Hull New Theatre – until 26th March 2022
Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams
4****
Hessle Theatre Company celebrated its centenary in style with a sparkling production of Shrek The Musical at Hull New Theatre. From start to finish this is a show to delight all ages and it was lovely to see so many families at the Theatre.
With book and lyrics by David-Lindsay Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, Shrek The Musical is based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig. Hessle Theatre Company’s production is directed and choreographed by Martin Beaumont with musical direction by Sarah-Lucy Penny.
Shrek The Musical tells the story of an unlikely hero Shrek (Russell Fallon), an ogre who is living happily in his swamp until one day all the fairy tale characters arrive having been thrown out of Duloc by the evil Lord Farquaad (Joe Porte). Shrek sets off to demand that Lord Farquaad gives him his swamp back, meeting a talking Donkey (Harry Owen) on his way to Duloc. Lord Farquaad is desperate to meet and marry a princess and promises Shrek he can have his swamp if he rescues Princess Fiona (Sarah Brodie) from her tower and the dragon that guards her. With the ultimate happy ending but a twist to all those stories of princes rescuing their princess, Shrek The Musical is full of humour and fun.
Russell Fallon’s Shrek is superb, totally deadpan throughout with some classic throw away lines, and physically capturing the lumbering gait of an ogre. Yet he portrays Shrek with great sensitivity and tenderness as he falls in love with Princess Fiona and his rendition of “When Words Fail Me” was beautiful, he has a powerful voice and my word he can hit those notes!
I cannot have been the only one in the theatre who fell in love with Harry Owen’s Donkey, he presented us with an irritating, over- enthusiastic, and totally unputdownable Donkey with a zest for life. It was an utter joy to watch and listen to and the sheer physicality of his performance was outstanding. The double act between Shrek and Donkey was superb, their timing was excellent and they provided a great deal of the humour.
Sarah Brodie played Princess Fiona with just the right amount of feistiness and attitude, a princess not to be messed with! Her face is wonderfully mobile and all Princess Fiona’s emotions were clearly shown. She has a beautiful voice and this performance was wonderful.
Joe Porte created a Lord Farquaad with an arrogance and air of vanity that befits such a catch! From the minute he first appeared on stage he was a delight, with laughs galore to be had at his behaviour.
A big shout out must go to the puppeteers who manipulated the most incredible dragon with its eyelashes fluttering and glittering eyes. I was astonished to read in the programme that the first time they had handled this enormous dragon puppet was just before the dress rehearsal. The dragon is voiced by Georgina Garton and what a magnificent soaring voice she has, full of fierceness. The little boy seated just down from me was clearly enthralled as he booed loudly every time the dragon appeared and was shouting “No, No” as it chased Donkey.
A production such as this requires a large supporting cast and what a talented bunch they are. Harmonies and choreography were tight and slick throughout, a particular highlight for me was Princess Fiona tap dancing with the rats.
The band under the direction of Sarah-Lucy Penny provided an excellent accompaniment to the production.
Shrek The Musical was originally due to be staged in 2020 but due to covid had to be cancelled four weeks before curtain-up. It was certainly well worth the wait to see this production, Shrek The Musical is full of vitality, laughs, and is an utter delight with something for everyone. This cast is superb and has real joie de vivre which shines out from the stage. A treat for all the family.
Congratulations on your centenary Hessle Theatre Company and here’s to your next 100 years!