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Shrek The Musical

9 Apr 2024 - 14 Apr 2024 View Venues, Dates & Times

The popularity of this family-friendly West Ender hardly comes as a surprise. After all, Dreamworks’ animated Shrek movies - inspired by cartoonist William Steig’s 1990 book - were absolutely huge. So it was only ever going to be a matter of time before everybody’s favourite swamp-residing ogre made a big splash away from the silver screen.

Pretty much retelling the story of the first movie, the show peddles a line in humour that calls to mind both the surrealist Pythons and an evening of festive-season pantomime fare.

There are plenty of new songs to enjoy too, presented alongside cult Shrek anthem I’m A Believer, originally a chart-topping hit for The Monkees way back in the mid-1960s...

One-time Strictly Come Dancing favourite Joanne Clifton stars as Princess Fiona. 

Were you a fan of the original Shrek movie, Joanne? 
I just loved it! And then I went to see the musical on one of the previous tours and loved that.  

What was the audition like? 
I wanted it so much that I went into the audition and didn't let anybody speak! There was the director, Nick Winston - who I’d already worked with before - there was the casting director, the musical director and the producer. Now I hadn't met these other people, but I didn’t let them speak! I sat at the table and said “Right, this is why I need this job: 1) Sutton Foster played Princess Fiona on Broadway and she’s my idol; 2) I have auditioned for it before and didn't get it and I'm a very competitive person; and 3) if ever there was a princess in any film or fable, the one I would relate to most is Princess Fiona.” I said “Without sounding too full of myself, I am a world champion ballroom dancer, meaning long dresses with feathers, looking all elegant like a princess. But here's the thing: I'm from Grimsby, I find trumping really funny. This is why I relate to Princess Fiona.”  

Where were you when you found out you’d got the part? 
I have my own segment on BBC Two, It Takes Two, which is a spin-off of Strictly. I was there, I was getting my make-up done, and the email came through, and I was like, “Wow!” And then I wasn't allowed to tell anyone because it was all under wraps. 

How have you researched the role ? 
I’ve watched the film and have been listening to Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona on the soundtrack and watching clips of different actors doing the role on stage. But I’m stopping doing that now so that I’m able to create my own take on it.  

How are you feeling about being transformed into an ogre in the show? 
I had my fitting for Fiona’s ogre body and hands, and I’ve had to cut my nails short because my long ones won’t work for the quick change into my ogre suit. 

People who know you from Strictly may not realise that you’re also a very accomplished musical theatre actor. How do the two disciplines compare? 
I have a really strong work ethic from my time in ballroom dancing. I absolutely hate having a night off sick - I have to be at death's door to go off sick.  
What I love about the musical theatre world, which is different from my dancing world, is that nobody is bigger than the show. Coming away from the stress and the pressure of competing in the ballroom world is so refreshing for me. It's teamwork in a musical: we've all got our separate roles - and of course we want the lead ones - but even if you're not a lead, you're just as important because the show is the main goal. And it just makes me happy! I love that we have to go on and do the show, to an audience of however many people, and if anything goes wrong, we have to carry on. I love the adrenaline of that. 
What do you do to relax when touring?  
I love escape rooms, so I’m going to get a Shrek team together and get t-shirts made. I want us to get on the leader board at escape rooms in every place on the tour. 

Shrek The Musical shows at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Tues 30 January to Sun 4 February  


on Wed, 03 Jan 2024

Shrek The Musical brings to life DreamWorks’ 2001 Oscar-winning animated film.
If you’ve never seen the movie or the stage show, here’s the low-down. Shrek is a fearsome-looking antisocial green ogre with a Scottish accent who loves the solitude of his beloved swamp. When his secluded and idyllic life is shattered by the arrival of a host of fairytale characters, who’ve been displaced by the fairytale-hating Lord Farquaad of Duroc, he determines to get his land back - with the help of his brand-new friend, a talking donkey. He meets with Farquaad, who agrees to facilitate the return of the swamp - but only if Shrek first retrieves Princess Fiona, who is imprisoned in a dragon-guarded tower. Farquaad reveals that he can only become king if he marries a princess, so needs Shrek to undertake the perilous task of rescuing Fiona. 

Everybody’s favourite green ogre embarks on the mission... the only problem is, he ends up falling in love with the princess himself!...

This latest touring production of the hit stage musical sees Anthony Lawrence bringing Shrek to life and presenting a wonderfully positive interpretation of the character. The ogre’s warmth, canniness and charisma are evident for all to see - alongside some rather dubious personal habits! 

Former Strictly star Joanne Clifton is entertaining in the role of the sassy, independent and determined Fiona. Not only is Joanne a highly skilled and talented dancer (her tap-dancing routine with the rats is a highlight of the show), she also has a beautiful singing voice.

There’s great chemistry and a delightfully playful dynamic between Anthony and Joanne on stage, allowing them to bring a charming dimension to their characters’ budding romance. They also treat the audience to a very amusing belching and farting competition - which would’ve been quite disgusting if it hadn’t been so funny!

Donkey, meanwhile, as played by Brandon Lee Sears, is absolutely hilarious. Brandon’s admirable energy levels and outstanding voice, along with some seriously impressive dance moves, ensure every available ounce of fun is squeezed out of his time on stage. Donkey’s unlikely love interest is the dragon guarding Princess Fiona, which is cleverly portrayed via the use of a large pink puppet masterfully worked by three cast members. The dragon’s powerful vocals are provided by Cherece Richards. 

Another cast member who impresses is James Gillians, who brings fantastic comic timing to the role of the villainous Lord Farquaad. His exaggerated hair swinging and attempts to steal the spotlight throughout the show are all greatly entertaining.

This heartwarming tale boasts an outstanding supporting cast who bring the whimsical land of Far Far Away vividly to life. Video projections provide an eye-catching backdrop to the show. The sets are simple but effective, helping to transport the audience to the locations featured in the film, such as Shrek’s swamp, the castle and the torture chamber. 

The soundtrack is upbeat. As well as including memorable songs such as Big Bright Beautiful World and I Know It’s Today, it also features much-loved Shrek anthem I’m A Believer (originally a 1966 chart-topping hit for The Monkees), to which the audience are encouraged to get up and dance at the end of the show. 
A seven-strong orchestra, playing an impressive variety of instruments, accompany the actors - a far preferable option to a pre-recorded soundtrack, in my opinion. 

The costumes are colourful and glamorous, playing their part in helping to identify the show’s many and varied characters. And with each of the supporting cast playing at least three roles, there’s certainly no shortage of quick changes! 

The popularity of the original movie gave this stage musical version - which premiered on Broadway in 2008 - every chance of being a much-loved family hit, and that’s exactly what it has become. 
And judging by last night’s performance, it’s easy to see why... 

...A night in a swamp with a grumpy green ogre has never been so much fun!  

Shrek The Musical was reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 9 April at Birmingham theatre The Alexandra, where it shows until Sunday (14 April)


4 Stars on Tue, 09 Apr 2024

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