Shrek The Musical is on stage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre this week
FAIRYTALE fables were reimagined as the world’s favourite ogre erupted onstage at Southampton Mayflower theatre for the joyful and captivating production of Shrek The Musical.
Energetic, bold and lavishly designed, the sold-out Mayflower audiences showed that even 22 years on from the release of the original Dreamworks animated film, the appeal of green anti-hero and his band of fairytale misfits, shows no sign of waning.
The masterful use of brilliant staging and animations bring the production to life, without overcrowding the sometimes busy stage, and the use of puppetry – especially for the fearsome dragon, was a masterstroke.
The latest all-singing, all-dancing incarnation was utterly irresistible with beautiful sets, magnificent costumes and an array of special effects designed to dazzle and delight. But much more than that, it was the spellbinding performances of the superb cast and ensemble which elevated this show to epic heights.
At seven years old Shrek was forced to leave home and fend for himself in a swamp. Encounters with outsiders had not gone well, so he chooses solitude as a way to protect his heart. However, the arrival of a band of fairytale misfits who have been banished by the evil Lord Farquaad, forces Shrek to leave his sanctuary in a bid to get his swamp back.
Joined by his trusty sidekick Donkey, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona from a fearsome dragon, so Lord Farquaad can marry her and become king.
Stepping into the lovable ogre’s oversized boots, Antony Lawrence demonstrated huge stage presence and energy, while also managing to perfectly convey the tenderness and vulnerability that Shrek tries so hard to hide. His rendition of ‘Who I’d Be’ was completely mesmerising, perfectly demonstrating the many dimensions of Shrek’s character.
Joanne Clifton was absolutely faultless in the role of Princess Fiona combining a wonderful voice with dazzling dance moves and superb comic timing. The scene where she and Shrek bond over a belching and farting contest, had my seven-year-old son doubled over with laughter! Completing the trio was the brilliantly sassy Brandon Lee Sears as Donkey, who definitely brings elements of Eddie Murphy’s characterisation, while making the role his own with hilarious dance moves and wonderful vocals.
Meanwhile, James Gillian as Lord Farquaad was suitably camp with frequent hair tossing and costumes changes. The remaining team of fairytale characters were flawless, particularly Cherece Richards as the wonderful dragon with powerful vocals and huge stage presence, and Georgie Buckland as the voice of Gingy – my son favourite character in the show!
As in all good fairytales it was a happily-ever-after ending for the unlikely heroes and an electrifying full cast rendition of I’m a Believer ended the show on a high.
Shrek The Musical is at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until Sunday 25th February. Tickets are from £24.50. For more information visit www.mayflower.org.uk
