Review: Shrek - The Musical at MK Theatre

Shrek - The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre

Shrek is an ideal musical to take your children along to in the school holidays. It's a professional production all singing and a bit of dancing. The story draws on many of the characters from our well known fairy tales that children would enjoy recognising as many as they can. 

 

Shrek has quite a pantomime feel which  is well known genre that has stood the test of time. There are many themes such as our definition of ugliness and I particularly liked the song about who had the worse childhood. There were plenty of laughs and fortunately some adult jokes to keep the older members of the audience amused.

 

The stage effects and lighting were excellent. The dragon will certainly give the children a fright (till they get to know her!)  

 

The key characters of Shrek (Steffan Harri), Fiona (Laura Main), Donkey (Marcus Ayton) and Lord Farquaad (Samuel Holmes)were played brilliantly. My favourite character has to be Donkey and certainly had some of the best lines. Lord Farquaad knew how to play up to the audience but thankfully didn't come across as a totally evil villain but more a likeable rogue with some height issues.

 

Shrek is on at MK Theatre until the 5th August. With reasonably priced tickets it's an opportunity to experience some cooler air in the auditorium and entertain the kids in the summer holidays.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

Review: Shrek the Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre

Stomping around the Swamp with Shrek

Shrek and Fiona

Often we think of musicals deriving from books or plays, but now what was a Dreamworks Animation film has been brought to life in this fantastic, theatrical performance – and what a great performance it was!

The audience were dazzled by Shrek’s ogre-like features, stunned by Fiona’s beauty, and continually humoured by Donkey’s remarks (not to mention the farting!) The viewers also learn secrets not previously revealed in the film, such as Shrek’s backstory and Fiona’s upbringing. Having said this, it still is similar to the film, so if you were a fan of the 2001 movie, you are sure to love this too.

As one would hope from a musical, the music itself was fantastic; all the younger (and some of the older) members of the audience were very energetic when it came to dancing. It features brand new songs that tell the story of Shrek, Fiona and  Donkey. A special mention to Dean Chisnall, who plays Shrek, for bringing the character to life; what a fantastic actor! It was also Lord Farquaad played by Gerard Carey who had the audience in fits of laughter. If I say `silly legs` you will understand!
Costumes were similar to the film with great attention to detail. The staging was magical. The dragon had the children in the audience mesmerised as it was expertly manoeuvred round the stage by the crew.

It definitely isn’t a musical to be missed. Adults and children will be delighted! Tickets are still available from atgtickets.com; the last performance is Sunday 6^th September.

Also look out for the new service at MK Theatre called Ordertorium Food whereby you can order from a small menu of icecreams, drinks and snacks delivered to your seat. You will certainly feel like a VIP!

DEBBIE HALL