Book and Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire
Music: Jeanine Tesori
Directors: Samuel Holmes and Nick Winston
The nice large inexperienced ogre is again in Glasgow on the newest leg of the UK tour of Shrek: The Musical.
Based on the 2001 Dreamworks film, in flip impressed by William Steig’s 1990, fantasy-comedy, image e book, this stage adaptation first appeared on Broadway in 2008. The present has efficiently toured the UK since leaving the West End in 2013.
The storyline faithfully follows that of the film with unique songs by Jeanine Tesori interspersed all through the motion, slightly than acquainted pop requirements. Tesori’s songs are sufficiently diversified and pleasing to the ear, advancing the storyline successfully with many giving amusing nods to different Broadway big-hitters, Dreamgirls and Wicked to call a pair.
The present retains the warm-hearted, irreverent, celebratory tone of the film, with the higher message of what actually mattes is what’s in our hearts, remaining unchanged.
On being landed with the whole fairy story inhabitants of Duloc on his doorstep after their eviction from the dominion, Shrek embarks on a quest to get his land again. A deal is struck with the comically evil Lord Farquaad to search out Princess Fiona in order that Farquaad can marry her and fulfil his want to be king of the citadel. The path of real love is rarely easy and nothing is because it appears on the floor. Will everybody’s secrets and techniques be revealed? Will real love prevail?
Antony Lawrence is an amiable, participating Shrek, touchdown his comedian traces properly and delivering the fart and belching antics on level, a lot to the delight of the tiniest viewers members. Stand-out although is Joanne Clifton’s Princess Fiona, in addition to the world champion normal dancing, Clifton has a formidable voice and is a advantageous comedian actress. Shrek’s notorious and undesirable facet kick donkey is ably performed by Brandon Lee Sears. A change from earlier productions is the choice to play Farquaad as a mean sized particular person slightly than the diminutive characterisation within the film and former excursions. While James Gillan provides it loads of camp, it does render the size-jokes totally redundant. It doesn’t ship the tear-inducing laughs it has beforehand.
The supporting solid are universally wonderful, the vitality ranges and dedication to their roles unwavering all through. Another knock-out is Cherece Richards whose vocals because the Dragon are goose bump-inducing.
If it’s a heart-warming evening of continuous leisure you’re after for all of the household, then look no additional.
Runs till 20 January 2024 and continues touring | Image: Contributed
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