Wow! Shrek is a big show in every way – big sets, a large ensemble playing multiple characters, a plethora of bright costumes, full live orchestra, big voices and of course a big ogre at its centre. All in all, quite a challenge for any theatre group to stage – but as always, The Island Savoyards have more than met that challenge, producing a foot-tapping, laughter-inducing and thoroughly entertaining show suitable for all the family to enjoy.
And enjoy it we did, from the moment the orchestra, under the experienced baton of Musical Director Andrew Woodford, struck up the first note right up to the final chorus. The stage show gives us some of the main characters’ backgrounds missing from the films, so if you want to know how Shrek came to be living in the swamp all alone; how Princess Fiona lived in her tower all those years or indeed who Lord Farquaad’s parents were – come and see the show.
Luke Cumberpatch as Shrek literally and metaphorically dominates the stage right from his first appearance. Combining a powerful singing voice with sharp comedy timing, Luke embodies every facet of the unlikely hero. Is it bad to say I actually like Ches Checkley’s donkey better than Eddie Murphy’s film version? While just as outspoken and wise-cracking, Ches’s donkey seems more empathetic and kind – as well as being able to sing brilliantly!
A mention must be made of the three Fionas, who share a song explaining how they are waiting for the white knight on his steed to come and save them – the night I watched it was Jessie Hookey and Grace Dempsey joining Emily Scotcher and all three have beautiful voices which blend perfectly. Emily brings her years of stage experience to the role of adult Fiona and again, makes the character more believable and empathetic than in the film.
Daniel Farmer is stunningly hilarious as the villain Lord Farquaad – having undergone the physical demands of playing Quasimodo in Hunchback a couple of years ago, he again shows off his physical acting abilities by dancing on his knees!
It is difficult to take on such iconic and well-known characters, especially when they are originally animated on film, but every single actor makes their character their own while keeping them within the spirit of the original. Anyone familiar with the films will recognise the donkey’s.. ahem .. enthusiasm, Princess Fiona’s mix of sweet and feisty, Farqaad’s huge ego and Shrek’s grumpy exterior hiding a good heart – yet on stage they come alive in a way films cannot convey.
I would love to give a mention to every actor onstage – it’s not the traditional ensemble show as each fairytale character has its own personality brought to life within a cohesive group of protesters against – yes, of course – Farquaad. However, one or two do need a special mention – Alfie Luke is in brilliant warbling form as Pinocchio; Ellie Warne not only portrays the Sugar Plum Fairy but voices Gingy the Gingerbread Man too; Arthur Bicknell (on the night I attended) combines the roles of Young Shrek and Baby Bear wonderfully and I love the humour of the Three Little Pigs (Jake Alabaster – who also choreographed the show to perfection – Rebecca Finch and Joanna Adams) and the dancing Three Blind Mice (Alexis Mackness, Ava Cowen and Macie Edkins-Wherry).
Finally, the amazing voice of Holly Gardiner as the dragon guarding Princess Fiona’s tower has to be heard to be believed – her power ballad almost raised the theatre roof! Cleverly, she appears robed in the same red as the full sized puppet dragon (and kudos to the two stagehands underneath!) which is just one of many well thought-out prop and set pieces. With a show like this, as much work has gone into the staging as the acting and singing: the props, sets, lighting, sound, costumes, make up and prosthetics all deserve their own plaudits as of course does Sarah Scotcher who has brought the show together under her experienced direction: she can be very proud of what she has created.
There are still performances at 7.30pm on October 27th and 28th, with 2.30pm matinees on 28th and 29th. Pick up one of the very limited number of tickets still available by visiting Shanklin Theatre box office in person, calling 01983 869000 or online at www.shanklintheatre.com
[Performance reviewed: Thursday 26th October]
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