PERFORMANCE RUN: Wed 30 September - Sun 11 October 2015

PERFORMANCE REVIEWED: Thurs 1 October 2015 (Press Night)

Shrek the Musical was always going to be a relatively easy sell, given the overwhelming popularity of the film franchise that has come before it, but forging a successful musical in and of itself was not necessarily so sure a bet. The first instalment, released back in 2001 (shockingly!) was a fresh, unexpected riff on the fairytales of old and their twee, sugar-coated Disney re-imaginings. Witty, playful, irreverent and just teetering on the edge of adult cheekiness, it hit the perfect balance of appeal for young and old alike, striking a chord with viewers and remaining a firm favourite ever since, even despite it’s sequels-of-diminishing-returns. So much of Shrek’s dialogue, humour and characters have become so instantly recognisable, quotable and inimitable that it was difficult to imagine a stage-bound musical adaptation being anything other than a slavishly loyal re-tread with key sequences stretched out to accommodate a showtune or 17.

Fortunately, Shrek the Musical manages to mostly carve out its own identity, whilst additional seeing fit to rekindle a dash of the originals’ wit and post-modern ingenuity by turning it’s parodic, referential gaze to the new realm in which it has nestled; the Broadway/West End musical. It also very welcomely peels back a few more of those ‘onion’ layers with it’s key characters, it’s leads Shrek (Dean Chisnall) and Fiona (Bronté Barbé), for instance, given slightly more established backstories that instantly cement them as kindred spirits. It’s a dash of embellishment and development that ends up proving quite inspired; a neat touch that is now conspicuous in its obviousness yet absence in the original movie. Villain-of-the-piece Lord Farquaad (Gerard Carey), meanwhile, is similarly given some exposition which, rife with irony and allusions to the fairytale creatures he is so intent on expelling from his kingdom, is again a clever, illuminating addition.

With the exception of these extra character beats, naturally most of which are explored or given extra weight in song, the story mostly follows the plot of the original movie relatively unaltered. Shrek - an outcast, irritable ogre living a life of solitude and grimy excess in a swamp, is forced to rescue the imprisoned Princess Fiona in order to win back his home after it is invaded by a menagerie of evicted fairytale misfits. Along the way he befriends a wise-cracking talking donkey (Idriss Kargbo), must overcome the machinations of the diminutive Farquaad, engages in plenty of child-friendly toilet humour, and generally becomes embroiled in a quirky love story which once again extolls the virtues of internal beauty and that age-old beaten mantra of not judging a book by it’s green, garish cover. Back in 2001 this was a breathe of fresh air against the waning saccharine last gasps of the second Disney renaissance, but fourteen years later with three Shrek sequels, countless shorts and a plethora of more inventive and original outings in both film and theatre having come since (mostly courtesy of Pixar), the show’s story and message comes across here as assuringly familiar rather than the inventive, somewhat satirical reversal it once was.

Much the same can be said of David Lindsey-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s score and lyrics, which, whilst suitably peppy and featuring one or two notably witty numbers (mostly assigned to either Fiona or Farquaad), don’t quite convince of the need for the story to be given the musical treatment. As mentioned, there is some neat character development, and plenty of fun to be had throughout, including musical references to the likes of Wicked, Dreamgirls, Gypsy and even Once Upon a Mattress knowingly scattered throughout that is in keeping with the referential tone (and will surely be appreciated by musical afficianados), but overall the music ends up falling closer to Harry Hill (who lends a vocal cameo) than the Monty Python it seemed to be aiming for.

Fortunately, there is plenty more invention in the stage design and visuals. From Tim Hatley’s vibrant, whimsical stage and costume design that slightly heightens the more naturalistic aesthetics of the original film, through to Naomi Donne’s fantastic make-up design for the assortment of characters throughout, Shrek the Musical is very easy on the eyes. Again, as with the soundtrack, there are plenty of winks and nudges elsewhere in the design, including a great spin on the iconic ‘Cosette’ imagery from Les Miserables during an Act 2 number. 

One real sequence of visual delight is undoubtedly the superb puppetry work done in bringing the character of ‘Dragon’ to life, which, coupled with Christina Modestou’s stunning vocals in the performance reviewed and one of the show’s strongest numbers (‘Forever’, a brilliant mo-town/soul belter) makes it one of the highlights of the entire show.

Similarly impressive are the central performances, with Dean Chisnall continuing to prove himself to be the perfect choice for the titular role which he has played on and off since 2012. Leaning on Mike Myers’ original vocal performance without being too dependent on it, he’s an engaging lead, arguably lending the character a slightly softer, more sensitive edge. Idriss Kargbo is a spirited, soulful Donkey, mining plenty of humour from the role, not only avoiding any overt Eddie Murphy mimicry but also managing to find some quirks and idioms all of his own (‘Eeyore!’). 

Bronté Barbé, meanwhile, is a wonderful, fabulously animated Fiona, and in some ways was the most surprising of the core players - nailing the comedic beats of a character which in the past has too often been played too soft or flighty and has fizzled out in comparison to the bigger characters around her. Barbé, conversely, totally owns the role and gives a fantastic performance which truly elevated itself above any of the previous Fiona’s, be they on tour or in the West End. Surely great things await the talented young performer.

Extra props must also go to the eclectic, talented company, most of whom take on the duty of two or more roles throughout, and particularly talented young local performers Megan Doyle and Phoebe Sennett, who stole laughs, scenes and hearts aplenty in their roles as Young Fiona and Shrek, not to mention a surprise appearance from a certain parental Dwarf.

Ruling the roost however, albeit not on high, is the hilarious Gerard Carey, who is uproariously funny in the show’s best realised character, Lord Farquaad. Helped in large by the brilliant, instantly-hilarious visual interpretation of the small-in-stature despot, Carey nonetheless only builds upon this with razor-sharp comic timing, some terrific asides and physical comedy, and an overall laugh-out-loud turn that brightens up the already-luminous stage whenever he appears. There’s a soupçon of John Lythgoe in there, but overall credit must go to Carey as MVP with the production’s most consistently enjoyable, engaging and hilarious performance that easily steals the entire show.

Ultimately, for all praise or critique, Shrek the Musical generally succeeds as an entertaining, occasionally dazzling musical experience that will certainly engage a younger audience. Carey and Barbé both excel in bringing assured, comedic performances that are just the right side of knowing to remain constantly funny for the adults, whilst Chisnall’s familiarity with the role makes him a strong core for the production without ever seeming fatigued or overly familiar with the material. Whilst it may not be as clever or resonant as the film which inspired it, it is colourful, lively, frequently funny and bounces along at a swift pace with some fun (if unambitious) tunes throughout. If you are looking for the perfect introductory experience to theatre and musicals for all the family, young and old alike, then you will likely find everything you need, and maybe even a dash of something more, by seeking out Shrek the Musical.

Just be forewarned… it may be green and noxious.

 

RATING - ★★★★

 

SHREK THE MUSICAL is running at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Wednesday 30 September to Sunday 11 October 2015.

CLICK HERE for more information on the show's run at the Grand and to book your own tickets!

Alternatively, telephone the theatre's Box Office direct on 01902 429212.

 

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Press tickets for this performance of SHREK THE MUSICAL were provided courtesy of the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre directly. The author gratefully acknowledges their generous invitation.