Fringe review: SWAMPLESQUE, Assembly Hall

The 2001 Dreamworks film Shrek is beloved around the world. Therefore, it makes complete sense that Australian company, Trigger Happy Productions, have combined the film with drag and burlesque to create the outrageous funny parody, Swamplesque!

This show provides an incredibly good time, perfect if you fancy some fun at the Edinburgh Fringe. The show opens with a bang, a striptease from Shrek and the night continues in much the same vein with more hilarious and entertaining burlesque numbers. All of your film favourites are there dressed from head to toe in glitter and sparkles. Our personal favourite is Donkey’s velour jumpsuit. It is wonderfully refreshing to see such a range of body types on stage, and this adds to the inviting and inclusive nature of the show.

This is a brilliantly colourful and camp production, which truly celebrates the cultural wonder that Shrek has become. The atmosphere in Assembly Hall is incredibly warm and welcoming as Shrek fans unite and are invited to film and get involved with the fun.

All of the characters get their chance to shine during the plethora of upbeat musical numbers that are taken from the worlds of Shrek and pop music. There’s the classic ‘Hallelujah’ and Smash Mouth songs but also the Pussycat Dolls’ ‘Buttons’ performed by Gingy the Gingerbread Man. The ‘Man in the Mirror’ is a highlight performed on roller skates, complete with a very impressive cartwheel. The whole cast are incredibly talented as they perfectly combine drag and burlesque during the host of brilliantly choreographed energetic dance numbers. However, the star of the show is Tash York as Princess Fiona who is the only cast member to sing live. Her powerhouse vocals really elevate the show which, at times, feels too reliant on playing clips from the film. We wonder if the show could have been even funnier and more of a parody if some of the lip-syncing was replaced by droll line delivery and questionable accents and singing?

Swamplesque is a sensationally silly show that needs to be seen to be believed. Shrek dressed in only a thong and nipple tassels is something we won’t forget quickly! So if you are a fan of the film and fancy a ridiculously funny night at the theatre, make sure you add it your list at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Luck

Swamplesque plays at Assembly Hall until 25 August, with further info here.