Shrek The Musical – Bord Gais Energy Theatre – Review

Produced by Mark Goucher Productions Ltd
15-20 August 2023

Welcome to the familiar world of Shrek, just with a lot more singing and dancing! This is a spin-off from the popular film series that has a similar story to the first Shrek film, but with some minor plot changes to make it more suitable for the stage. We first meet Shrek (Antony Lawrence) after he left his parents at the tender age of 7! He eventually finds a quiet part of the world he can call his own in a swamp. When Lord Farqaad (James Gillan) kicks out many of the inhabitants of Duloc, they arrive in Shrek’s swamp. Shrek leaves his home in search of Farqaad to put things right, along the way, he will meet Donkey (Brandon Lee Sears) and eventually, the beautiful but cursed Princess Fiona (Joannae Clifton).

Shrek the film was released in 2001, it was a computer-animated fantasy/ comedy film which altered the world of fairytales, giving it a post-modern twist, filling the characters with neuroses and internal angst for comedic purposes. The film starred Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, and John Lithgow as the evil Lord Farquaad. it went on to spawn three sequels and there was also a spin-off series in the form of Puss in Boots. The latest film in that series, The Last Wish was released just last year.

While there are few household names amongst the cast of this production, they are all regulars on the West End stages. Possibly the best known in the cast is Joanne Clifton who plays Fiona, who is known for her time as a professional dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Brandon Lee Sears provides much of the comedy as Donkey, and the little girl in the row behind me screamed ‘Don’t go, Donkey’ every time he left the stage! Also, a special mention for Cherece Richards who plays Dragon. She has one show-stopping song in the first Act, and she is a name that could go on to great things! There is a large ensemble cast, and you get to meet all the characters you’re familiar with from the film. There are even some puppets with the Gingerbread man appearing in several scenes. The large flying dragon puppet required a team of puppeteers to operate it.

This is enjoyable family entertainment and much like the original films, there is something for parents as well as their kids. One surprising aspect was the quality of the dance numbers, with some great movent from the full cast. The musical numbers vary in style, with some traditional musical theatre tunes along with songs from different genres. The cast all wear microphones and the volume is quite loud at times, similar to a rock concert! If you’re expecting the songs from the film, you might be disappointed as they’re quite different (with new music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.), but I’m a Believer does make an appearance during the final moments of the play. If you’re looking for a family-friendly piece, this delivers laughs and some easy-listening tunes to put smiles on many a young face.