If you’ve somehow you’ve missed Shrek at the cinema, West End stage or on tour, then your luck is in because the famous animated film, and now musical, is on at Oxford’s New Theatre all week.
For most of us though it’s a trot up memory lane; a light-hearted, easily accessible romp through swamps and castles, dastardly knights, evil nursery rhyme characters, talking donkeys and aggressive ogres, to win the ultimate prize – the hand of Princess Fiona.
Except of course nothing is at it seems, which is only exemplified in the musical, the endlessly all-singing all-dancing parade of strange and unlikely personalities pouring onto stage in a constant torrent of comedic moments, cleverly choreographed moves and big chorus numbers.
Throw in an impressive set, hilarious costumes, laughter, jokes for the adults, constant farting and burping for the kids, some mighty fine singing, a dazzling array of dance from tap to freestyle, puppetry, twerking mice, and of course some serious Scottish accents, and you’re all set for a night of high entertainment.
The audience loved every moment singing along with all their might, on their feet by the end to reward the cast, headed up by Strictly’s Joanna Clifton and Antony Lawrence, with a standing ovation.
Lord Farqaad (played by James Gillan) was as iconic as usual, arriving on stage by scooter, the entire audience roaring with laughter at his antics. Donkey (Brendon Lee Sears) was as hilarious as always and vocally Dragon (Cherece Richards) and Gingy (Georgie Buckland) totally stole the show, and will no doubt be picked up for more mainstream parts very soon.
But the real beauty of Shrek The Musical is that it really does suit every age group, with something for everyone, so whether you’ve seen it before or not, get down to the New Theatre this week for some sheer, unadulterated fun.
Bea Payne
Shrek The Musical is at New Theatre Oxford until Sunday September 24. Book at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/shrek-the-musical/new-theatre-oxford/
