Shrek The Musical is a toe tapping, foot-stomping whirlwind of a show. Shrek (Antony Lawrence), by Ogre custom is sent to find his own way at 7 years old. Shunned by everyone for his terrifying size and ugliness he decides to live in solitude away from people in a swamp until a host of fairy tale characters descend, having themselves been banished  for being freaks by evil Lord Farquaad (James Gillan) of Duloc.

Anxious to regain his peaceful swamp Shrek sets off to Duloc and is befriended by a talkative donkey (Brandon Lee Sears) on route. Lord Farquaad sets Shrek the impossible task of rescuing princess Fiona (Joanne Clifton) to reclaim his home, the swamp.

The adventure of Shrek is a heartwarming tale with a great moral message.

Be proud to be yourself. It’s not how you look on the outside, it’s who you are on the inside that counts. The freak flag  song says it all.

David Lindsay- Abaire’s words and Jeanine Tesori’s music worked in perfect harmony with Nick Winston’s brilliant choreography. The variety of  dance styles was greatly entertaining. The blue Duloc dance and the rat tap dance were especially crowd favorites.

Philip Witcomb’s sets and costumes embodied the magical world of the story book.

Craig Forrest-Thomas’s make up looked stunning. The Orchestra played their hearts out.

Brandon Lee Sears was every inch the irritating, chatty lovable donkey and was skillfully able to bring the songs and dances to life, especially with his hip action.

James Gillan appeared to enjoy playing the villain and the role itself suited him well. ‘The villains get the best lines“ and he was silly, selfish, and spoilt in equal measure.

Cherece Richards (graduated from Italia Conti this summer) with a phenomenal start to her career. With her amazing voice the dragon number became a real showstopper. The dragon puppet was equally amazing.

Antony Lawrence (Trained at Guildford School of Acting) was utterly convincing as Shrek. His comic timing and physical acting was superb. Loved the farting and burping scene with Fiona. The chemistry between him and Joanne Clifton (Fiona) was conveyed very strongly.

Joanne provided us with humor, great acting, a lovely voice, and amazing dancing especially at the end. I loved the three ages of Fiona singing together full of feeling and harmony.

The final song, I’m a believer had the whole audience on their feet clapping, singing and dancing by the end.

A truly magnificent performance. According to 9-year-old Lily, “the best night ever , I’m telling my friends they must buy tickets now.”

Shrek The Musical is at New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Mon 30 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2023.