Review: Shrek The Musical (Touring)

Monday, 27th November 2023 at York’s Grand Opera House.

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There’s a lot of fun to be had at the latest touring production of Shrek the Musical from co-directors Samuel Holmes and Nick Winston. With all the lovable characters from the DreamWorks movie brilliantly brought to life by a cracking cast, plenty of musical magic and witty moments, this show is certain to be a treat for youngsters.

In case a recap is needed, the tale is a simple one: fairytale characters have been banished from society and dropped off at a swamp – out of sight and out of mind, as all “freaks” should be, according to Lord Farquaad (hmmm, there must be a moral somewhere in there, eh?). The swamp however, is home to cantankerous ogre Shrek who is NOT up for neighbours. Striking a deal with the devilish Farquaad, he sets off the rescue a princess from a tower on the wimp’s behalf… somehow joined by a Donkey sidekick along the way… See, simple!

The golden triangle of Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona is beautifully cast. As the famous ogre himself, Antony Lawrence is suitably stroppy, very likeable and very free with his musical theatre belting. Brandon Lee Sears’ Donkey is a perfect side-kick, providing all the right comic reactions, cracking one liners and his own wonderful West End pipes, too. Joanne Clifton’s Princess Fiona is a perfect blend of the rose-tinted idealist and the free-farting realist – not only does she show off some fine belting of her own, she really shines as a comic here.

And speaking of comic… much of the flair and comedy of the most heightened and ridiculous kind is James Gillan’s Lord Farquaad. It’s a little too easy to have the comic villain be a flouncing diva, but there’s no denying the comic value and Gillan really does deliver and then some. It’s a stellar ensemble too, with dance number after dance number delighting thanks to the perfected synchronicity and speedy footwork of this talented bunch. Georgie Buckland, Cherece Richards and Mark D’arcy are particular stand-outs for their gorgeous vocals and fabulous takes on Gingy, the Dragon and Pinocchio respectively. And speaking of Gingy and the Dragon… Jimmy Grimes’ puppet designs are lovely, providing some great moments of spectacle.

Set and costume designs from Philip Witcomb conjure this fairytale land beautifully, making fantastic use of Nina Dunn’s sprawling video designs and offering up rainbows of colour in costuming which bring a natural spotlight to Winston’s fabulous choreography. For me, I think the comedy of David Lindsay-Abaire’s book and the playful yet razor sharp choreography so bountiful throughout are the real cornerstones of this production. That said, Despite some top music (Jeanine Tesori) and lyrics (Lindsay-Abaire), I do think there’s a bit of a glut of ballads which slows the momentum just when we need to keep hurtling onwards – but such lulls do provide opportunities for substance amidst the enjoyable silliness…

So from a big-hearted, fun-loving animated classic to a big-hearted, fun-loving stage musical featuring a fabulously multi-talented cast, Shrek the Musical is a lovely few hours of entertainment.

Shrek The Musical is at York’s Grand Opera House until 2nd December 2023 and more information and tickets can be found here.