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    18:00 - The Wonderful World Of Musicals (Adrian & Fizz) 09 JUL 2024

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Reviews

Shrek

today29/07/2024 38

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Shrek and the fairy tale company have been on a huge tour around the regional theatres since the spring of 2023 and now at the end of its journey it has taken up a summer residence at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, West London.

This production has all the glamour of a West End show. Excellent direction and tight choreography by Samuel Holmes and Nick Winston that still feels fresh after a long year on the road. This is enhanced by high quality sets and costumes designed by Philip Witcomb.

Leading the talented cast is Antony Lawrence (Shrek) and Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona). The former looking to live in his swamp undisturbed whilst the latter waits locked away in a high tower to be rescued by her true love. They are thrown together after Lord Farquaad banishes a gaggle of Fairy Tale characters into Shrek’s swamp land. To get his home back, Farquaad insists Shrek must rescue the Princess, he will then marry her and become King. Clifton and Lawrence deliver the dialogue and songs with conviction. In lesser hands the book might feel weak, but these two are able to plug the gaps and keep the story flowing even when there is no obvious libretto to work with.

Speaking of masterful portrayal (although that is definitely the wrong adjective at this stage), I should give a big shout out to James Gillan who plays the oh-so camp Farquaad. He is more worried about what he is wearing and the swish of his hair than anything else. As he skips across the stage we are left in no doubt he is only interested in Fiona for her title which will elevate his status and stature.

Having named these individuals, Shrek the musical really is a company piece. They inject pace and a campness that keeps you wondering what they will come up with next? However, there are some problems with Shrek. Based, as it is, on the animated films, the stage show has abandoned the jukebox-musical-genre in favour of songs written for the musical. (Some of which we play regularly on Box Office Radio). However well performed, none of them have the same impact as the pop and rock numbers of the original film. This is amplified by the use of ‘I’m a Believer’ lifted from the film and used in the encores, bringing the house down. Also, the show suffers from an identity crisis. Is it a children’s show, a grown-up musical based on a fairy tale or a pantomime? It doesn’t quite fit into any genre neatly leaving us, the audience, wondering how to respond with what’s happening on stage. (Although admittedly the two young people sat next to me seemed to have no such qualms).

Finally, I would suggest the vastness of the Apollo auditorium does nothing to help the company. All intimacy with the work and the cast is lost by the cavernous space we are sat in, and I was only a few rows away from the stage!

In summary this production of Shrek is worthy of a five star rating, but based on a 3 star book. I therefore would suggest its worth 4 stars but would encourage you to see for yourself – for a fun night at the theatre for all the family.

This show was reviewed on the 27th July 2024 at the Eventim Apollo where it runs until the 31st August 2024.  Tickets available here: Eventim Apollo | Shrek The Musical

**** stars

Paul Wood

Join Paul every Saturday and Sunday from 7am for the ‘Weekend Breakfast Show’ here on Box Office Radio

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Photo credit: Pamela Raith

Written by: Emma Rowley

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