3.0 out of 5 star rating
As a devoted fan of musical theater and all things Shrek, I must admit that my excitement for this revival was palpable. Antony Lawrence, Joanne Clifton, Todrick Hall, and James Gillan delivered captivating performances that truly brought the characters to life. However, the script and jokes seemed to miss their mark, often relying on quick, nonsensical humor.
When word got out that Shrek the Musical was making a comeback in London for a brief spell, enthusiasts of the cherished animated character were overjoyed. While the musical garnered numerous accolades during its initial runs in London and on Broadway, with millions of streamed soundtracks online, the more recent production has failed to impress.
In a stunning display of performance, Antony Lawrence, Joanne Clifton, Todrick Hall, and James Gillan shine brightly in the show. However, it’s the script and humor that falter, frequently requiring audience interaction for laughs that generally fail to resonate or cohere effectively.
Lawrence’s portrayal of Shrek is formidable, yet he brings a tender vulnerability to the character, revealing a Shrek yearning for love beneath his gruff exterior – thanks to the reinvention of “Build a Wall,” despite the alterations made in the lyrics.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve got to hand it to Lawrence for breathing such depth into Shrek, making the grumpy ogre more than just a frightening creature. He masterfully portrayed Shrek as a misunderstood fairytale character with a heart of gold and a truckload of emotional baggage. His stirring performances in “When Words Fail” and “Big Bright Beautiful World” allowed us viewers to forge an intimate bond with the green guy, truly feeling his struggles and triumphs.
Just as in the movie, Shrek and Fiona embarked on a journey back to Duloc, discovering camaraderie en route, and their affection for each other became quite apparent.
Despite an intended heartwarming setup, the dynamic between Clifton and Lawrence seems lacking in chemistry, making it challenging for the audience to fully embrace Shrek and Fiona’s romantic tale.
A notable moment in the musical is I Think I Got You Beat, which ends in Fiona soiling herself… While it undoubtedly received plenty of laughs from younger members of the audience, is toilet humour the way to win people round?
In my humble opinion, I must admit that Joanne Clifton, much like no other, showcases an extraordinary trio of talents in “Morning Person”. As a seasoned Strictly Come Dancing professional, she dazzled us with her dance prowess during the lively sequence, leaving me awestruck and appreciative.
Although a few debatable lines persist in Fiona’s songs, such as one where she hints at possibly being “slightly bipolar”, Clifton captivates the crowd with her powerful singing and an endearing, slightly snarky interpretation of Princess Fiona.
Without a doubt, Cherece Richards steals the limelight in this production, embodying the Dragon. She initially appears as the Wicked Witch when the fairy tale figures are banished to the swamp. However, she truly captivates during her solo performance in “Forever”, offering an exhilarating deviation from the original’s “Donkey Pot Pie”.
At the conclusion of her act, it was clear that everyone was thoroughly pleased as they enthusiastically applauded, for Richard had undeniably outshone others, and a remarkable dragon puppet accompanied her during her stage traversal.
In the revised versions, unlike before, Lord Farquaad is no longer depicted kneeling; instead, James Gillan portrays him standing tall. This could be a recognition of evolving societal perspectives over time.
Instead, Gillan’s portrayal of Farquaad as a mischievous genius with an effervescent flair surprisingly endears you to him. While his performances across the play are unforgettable, his frequent hair flicks – though charming initially – can become repetitive after a while.
As a die-hard fan, I can attest that Todrick Hall never fails to impress when it comes to commanding the stage. Case in point: Shrek the Musical. His rendition of the beloved sidekick had me and the rest of the audience rolling with laughter, thanks to his clever wit and impeccable comedic timing.
In the enchanting film “Make a Move,” I found myself utterly captivated by John Leguizamo’s portrayal of Donkey. His character truly showcased his vibrant personality, making it impossible not to cheer for both Shrek and Fiona!
Without neglecting the ensemble, every member shone brilliantly in their respective roles. From a storybook character one moment to a captive in the dragon’s lair the next, each actor kept viewers engaged by committing fully to every performance.
Although the program draws much of its appeal from its nostalgic value, attracting fans who remember its humorous scenes from the movie, it’s hard not to notice its efforts to adapt to contemporary times.
Throughout the program, there are mentions of Jude Bellingham, Farquard frequently snaps selfies, rides an electric scooter, and makes a questionable jest regarding baby reindeer that creates an uncomfortable vibe among the spectators.
Thanks to Philip Witcomb’s creative touch, the costumes and sets are truly unforgettable. Although the show leans heavily on video projections for some musical elements, the designs of Shrek’s swamp, Fiona’s tower, and parts of Duloc more than compensate for it.
Despite Shrek the Musical being enjoyable for everyone in the family, there might be room for improvement, such as going back to revise certain aspects. However, it still retains the enchanting qualities of the original films, leaving you eager to watch them again.
In the realm I’m enthusiastic about, you’ll find a wealth of theatrical delights over at the ‘Going Out’ segment. As a supporter, I can confidently say that it’s brimming with top-notch children’s theatre performances and some of the finest touring musicals the UK has to offer!
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2024-07-31 16:34