Shrek the Musical has quite a lot missing from the screen version but it benefits from lots of new songs. The enduring success of the stage show (it’s on a two-year UK tour after Broadway and West End successful runs) is down to the magical nature of the characters. They are all so unique and bring a lot of fun and a quirky sense of humour to the show.
The four leads all excel in their roles: Dean Chisnall as the hilarious yet humble Shrek; Bronté Barbé playing Fiona is extremely talented and her speed of dialogue and wit are fascinating. Their interaction brought the humour to a new level. While Gerard Carey’s Farquaad is so over the top yet full of innuendos and charm; and Idriss Kargbo as the Donkey has the moves and funky grooves and is completely realistic with his mannerisms.
The ensemble were well cast and their performance is excellently choreographed which kept the in-between scenes very lively and entertaining. It is an exciting musical and my fave number is ‘Let the Freak Flag Fly!’
The lighting and set were perfect for the show with the tower set against the sunset bringing such a realistic mood and the huge moon which changed colour made the whole stage glow. The puppetry includes a giant dragon which really gives a supernatural feel to the scene. In fact also she is also accompanied by an amazing singer and it was nice to see the real actor at the end.
And, importantly, there is a serious message beneath the comical surface: The need to love and be loved is in everyone and the doubts about ourselves that we face as individuals can be shared.
Reviewed by Ava Sims on 9 September at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford where it runs until 26 September see http://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/shrek and touring see http://shrekthemusical.co.uk/tour-dates/