It's good to be different!
Shrek the Musical at the Royal Spa Centre, Leamington. From Tuesday 11 March to Saturday 15 March.
Review by Heidi Barber.
Probably best remembered as the 2001 Dreamworks Animation film that spurned numerous sequels, Shrek is essentially a tale involving a mean lord who exiles fairytale creatures to the swamp of a grumpy ogre, who must then go on a quest to get his land back. The ogre has to rescue a princess who will then marry the lord.
Admittedly, the author of the original book, William Steig, probably never imagined the story being turned into a musical for the stage, but this humorous tale of ‘being different’ translates perfectly in this version of the stage play performed by Leamington and Warwick Musical Society.
Matt Everitt is wonderful as Shrek and captures perfectly, the character of the grouchy ogre whose heart is melted by Princess Fiona (Libby Lowe). Libby as Fiona delivers a powerful vocal performance with her voice blending perfectly with Matt’s in their joint set pieces particularly in their Act 2 rendition of ‘I Think I Got You Beat’ (an updated take on the infamous Monty Python four Yorkshiremen sketch).
Connor Clemons manages to capture flawlessly the bold, sassy personality of Donkey and maintains the scratchy chemistry between his character and Shrek throughout the production.
Much of the comedy comes from Kieran Corrigan’s enjoyable portrayal of Lord Farquaad including some unscripted ad-libs when things went slightly awry with a large plastic horse.
There is much to enjoy in this show from the spectacular costumes to the energetic dance routines, the pace never lets up. Indeed, the whole cast demonstrate real enthusiasm and great vocals throughout. Whether you’re four or eighty-four, there’s so much to enjoy about Shrek the Musical. Catch it this week at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington.
Tickets for Shrek and more: https://warwickdc.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows
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