Shrek the Musical is a fantastic feel good fairytale family show, full of colourful characters and memorable music.
The jolly green giant ogre that is Shrek is sent away from home to fend for himself, where he enjoys his solitary swamp life existence with total freedom to live as he pleases with nobody to disturb him.
However, his blissful reality is crushed when an eclectic ensemble of fairytale mortals descend on his land, all sent on the orders of Lord Farquaad from his large Kingdom.
An unhappy Shrek takes off to challenge his lordship, and in doing so meets a talkative Donkey on the way who’s determined to tag along with him.
On meeting the Lord Farquaad, he charges the ogre with rescuing Princess Fiona from her dragon protected tower, so he can marry her and finally become the king he yearns to be.
If Shrek agrees to do so, his lordship will agree to return the swamp back to tranquillity.
Shrek agrees to the challenge and with his annoyingly friendly ass in tow, they embark on a life changing adventure where they encounter an array of our favourite fairytale characters.
The set and sound on this show is on a West End level: The clarity of the musical score and live band was outstanding as was the scene transitions by cleverly using projections of scenescapes that invited the audience into this superb surreal storybook.
The leading actors gelled and shone throughout, as did the entire cast. No weak links, just a unified and talented ensemble who were clearly enjoying the show as much as the audience.
Stand outs were Anthony Lawrence and Joanne Clifton as Shrek and the Princess, while Brandon Lee Sears as the engaging Donkey and Cheree Richard's Dragon exploits engaged throughout. But as I mentioned, for me personally it was the show’s set design, musical technicians and musicians who made this show such an invigorating affair.
An all ages audience collectively escaped into a world of make believe that included farting gags, impressive dance routines and great selection of original songs.
This marvellous musical finished off with the entire audience giving a standing ovation while rocking to an all cast rendition of ‘I’m A Believer’ leaving me with not a trace of doubt in my mind that Shrek the musical has to be seen.
Don’t miss it!
Listings
Performances: Tue 27 Feb - Sun 3 Mar 2024
Tickets: From £13*
General bookings: 0844 871 7615*
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/shrek-the-musical/milton-keynes-theatre/*
*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
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