We couldn’t wait to see Shrek the Musical, not least because we know all the movies backwards.
You don’t need me to tell you the plot, because it pretty much follows the first movie. There are lots of fart jokes. And there’s lots and lots of singing (fortunately most of the songs are instantly catchy.)
The cast are amazing. Nigel Lindsay as Shrek does a Scottish accent that sounds nothing like Mike Myers but he’s still fab; Richard Blackwood is very funny as Donkey.
But for us the total revelations where Amanda Holden as Princess Fiona – she has an incredible voice (and her legs, just wow. She’s also very good at farting. And burping. Who knew?) And Nigel Harman, who you may remember as Dennis in EastEnders, as the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad. He spends most of his time on his knees with a false set of limbs which he uses to great comedic effect, and he’s absolutely genius.
We were also impressed by the wonderful Landi Oshinowo as the voice of the Dragon – she has a big voice and she should be a big star.
Shrek the Musical is quite pacey, with only a few slightly slow scenes, and the sets are just brilliant. I wouldn’t recommend it for children younger than eight however (and under-fours aren’t allowed in at all); it is funny, but alot of the humour is quite sophisticated (apart from the fart jokes), and unless you have really good seats they won’t be able to see properly.
At times it feels a little like a pantomime, but there isn’t any audience participation required (apart from clapping and laughing). You’re allowed to take drinks in to the theatre and the emphasis is very definitely on having a good time. My advice is to go along with it.
*Shrek the Musical is on now at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.