Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL, New Wimbledon Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
Shrek the Musical is currently touring around the UK spreading fairytale fun where ever it goes and this week, it is delighting audiences at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
Shrek the Musical really ticks all the boxes you need for a crowd pleasing show. Based on the 2001 animated film, the story of Shrek is one people know and love, but for the few who don’t... grumpy ogre Shrek and his trusty sidekick Donkey are sent on a quest by Lord Fardquaad to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona who is trapped in a castle guarded by a fire breathing dragon. The show is full of humour for audience members of all ages, vibrant costumes, energetic dance numbers and catchy and heartfelt songs like ‘I Know It’s Today’, ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ and of course, ‘I’m a Believer’.
The script is fairly similar to the film and the classic jokes bring a lot of laughs but the music and songs by Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire really up the fun factor and tug on your heartstrings. The songs are brilliantly performed by the ensemble playing a cast of fairytale favourites including Gingy the Gingerbread Man, the Three Bears and a Liverpudlian Pied Piper. The dancing, choreographed by Nick Winston, is visually spectacular and in numbers like ‘Freak Flag’, which is all about celebrating difference, everyone has their moment to shine.
There is not a weak link in the cast led by Antony Lawrence as Shrek, who we were surprised to learn is not Scottish. He is excellent as the grumpy and cynical Shrek and he gets a chance to show his vocal talents during ‘Who I’d Be’. Joanne Clifton, of Strictly Come Dancing fame, plays Princess Fiona. She really leans into the humour of the character, has a surprisingly powerful voice and of course gets to show off her dancing talents. Lawrence and Clifton have great chemistry which is shown in particular during the crude but hilarious burping and farting scene. James Gillan is wonderfully camp as evil Lord Fardquaad. Brandon Lee Sears is a standout as the loveable but ‘annoying’ talking Donkey. His comedic timing and physicality are fantastic. Both Sears and Cherece Richards as Dragon are vocal powerhouses. It is a such a shame that Dragon features so little but Richards oozes star quality every second she is on stage in a fabulous diva-esque unitard, you almost don’t notice the giant puppet following her around.
One of the limitations of a touring production is the ability to transport and install set pieces and unfortunately this is apparent in Shrek the Musical. They make heavy use of projections with varying degrees of success, although the show is still a visually exciting extravaganza.
Shrek the Musical is a show full of fun, adventure and learning to love what’s on the inside. It’s perfect for the whole family so make sure you catch it at a theatre near you!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Shrek the Musical plays at New Wimbledon Theatre until 30 September, before continuing its tour. Tickets for Wimbledon and other select touring venues can be purchased here.