⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ A must-see for fans of the movie and musical theatre enthusiasts alike!
Get ready to leave your troubles Far Far Away and embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, love, and ogre-sized fun as the award-winning Shrek The Musical comes to the Alexandra Theatre stage.
With the Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and Music by Jeanine Tesori, we follow the story of Shrek, a lovable ogre who finds himself on a quest with the quirky and talkative Donkey to rescue Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon.
Over the years I’ve seen endless positive reviews, but as a huge fan of the original movie I was sceptical as to how successfully the stage adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks film would translate. However, my expectations of the leads were high, having already seen superb performances from three of the four main cast in other shows.
The lead cast do indeed bring the iconic characters to life, but with their own flair and interpretation. Shrek (Antony Lawrence) was perhaps less gruff and intimidating than his animated counterpart, but commanded the stage with an endearing and loveable demeanour from the beginning. Donkey (Brandon Lee Sears) had infectious energy and provided plenty of humour with physical comedy and witty one-liners. Fiona (Joanne Clifton) was far more strong-willed, feisty, and unafraid to speak her mind and the villainous Lord Farquard (James Gillan) can only be described as extra in every way. Each were a joy to watch and the vocals, as expected, were simply outstanding.
It isn’t just the leads who shine in this production – the supporting cast is equally impressive, bringing a host of fairy tale characters to life with flair and plenty of talent. From the sassy Gingerbread Man (Georgie Buckland, who has a vocal range that can easily challenge Mariah Carey’s whistle notes), the powerhouse Dragon (Cherece Richards – what a voice) to a Pinocchio (Mark D’Arcy) who believes he’s a real boy, each character adds depth, dimension and humour, contributing to the rich tapestry of the fairy tale world. There is a slight pantomime feel to some of it that is perhaps more suitable for the younger members of the audience, but as an ensemble, everything was on point – slick, energetic and perfectly timed.
The music is absolutely another highlight of the show, with plenty of upbeat numbers and poignant ballads. I perhaps felt that some of the songs were a little unnecessary and served more as time fillers rather than adding to the narrative, but when the vocals are this good, it was easy to just sit back and enjoy.
What truly makes Shrek The Musical stand out is its beautiful production design. The sets are stunning, seamlessly transporting the audience into the fantastical world of Far Far Away with the use of backdrops and clever video projection. The costumes are equally impressive, with intricate details (right down to Fiona’s ogre hands with bright red nails) that enhance the characters and add to the overall spectacle.
With powerful underlying messages of self-discovery and acceptance, Shrek The Musical is a delight that is sure to leave you smiling from ear to ear. With an extraordinarily talented cast, stunning production design and heartwarming story, it’s a must-see for fans of the original movie and musical theatre enthusiasts alike, delivering a magical experience that captivates audiences of all ages.
Suzie Speaks 
Another great offering at that theater. I did wonder myself when I’d heard they’d made a musical of Shrek. That scenery in that photo is amazing.