Rating
Excellent
A joyful romp of a manufacturing with actual coronary heart and a robust really feel of neighborhood.
Sometimes while you go to a present, you are feeling such as you’re seeing one thing particular and also you simply smile all by it. The purpose can completely defy you, you simply know you’re having a good time. This might be very true of an newbie manufacturing in a small theatre.
The Acorn is simply that, a small theatre with a small stage, however that really enhances this manufacturing. The closeness of the forged and the band, and the brightly colored painted surroundings all add to a neighborhood really feel and a way of inclusion that’s not at all times obtainable in giant venues.
Shrek is a totally feel-good present and a privilege to look at. Congratulations to MD Pete Lack who has clearly taken nice pains to drill his forged; the musical entrances and exits are tight, the harmonies are clearly audible and a delight to hearken to. The eight-piece band additionally does properly in sustaining a great sound steadiness, by no means overpowering the vocalists.
Shrek, performed by Jack Charlesworth has wonderful stage presence, snug breaking the fourth wall as he introduces the story. He provides a likeable efficiency, capturing all of the nuances of a grumpy loner who doesn’t actually wish to be alone however received’t admit it. He maintains the archetypal Scottish accent persistently and his vocals are at all times sturdy.
Luke Ogley Neeve provides a very authentic efficiency as Donkey. There isn’t any manic Eddie Murphy impersonation right here (which I personally discover relatively irritating within the movie model). His Donkey is extra like a really camp Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. It is a wonderful alternative and his voice and mannerisms are hilarious. He lights up the stage each time he seems and his supply is ideal.
Emma Parker as Princess Fiona is convincing as a princess with a secret. There is pleasant chemistry between her and Shrek and their duet ‘I Think I Got You Beat’ is extraordinarily humorous. Her solo ‘Morning Person’ highlights her wonderful vocals and comedian timing with exploding birds and tap-dancing rats. Her trio along with her youthful selves (Ella Whittaker and Chloe Veitch in tonight’s efficiency) is properly carried out by all and equally as witty.
Lord Farquaad’s first entrance is at all times extremely comical on this musical, and the actor with the sore knees is Jacob Minard who performs to the gang deliciously because the villain. He has some witty touches, such because the beeping noises as his prop horse reverses to go away the stage.
Dionne Roberts’ highly effective voice is ideal for the dragon. She sings the half excellently. The option to have an actor play this character, although, does considerably diminish the menace of the dragon. Roberts does properly within the position however will not be actually a terrifying monster able to combating Shrek, holding earlier suitors captive or defeating Farquaad.
The hard-working ensemble’s singing and choreography is slick. The fairytale characters are charming and their costumes are shiny and vibrant.
The second half loses just a little tempo because the viewers waits patiently for the misunderstandings between Shrek and Fiona to lastly be resolved, however the finale is exuberant and joyful. It feels as if they’re having a wonderful celebration on stage and the viewers has been invited to affix in.
Tonight’s viewers wanted no encouragement and was on its ft on the finish, cheering and clapping this magical manufacturing!
Book and Lyrics by: David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by: Jeanine Tesori
Directed and Choreographed by: Becca White
Musical Direction by: Pete Lack
Produced by: Worksop Musical Theatre Society
Shrek the Musical performs at Acron Theatre, Worksop till Sunday 18 May.