Shrek the Musical is fun. Feeling rather optimistic about seeing the production it was refreshing to see such an innovative take on a film which was grounding breaking in both animation and child/adult comedy genres. The play does have flaws, but then when you are laughing uncontrollably it is unlikely those shadows will haunt your mind for long in this excellent performance.
The story is essentially the film. The edits which are made do fit well, adding a focus to the ‘freaks’ and their freedom, both literally and metaphorically, and whilst the feeling of being yourself no matter what is nice, it does feel more catered towards the younger audience.
The music, however, does move heavily away from the film, a factor which has both pros and cons. For a film soundtrack which, perhaps surprisingly, was so popular when released certain people may feel an absence and disappointment that Shrek is singing a new power ballad rather than looking glum to the melancholic ‘Hallelujah’. But this flaw represents a poor attitude to take, as the music composed both fits more appropriately to the action and complements the comedy and superb singing skills. Moreover for those real diehard fans ‘I’m a Believer’ has a killer curtain call which will likely have the upper raptures toe-tapping and humming along.
The characters are based on fairytale creatures and thus offer a beautiful creative range which is explored to the maximum.
But where the musical shines is design. Immediately you can tell that this performance has been moved from the West End because the overall technical aspect is fantastic. The set is polished and flows with a seamless ease, impressive from curtains open to curtains close. From swamp to castle, the ability to swap locations is practiced and brings refreshing colour to a period where plays rely so heavily on darker repertoires.
Furthermore costume is sublime. The characters are based on fairytale creatures after all, and thus offer a beautiful creative range which is explored to the maximum. Pinocchio, 3 Little Pigs and ogres all come to life on the stage and feel believable. But what is the most impressive element for me is the sheer ingenuity behind the designs, not merely relying on make-up or masks. The audience witnesses puppetry, ventriloquism and full body transformations to name but a few. Particular mention has to go to Lord Farquaad and the Gingerbread Man, whose whole characters are so well conceived and hilarious that they light up the stage with just their presence. Also the dragon is a sight to be seen. Fact.
It is a play which does not take itself seriously – for the better.
The actors must also have credit where credit is due. Shrek and Fiona (Dean Chisnalland Faye Brookes respectively)
were both impressive; humorous with the drop of lonesomeness which comes from their saddened existences. Both also pack a fierce punch vocally, although Brookes clearly has the outline of a trained Broadway singer (easily projecting her voice into the power ballads of the higher register numbers).
Idriss Kargbo as Donkey definitely has the eccentricity of the role, although his annoyance did sometimes come across as being annoying annoying rather than funny annoying. This might be a result personally of searching for Eddie Murphy within the role (a flaw of a good film and not the actor himself). However the standout again comes in the role of Lord Farquaad played by Gerard Carey. For a man with a huge power complex, witty one-liners and huge potential for physical and gestural humour, Carey exhibits and uses the chances perfectly.
Shrek the Musical in a nutshell is the film. It uses lines, songs and jokes which for fans of the film is great, seeing as the film caters humour for such a wide range of audience. Whilst at times the play did feel it was dumbing down to child humour, it then sparked a glimpse of adult humour which lightens it up. Ultimately it is a play which does not take itself seriously – for the better. When a play can parody Les Miserables, Wicked and The Lion King along with itself, then it is a chance to experience a highly enjoyable and professional production.
James Hamilton
Shrek the Musical runs at the Theatre Royal until Sunday 28th September.
