Theatre / Reviews
Review: Shrek the Musical, Hippodrome
The Hippodrome calls itself Bristol’s West End theatre and it’s shows like Shrek the Musical that make it live up to that name.
This is a slick production from its storybook start to song and dance routine finish, in between featuring familiar fairytale characters and a not-quite-classic love story between an ogre and a princess.
There is also a fair bit of theatrical magic, with the lighting in particular adding some serious razzmatazz to proceedings.
Those that know the original film will know that a giant fire breathing dragon plays a crucial role in the story, and the dragon here is a stunning creation complete with glowing eyes and a swishing tale, so large it is controlled by four puppeteers.
Those that know the film will also recognise a fair bit on stage, with some of the best lines from the Dreamworks animation recycled word for word.
There is also the familiar hyperactive donkey played with exuberance by Idriss Kargbo, and the classic cartoon villain with small man syndrome Lord Farquaad (a very funny Gerard Carey).
What’s not recycled are the original songs by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, one of which is accompanied by some fine flatulence from Shrek (Dean Chisnall) and Princess Fiona (Faye Brookes).
It all adds up to a terrific production worthy of Bristol’s West End stage.
Shrek the Musical is at the Bristol Hippodrome until September 7. Visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/shrek-the-musical/bristol-hippodrome/.
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