Shrek the Musical

The Alexandra Theatre

Birmingham

9th - 14th April 2024

Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale, Gavin Kalin and Laurence Myers present DreamWorks ‘Shrek the Musical.’

Based on on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig. Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and Music by Jeanine Tesori.

‘Shrek the Musical’ is a lively adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks animated film, following the journey of the titular ogre, Shrek (Antony Lawrence) as he embarks on a quest to reclaim his swamp from the villainous Lord Farquaad (James Gillam). Along the way, Shrek is accompanied by his chatty companion, Donkey (Brandon Lee Sears), and encounters a feisty princess named Fiona (Joanne Clifton), who has a secret of her own. Filled with humour, heart, and memorable songs, the musical explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and inner beauty, culminating in a fairy tale ending that celebrates being true to oneself. With dazzling costumes, imaginative sets, and a cast of colourful characters, ‘Shrek the Musical’ is a delightful and entertaining theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

Shrek, the central character in ‘Shrek the Musical,’ is a grumpy yet endearing ogre who prefers the solitude of his swamp to the company of others. Initially portrayed as a loner with a tough exterior, Shrek's journey throughout the musical reveals his softer, more compassionate side. Despite his intimidating appearance, Shrek is kind-hearted and fiercely loyal to those he cares about, especially his newfound friend Donkey. As the story unfolds, audiences witness Shrek's transformation from a reluctant hero to a courageous champion who learns to embrace his true self and accept love and friendship in unexpected places. With his witty humour, relatable vulnerabilities, and ultimately his big heart, Shrek captures the audience's empathy and leaves a lasting impression as a beloved and iconic character.

After twenty years Shrek’s popularity hasn’t wavered and is as popular as ever with a diverse age range within the auditorium. Fans of Shrek will be delighted that the musical has carefully followed and been true to the original motion picture incorporating many familiar scenes, including Fiona singing to the bird and Lord Farquaad punishing the Gingerbread man, which will have the audience laughing out loud and was very well received.  However, I did feel the performance was stronger and more enjoyable in Act I leading up to the interval.

‘Shrek the Musical’ imparts several morals throughout its storyline. The musical emphasizes the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and individuality. Characters like Shrek and Fiona learn to accept themselves for who they are, despite societal norms or expectations. The musical challenges the notion of judging others based solely on their appearances. Characters like Shrek, who is initially feared and misunderstood because he is an ogre, demonstrate that true beauty lies within. Friendship is a central theme in ‘Shrek the Musical.’ Shrek and Donkey's unlikely bond showcases the importance and value of friendship in overcoming obstacles and facing challenges together. The musical advocates for acceptance and inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their differences. Characters like Fiona, who struggles with her own secret, ultimately find acceptance and love when they embrace their true selves.  And ultimately the power of love; love is a transformative force in ‘Shrek the Musical.’ Characters discover that love has the ability to break down barriers, heal wounds, and bring out the best in people, ultimately leading to a fairy tale ending where love triumphs over adversity.

An extremely enjoyable production layered with thought provoking morals interspersed with scenes of humour, song, and carefully choreographed dance sequences with a cast of sheer talent.

Fans of Shrek will not be disappointed with this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ swamp of a production and will be at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Sunday. Visit www.atgtickets.com to book and for further information.