips and carried about - the whole cast were very impressive. Thank you for a wonderful show. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

Applause also to the lighting, sound and stage crews, Front of House and backstage personnel, mums and dads, Uncle Tom Cobly and all. It was a wonderful ‘all hands on deck’ effort which enabled the YoungStars to be their best. It could not have happened without you.

Nadine Darnley De Salis

Assistant Repgional Rep

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