Shrek the Musical theatre review: A swamp-sational show based on the much-loved film.
Shrek the Musical theatre review by Katey Thompson.
Shrek the Musical theatre review
Shrek the Musical is based on the well know film of Shrek, which was originally a book written by William Steig. The show brilliantly recreates many scenes from film as well as creating some new exuberant ones for this fabulous show. The humor throughout the production is laugh out-loud and at times I thought it might veer towards a pantomimesque but it creates its own special fairy tale which was greatly enjoyed by my children and I.
The story is based on Shrek, played by Adam Baker, an excellent ogre with a terrifying roar. Shrek becomes upset when a rag tag band of fairy tale characters turn up at his swap. With the aid of his noble steed – Donkey, who was funny and brilliantly portrayed by Marcus Ayton, they go to meet with Lord Farquaad. The hilarity and skill that Will Hawksworth brings to this show as Lord Farquaad is fantastic. He is really enjoyable to watch as the facial expressions and deft leg work are amazing especially in the ‘Welcome to Duloc’.
Shrek agrees to go and rescue the lovely feisty Princess Fiona (Laura Main) for the return of his swamp. En route Shrek and Donkey have to defeat the Dragon. This has to be the best dragon I have seen on stage. She was truly stunning and the fluidity of the puppeteers movements made it seem as if the dragon was truly flying. My children were a little wary of the dragon scene in the film but found it really enjoyable and could not wait to see the dragon again on stage.
The humor was the good natured and the overarching theme was one about caring. The shows moral; that it doesn’t matter how you look, it’s whats inside you that is important, is still as relevant as ever.
The show was brilliantly funny creating lots of laugh out-loud moments throughout. It is a show suitable for anyone from 5 to 105 and ideal for the whole family to have a great evening’s entertainment, don’t miss it!
Shrek is running at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until 10th June 2018.
