Shrek The Musical Jr.

Just like the other St Neots based groups, Riverside is still homeless whilst the Priory Centre is being renovated but has happily settled down in its temporary performance home of Little Gransden Village Hall, having now performed several productions there over the past couple of years. This production of Shrek was put on by the junior section and directed by Emily Wainwright-Meekins.

Having been sent out into the world several years ago, Ogre Shrek is living alone in a swamp when it is suddenly invaded by a host of fairytale characters, who have been banished there by the evil Lord Farquaad because they are freaks. Shrek reluctantly goes to see Lord Farquaad to regain his swamp and agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, who is being held prisoner, in return for getting his swap back and returning the fairytale creatures to fairyland. Lord Farquaad is determined to marry Fiona, but only for her crown. Shrek rescues Fiona from her prison by defeating the fire eating dragon guarding her, brings her back, however in the meantime he has fallen in love with her, and she may have feelings for him, so will there be a happy ending?

The set (uncredited), which remained static throughout was a large net on the rear wall of the stage, washed in green, and slight offset stage left the net had been folded and painted to cleverly give the appearance of an arched entrance to a cave with a notice saying ‘Keep out.’  Well thought out and it worked very well.

Sound and lighting was by Phantom Power Ltd. The lighting was fine and lit the stage at all the appropriate moments. However, sound was a different matter. Those of the cast that were mic’d were perfectly audible, but those that weren’t were too softly spoken to be heard properly. Sadly, and for some unfathomable reason this included the three storytellers, which lost any narration to the four winds. Certainly not the actors fault, who were enthusiastically doing their best, but why it was decided not to mic them, I have no idea?

Costumes and make-up (uncredited) were a fun eclectic mix, sourced, I believe by parents and helpers and which gave us some interesting characters. Shrek wore a headband with a set of Ogre ears, the Donkey a full one piece bluey grey hooded one piece with donkey ears, an array of obvious fairytale costumes such as red Ridinghood’s  cloak, witches hats and best of all was probably Pinocchio, instantly recognisable. The Dragon was cleverly done with superb red fiery model of a dragon’s head held aloft.

Ellen Tipping had done a great job with some excellent choreography well drilled by the cast, with the songs to sequenced music arranged by MD Emily Wainwright-Meekins

The acting was certainly enthusiastic with some strong performances, Octavia was a very convincing Shrek as was Mia R as Princess Fiona and Matty was an excellent convincing baddie as diminutive Lord Farquaad. Sammy as the Donkey was a revelation. His confidence and enthusiasm almost carried the show. A natural talent in the making if ever I saw one.

For the Fairytale characters, an excellent performance from Ada as Pinocchio stood out ably backed up by Mia as Puss in Boots/ Rooster, Lucy as Red Ridinghood and Sophie as The Wicked Witch. Jake as Gingy in his brown one piece was a convincing Gingerbread Man. And special mention to Lottie and Sophie who played the young Shrek and Fiona respectively.

Well done also to Elsie, Audrey, Luke, Cecelia, Conor, Corin, Ellie, Maia and Ellery who played multiple parts between them.

Riverside certainly do a great job with these youngsters and always a pleasure to see them in the embryonic stage of their acting careers as they learn their craft. I will offer my standard piece of advice, pace is not about speed of delivery, its about picking up the cues quickly. So slow down your delivery and make sure you enunciate.

So well done to Emily Wainwright-Meekins, her cast and crew, I think you can say your “freak flag well and truly flew!” And thank you for your first-class hospitality on what was a very warm afternoon.

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