There’s no getting ogre it, SHREK THE MUSICAL is a gleeful jolly green fun extravaganza.
Set somewhere ogre the fairy tale archipelago, this fractured fable is Aesop on the eye and ear, with lots of Grimm and bear it.
Based on the DreamWorks Animation and the book by Wiliam Steig SHREK THE MUSICAL has a Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, and Music by Jeanine Tesori.
It’s toe-tapping triumph complete with Rat tappers and a chorus of fairy land fugitives and nursery rhyme refugees, including the infamous trios of the The Pigs and The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, The Ugly Duckling and Pinocchio.
Ben Mingay brings an hilarious heft to the title character, manufacturing a mellifluous rich Scottish burr in speech and song.
Lucy Durack as the feisty Fiona further firms her fulfillment as one of our finest and favourite musical theatre stars.
Todd McKenney as Lord Farquaad, a character Short in stature but big in performance. He is naughtily delicious as the uncharming prince, his character stunted by Daddy issues. Father, it turns out, was Grumpy of Seven Dwarfs fame, who abandoned the fledgling Farquaad, and his enmity is traced back from here to paternity.
Nat Jobe makes a complete ass of himself in the most delightful way as Donkey, a mouthy Mule who plays matchmaker to Shrek and becomes the Dragon’s flame.
Marcia Hines is stupendous as the Dragon’s vocals, while the physical beast is an impressive serpent engineered by an impressive platoon of puppeteers.
The sets are stunning, the costumes colourful, the orchestra awesome, and the energy on stage could power Australia for a year.
As it sings and dances and jokes towards its happy ending, SHREK THE MUSICAL is a story book love tale where Flatulence will get you everywhere, Feint fart never won fair lady and Love grows like Pinocchio’s nose.
SHREK THE MUSICAL is like a fabulous panto for adults that is totally kid friendly. A boomer start Sydney’s Theatrical Year.
SHREK THE MUSICAL plays The Lyric Theatre till February 9