Shrek The Musical has returned to Glasgow from Mon 15 – Sat 20 January.
The show follows the plot of the original Shrek film where the titular ogre and his companion donkey are sent to rescue a princess from a fiery castle by the mischievous Lord Farquaad.
While the original UK tour was similar to the West End version, this new production plays around with the material a little more.
Gone are most of the panto-esque practical sets which have been replaced by projections. This worked for some parts, however, it felt lazy at others, especially when the Broadway and London versions had such stunning practical sets. The projections also blurred in and out of focus, especially when curtains were initially dropped which gave off a slight amateur feel.
Act 2 made use of more practical pieces — and the design was it at its strongest when blending practical sets with projected backdrops.
Another major change is Lord Farquaad. Traditionally played by a man on his knees with fake legs, this has been totally removed. James Gillan’s Farquaad is instead of height with the other characters. While his scene-stealing performance cannot be faulted, this affects some of the other material which has not been altered.
Shrek jokes to Donkey (in reference to Farquaad): “Do you think he might be compensating for something?”, which didn’t make as much sense without the context of his height & The Ballad of Farquaad, which reveals Farquaad’s father to be a dwarf (“Hi, Ho”) could have done with some lyrical changes.
There are some other minor differences – This Is How A Dream Comes True has been cut down (removing a fun chase sequence) and Shrek’s song Build A Wall has returned (which is one of Act 2’s best songs and an important character piece).
As for the cast, Antony Lawrence is fantastic as Shrek and plays off Brandon Lee Sears Donkey & Joanne Clifton’s Fiona effortlessly. He has excellent comedic timing and is provided plenty to show off his vocals, including the Act 1 closer Who I’d Be.
Clifton’s Fiona is full of energy, tapping her way through Morning Person and providing one of the best renditions of I Think I Got You Beat ever.
As for Brandon Lee Sears as Donkey, he provides Eddie Murphy with a challenge. His energy was boundless and he got the most laughs of the performance.
Despite some odd new production choices, Shrek The Musical is still a fantastical journey to a kingdom far, far away.
Catch its remaining shows at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow or at The Edinburgh Playhouse from Monday 22 Jan – Sat 27 Jan 2024.
Featured Image Credit: ATG Tickets
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