Shrek
It is nearly 25 years since we first came across the grumpy green ogre. Most of us adults know the story of the anti-hero, who falls in love with the feisty Princess Fiona. But this production of the musical based on the 2001 Dreamworks film, is a way of introducing it to our younger generation, or of introducing them to musical theatre.
Antony Lawrence, playing the role of Shrek is a very effective leading Ogre! His singing is very strong, but he also has a lovely element of sensitivity when he mishears or misinterprets Princess Fiona’s conversation with Donkey about how ugly she is when she transforms nightly into an ogre.
Former Strictly star Joanne Clifton, is an energetic and delightful Princess Fiona with plenty of sass. Since leaving the dance show, she has really shown herself to be a triple threat. We know she can dance, but she can also sing, and her comic timing is really developing.
For the youngsters, the toilet humour between Shrek and Princess Fiona will definitely appeal. Watching the row of 7-10 year olds just in front of me during the show it was clear they were certainly enjoying it!
Broadway star Todrick Hall is also enjoying channelling his inner Eddie Murphy as Donkey. He has great comic timing and vocals as well. Cherece Richards is also worth a special mention as the Dragon. Her version of “Forever” was really very good. Her songs had the wow factor.
There have been a number of changes from previous productions of this well loved musical, and maybe some are more controversial than others. The dragon puppet is slightly smaller than before and it is a shame its mouth doesn’t work. Lord Farquaad is no longer played by an actor on his knees, so nearly every reference to him being short is gone. It does remove a lot of humour. However James Gillan really camps it up and does very well with the material.
Philip Witcomb’s costume design is very faithful to the popular film series. Nick Winston’s choreography is lovely, and makes good use of the space, including the auditorium on occasion, and also great use of Joanne Clifton’s dance talents. The tap-dancing rats are great. We also liked the young Shrek and Fionas.
The set, presumably adapted from the recent tour, looks like it was designed for a much smaller theatre rather than this 3655 seat barn. Having said that, the Eventim Apollo have gone to (fairytale) town on creating atmosphere from the moment you leave the underground, with green lighting in the venue foyer, and photo opportunities in the shopping centre opposite, to really encourage the younger audience to feel they’re involved in the story.
Nina Dunn’s (for Pixellux) video design are generally very effective.
This a family musical that is more like a pantomime. There are definitely some fun elements that will keep little ones entertained during the school holiday season, and might make a lovely way of introducing your children to musical theatre.
A really fantastic cast here bringing plenty of humour and energy to proceedings to keep everybody entertained.
This show was reviewed on the 27th July 2024 at the Eventim Apollo, London where it runs until the 31st August 2024. Tickets available here: Shrek the Musical - The Official Website
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit: Pamela Raith
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