Rating: ★★★★

Running dates: Monday 20th November - Saturday 25th November

Where to see it: Wales Millennium Centre

Duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes (including interval)

Keywords: musical, film adaptation, family friendly, nostalgia, 2000s

Review

To some, Shrek is just another cartoon franchise from the 2000s. However, if you happen to be a millennial (like myself!) or Gen Z, you understand the impact that these movies have had on our generations, from singing along to the frankly iconic soundtrack to creating an astonishing number of memes based on it. Therefore, when I had the opportunity to go see Shrek The Musical, I felt a bit like Donkey on the way to Far Far Away in Shrek 2 - all I could think of was, 'are we there yet?!'

Now, I must be honest and confess I was mostly expecting a straightforward screen to stage adaptation of Shrek. And while the plot of the play mostly coincides with the first movie, the performance delivered much more than that - you could say that, just like ogres, this musical had layers. 

The opening sequence brings you back to the movie as we are presented with a fairytale book opening its first page - fans will recognise this scene immediately. Shortly after, the audience gets to listen to the first of many original songs made for this musical, and then you quickly remember - you are here for musical theatre after all, and trust me, you will get what you came for.

Throughout the play we are introduced to all the main characters and even the side characters, like the Three Blind Mice or The Big Bad Wolf, have their little moment in the sun, either through a fun song or amazing dance routine - there was even tap dancing!

Our main duo, Shrek and Donkey, have an amazing dynamic and bounce off of each other in a way that is both funny and endearing to the audience. Another powerful duo was Donkey and Dragon - whilst every single cast member is remarkable, Dragon, played by the amazing Cherese Richards, completely blew me away. Her vocals were outstanding and I was left wanting more and more. A special applause must also be given to Donkey - Brandon Lee Sears nails all of Donkey's mannerisms and it is impossible for the audience not to fall in love with his performance and, therefore, his character. Donkey is a fan favourite in the movies and arguably that will stay the same in this play. Sears’s acting and singing are absolutely brilliant.

The costumes are bright and colourful and successfully transport you into a whimsical and feel-good universe. The set, despite being mostly a screen, is actually incredibly dynamic and enables the storytelling to shine.

The play certainly pays homage to Shrek (2001). While we are presented with a completely original soundtrack, there are several iconic scenes or little jokes that have been preserved and any die hard fan will recognise them and smirk in amusement. After all, who doesn't know the Muffin Man? Yes, the one who lives on Drury Lane. Much like the movie, the play is definitely family friendly (with a healthy amount of potty humour), but there's some jokes there for the adults in the audience.

The ending sequence was the best way to finish a fun musical - the entire cast gifted us with their rendition of I'm a Believer, the only non-original song for this musical, but one which felt like a thank you to the audience and a tribute to the source material. The energy was unparalleled! After two hours of joy, there's not a trace of doubt in my mind - this is a show you'll definitely enjoy if you are a Shrek fan.

Standout Quote or Moment: the performance of Freak Flag, the catchiest song of the night!

See if: you are a Shrek fan or want to have a fun day out with the family 

Similar plays: Disney's Aladdin, coming to the Wales Millennium Centre in December!

Reviewed by Mari. Photography by Marc Brenner