Shrek The Musical Review

Shrek and Fiona in Shrek The Musical

Shrek the Musical is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film Shrek with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. The original Broadway production opened in 2008 and ran for just over 12 months. Since then a revamped production ran in the West End from 2011 to 2013 and the show has embarked on multiple tours.

This interpretation is brought to life by a new creative team, led by director and choreographer Nick Winston. As a huge fan of the musical score I was very excited to see this fun and wacky musical live on stage but unfortunately was left disappointed.

This run at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith comes of the back of a UK tour and it very much felt like it. It seemed as if the production team had done everything they could to cut costs. There was little to no set and they used bad quality projections to make up for this. They also removed the use of child actors meaning young Fiona was played by an adult, which felt strangely jarring. The costumes however, designed by Philip Witcombe were everything I wanted them to be and more. A small saving grace in what is otherwise a poorly designed show.

When the musical first opened the actor who played Lord Farquaad performed on his knees and played off the fact that he was the son of Grumpy, one of the seven dwarves. This production decided against this for obvious reasons but instead played off the idea that he was a closeted gay man instead. They replaced the height jokes with many innuendos, which felt just as bad. This seemed like a strange decision when they left in jokes about mental health and weight.

Antony Lawrence and Joanne Clifton are acceptable as leads Shrek and Fiona but seemed to lack the chemistry needed to pull of the onstage pairing. Their duet of ‘I think I Got You Beat’ is normally a highlight of the show but this time fell flat. Todrick Hall as Donkey seemed to carry the cast - this may be because he is the only principal cast member who was not on tour with them and so brings a new lease of life to the production. He delivers every line with brilliant comic timing and steals the scene every time he’s on stage. However the standout cast member has to be Cherece Richards as the Dragon who’s incredible vocals steal the show hands down.

Shrek The Musical will still be a hit with families across the board who want to see something fun and silly this Summer. Unfortunately there is nothing fresh or exciting about this new revival and I can’t see it getting another one anytime soon.

Shrek The Musical is currently playing at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith and runs until 31 August 2024.