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Encapsulating the humour and madcap universe of the 2001 animated Dreamworks movie, Shrek the Musical transports us to the strangely familiar Kingdom of Far, Far Away. Here we meet a disgruntled loner green ogre sent begrudgingly on a quest to rescue a Princess in order to regain control of his swamp, which has recently been invaded by a haphazard gang of storybook characters ousted from the Kingdom by the dastardly dwarf Lord Farquaad.
Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man and The Three Little Pigs all serve up high-camp japes amidst the action as Shrek (Dean Chisnall) and his unlikely companion, sorry, ‘noble steed’ Donkey (Richard Blackwood), set out upon the orders of the highly amusing (but low in stature) pantomime baddie Farquaad (Neil McDermott). Chisnall and Blackwood’s on stage dynamic does sufficient justice to their animated alter-egos but it is McDermott that repeatedly steals the show with superbly well choreographed scenes, performed on his knees throughout, playfully utilising tiny, false legs to much uproarious effect.
Former Hollyoaks babe Carley Stenson joins the cast as Princess Fiona and steps into the role effortlessly, winning the crowd over with Fiona’s zany personality and the ballad “I Know It’s Today” as she mourns her lengthy captivity atop a dragon-guarded tower. Sadly, aside this track, and despite excellent vocals from each member of the ensemble, the show lacks a truly memorable score.
Nevertheless, this show will thrill any fans of the original movie and children dotted throughout the auditorium whooped and cheered at the on stage antics, including much over-played ‘toilet humour’ which evoked irresistable laughter from even stoney-faced dads in the crowd.
Proving not all fairytales end with dashing ‘Prince Charming’ getting the girl, Shrek conveys the important message ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ to a generation constantly exposed to an image-obsessed media. Kids will delight in this theatre spectacle, particularly at first sight of the amorous dragon. Yet it’s such a shame this superbly staged show’s climax fails to achieve a real ‘wow’ factor with a lack-lustre encore of ‘I’m a Believer’ which, although it worked well over the end credits of the movie, falls rather flat live.
7/10
Shrek the Musical is suitable for ages 5 and up. Booking until 30 June 2013 at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
www.shrekthemusical.co.uk