THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

Having finally made the jump across the pond from Broadway, is based on the Oscar-winning Dreamworks animated film, Rob Ashford and Jason Moore have successfully taken a potential special effects nightmare and translated it to a fulfilling story-based production with a shining original score.

The opening scene takes us to a shelf filled with giant story books. One slowly opens,  from where our hero Shrek (Nigel Lindsay) lumbers out to cheers from the audience. Princess Fiona (Amanda Holden) karate-kicks her way out through another novel - to even bigger screams of recognition. The opening number is surprisingly poignant, telling in parallel how both characters ended up in their current situations.

Nigel Harman, most known as the brooding Dennis Rickman in Eastenders, is almost unrecognisable  as the outrageously camp and frustrated Lord Faarquard. His was probably the most challenging role of all, having to perform for the most part on his knees (his lower legs concealed by a pair of short pantomime legs), together with a powerful singing voice and well-timed physical comedy. One moment that stands out is his awkward proposal to Fiona, almost doing the splits in the process.

Amanda Holden holds her own too, proving why she is more than qualified in her judging role on Britain’s Got Talent. Her singing, although strained at times was for the most part strong, and her ability to tap dance with a troupe of tuxedo-wearing rats left the audience whooping for more.

From the outset, theatre veteran Nigel Lindsay projects a more gentle and cuddly Shrek than Mike Myer’s incarnation in the films, winning over his audience with a slight awkward gruffness rather than sulky menace.

Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Donkey, played by comedian and ex-MTV presenter Richard Blackwood. With a voice not suited to singing or American accents, he appeared to emulate Eddie Murphy playing Donkey, rather than making the role his own.

The supporting cast deserve more than a mere mention - playing multiple roles, they positively shine during numbers where none of the main characters appear; ‘Story of My Life’ was particularly catchy. A special mention goes to the dishevelled-looking Sugar Plum Fairy, who also lent a convincing trill to the Gingerbread Man.


The backdrops and props were understated and simple, allowing the focus to centre on the actors. Two notable exceptions were the huge puppet dragon, and jaw-dropping collapsing rope bridge, which smoothly erected itself and disappeared into the stage again whilst Shrek and Donkey were still on board. Genius.

With tonnes of cheeky comedy, a touch of poignancy and some incredible tunes, this will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Just mind the kids trying to copy the farting and burping jokes.

Audience:
Shrek The Musical is a perfect musical comedy for the family. From flatulence jokes to entertain the kids, to the odd saucy joke squared at the adults, there is nothing that is going to alarm younger audiences.

Theatre:
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the perfect venue for it in the heart of Covent Garden, (not least because it’s the home of the Muffin Man. ‘Who? The Muffin Man of Drury Lane!’). The front of the Dress Circle offers the very best view from which to take in the action on the stage and a large character swooping over the audience.