Shrek The Musical Jr

What an amazingly talented, inclusive group of young actor and actresses! I must admit when I got invited to see Shrek Junior, I was already looking forward to the evening as the show is such a funny and whimsical show on its own and let’s be honest who doesn’t love a fairytale. To say these young individuals only had the half term week to put this show together would make you think there might be some missed lines or wobbly bits. However, each and every one on that stage was professional to a T with no slip ups as far as I could see.

 

The show had so many lovely moments with a beautifully put together set that helped enhance the performance. It was simple with, I believe, three main scenes hat allowed an open area to be filled with the beaming performers. Whilst still enhancing the performance with only a few extra props needed. The scene changes were quick and effective which helped the overall pace of the show.

It would be impossible for me to name everyone in the cast by name in this review as I think I would be writing a short novel on the myriad of positives for each. I do have to give a big round of applause to every single of one of you on that stage you want to be immensely proud of yourself with all the fantastic effort you have put in. The characterisation shown by the group of guards, Duloc girls and Fairytale Creatures was just lovely to watch.

There was some lovely singing by all members of cast and some wonderful musical numbers that had the audience smiling throughout. I personally really enjoyed the finale song of I’m a Believer and Let Your Freak Flag Fly. I would also like to make a special comment to the young ladies dancing in the song I’ve Always Beena Morning Person as this small group danced their socks of and came together beautifully and showed that they could hold their own with any dancing troop. My favourite vocal performance I think had to be I Know Its Today sung by Maisy W as Adult Fiona, Chloe H as Young Fiona and Freya as Teen Fiona. These girls worked so well together and sounded beautiful. I do want to give a special mention to Chloe H who I believe had issues with her microphone but handled it like a professional and still managed to make herself heard.

The group of Storytellers, Jenna, Emma, Frankie, Dolly and Jemima G, where very well spoken and as an audience you could understand every word. They worked so well together and had good pace when delivering their lines and also helping each other out when needed. The Wicked Witch played by Chloe W, Gingy played by Martha and Pinocchio played by Hallam gave excellent vocal performance and kept their character extremely well throughout. Megan playing Dragon was a force to be reckoned with and made a very imposing character and handled what looked like a difficult costume. Ralph playing Donkey was an explosion of energy and delivered his lines very clearly. Joe J playing Lord Farquaad had me in stitches through the whole show. He was so funny and was powerhouse on the stage to the point you couldn’t take your eyes off him. Now to the main man himself, Shrek played by Noah. If that young man does not go on  to get a career in theatre, then theatre goers will definitely lose out. Everything from his characterisation to his interaction with other cast members was phenomenal.

A massive well done everyone. You really should be proud of yourself as I know all your friends and family will be. 

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