⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Broadway and West End smash hit, Shrek the Musical is filling the Alexandra Theatre with a blend of sentiment, humour and heroics this week, delivering a performance that captures the essence of the well loved animated film and yet adds a new dynamic to it.
The story follows an Ogre called Shrek and his sidekick, Donkey, who embark on a journey to save Princess Fiona from a fearsome dragon (Cherece Richards) to marry Lord Farquaad (James Gillan) who wants to be King. We get to meet all of our favourite fairytale characters, including Peter Pan (Nathan Ryles), The Big Bad Wolf (Scotty Armstrong), and my personal favourites Pinocchio (Mark D’arcy) and Gingy (Georgie Buckland).
There’s lively choreography, catchy musical numbers (I was definitely singing along in my head), bright set designs and costumes, sparkling lights, and epic projections.
From the hilarious antics and vocals of Donkey (Brandon Lee Sears, who you may remember from my review of Dreamgirls, as he played Jimmy Early in the UK tour) to the touching moments between Shrek (Anthony Lawrence) and Fiona (Joanne Clifton), the show offers something for everyone. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience, with a strong underlying message of never being ashamed to ‘be yourself’.
The show is full of talent with a strong leading cast and ensemble. I’m a huge fan of Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona), and it was great to see her in another role that she well and truly rocks! Dancing, singing, and acting, Joanne is tremendously talented and seems to go from strength to strength. Her and Anthony Lawrence (Shrek) were the perfect duo on stage, continually making the audience laugh.
The vocals from Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) and Cherece Richards (Dragon) were outstanding. What a set of lungs they both have!
Shrek the Musical will leave you laughing, singing, and cheering for more, and you can catch it at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until 14th April with tickets available from £13. Its final Midlands location is at The Royal and Derngate in Northampton from 23rd – 27th April. Don’t forget to check out the merchandise, too! They have plenty to choose from.
Don’t miss out on an evening filled with entertainment.
Disclaimer: This review was written after attending a press night.