Theatre
Shrek The Musical
King's Theatre, Glasgow
Marianne Gunn
Five stars
There's not been so much green on the King's stage since Elphaba defied gravity in Wicked, and this musical version of the 2001 DreamWorks film is not going to disappoint fans of the lilting, flatulent (and, arguably, Scottish) ogre. It is the perfect family musical, with plenty of thrills for older kids and an almost unbelievably hysterical performance from Lord Farquaad (expertly played by Gerard Carey) who pretty much steals the show for grown-ups. (Yes, there was snorting. Yes, he's that funny.)
What is super clever about the musical is that it takes up the film's self-referential baton and applies this to the musical theatre oeuvre: Wicked, The Lion King, Les Miserables and, more subtly, Chicago all have ogre-sized fun poked at them, while big band or soul numbers are also added into the impressive mix. There's tap dancing too, and perhaps the most unusual backing singers I've encountered (undoubtedly a nod to a more Monty Python school of humour).
The cast of the UK and Ireland touring production are hugely impressive: Dean Chisnall shines in the title role, especially in the second half, while understudy Nikki Bentley was a feisty Fiona (albeit without the Matrix-style Kung Fu moves). As the loyal and loveable Donkey, Idriss Kargbo is the perfect blend of annoying and amiable and, even wearing his cumbersome suit, has killer moves.
The book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire are, perhaps, the real stars of the show. Princesses singing about being bi-polar, shoe-horning the immortal lines "this ass of mine, is asinine" into a Broadway-worthy song, and the fart and burp song make this show so much more than a fairy story. It's a raucous road trip, presented oozing warts and all. Add divinely crafted costumes, a horny dragon with the most amazing voice (Candace Furbert), and the funniest workout since, well, forever, and you're sure to live happily ever after. Roar for a ticket!
Runs to Sunday May 17, then at Edinburgh Playhouse from October 20 to November 8.
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