Shrek the Musical

Willoughby Theatre Company’s production of Shrek, the classic family movie turned stage musical, was a delightful experience on a mammoth scale, with production values on a par with professional theatre I have seen of late.

The Ogre, Shrek, lives alone happily in his swamp until it’s taken over by a group of fairy tale characters, banished from their homes by the evil Lord Farquaad. Shrek sets out on a quest at the command of Farquaad to deliver him the Princess Fiona, who he means to marry. In reward, Shrek will get his swamp back. Along the way he encounters Donkey, who annoyingly persuades Shrek to accompany him on the quest for the Princess. First they must get past the fire breathing Dragon that is guarding the Princess’s tower. Once they rescue Princess Fiona, Shrek finds out she is not the usual fairy tale Princess he expected (with her own secret). They develop an unexpected fondness for each other along the trip back to Duloc Castle and Farquaad. Meanwhile the banished characters join together to get revenge on the Lord. A happy ending ensues and there is sweet message throughout the show of “to be loved and accepted”.

Willoughby have brought together a highly experienced team to stage Shrek - Declan Moore as Director, Alex Ash as MD, Matt Hourigan and Amy Curtin as Co-Choreographers and Caz Curtin as Assistant Director. Moore has utilised the space at the Concourse to full effect, squeezing out every ounce of comedy and heart the script entails. This type of show could have been played like a pantomime if pushed too far and delivered the wrong way. Moore and his team made sure this wasn’t the case. Alex Ash’s large 16 piece orchestra played the upbeat Broadway sounding numbers consistently to perfection. Hourigan and Curtin provided their cast with some highly physical styled chorey in all ensemble numbers which they performed sensationally. The number “Freak Flag” was particularly eye catching and performed by the energetic ensemble cast of fairy tale characters.

in the demanding lead role of Shrek, Jeremy Curtin translated the movie character to the stage with a sincerity that made you feel for him even when he was displaying Shrek’s grumpier side. The Scottish accent Curtin delivered was consistent and only faltered slightly in music numbers. His stage chemistry with Adam Haynes and Nikole Music as \Donkey and Fiona respectively was very prominent. The number “When words fail” was sung perfectly by Curtin with the just right amount of emotion required. Haynes in the physically challenging role of Donkey made famous by Eddie Murphy was thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end and even when not at centre stage with Shrek or Fiona was constantly acting the part. His scene with Linda Hale as Dragon was a memorable one.

After playing Elphaba in last years Wicked, Nikole Music Shone again in partial green. Her character Fiona had lots of sass and cheese when needed and her vocals and dance skills were flawless, highlighted in the number “Morning Person”. Mike Curtin was freakishly hilarious as the eccentric villain, Lord Farquaad, and seemed to have a million facial expressions with each movement. His number “What’s Up Duloc” stole the show, with the audience in stitches throughout. Other cast worthy of mention were Linda Hale as Dragon and Mackinnley Bowden as Pinocchio, each bringing their characters to life strongly.

All the technical elements of the production looked straight out of a professional season. The set design by Josh McIntosh included some gem pieces like the inside of Fiona’s castle and the Duloc scenes. The banners of Farquaad’s facial expressions in Duloc were special extras provided by Scott Richmond. The costumes by Audrey Currie and Rachael Adams were brilliant, from Shrek’s head piece to Fiona’s green dress; the show wouldn’t have been the same without the enormous amount of outstanding costumes.

Willoughby Theatre Company have presented the musical adaptation of the beloved tale exceptionally well, and all involved deserve sell out performances throughout their three weekend run.

James Russell