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BrumHour saw Shrek at the invite of The Alexandra.

By Dave Massey twitter.com/BrumHour

Review: Shrek at The Alexandra

⭐⭐⭐⭐Two hours of pure family fun!

Directed by Samuel Holmes and Nick Winston book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire music by Jeanine Tesori

Shrek (Antony Lawrence) finds his peace and quiet in his swamp has been disrupted by some fairy-tale creatures who have been evicted by the local landowner Lord Farquaad (James Gillan), Shrek protests this but finds himself and his new companion Donkey (Brandon Lee Sears) on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona (Joanne Clifton).

The stage version of Shrek expands from the 90-minute film to just over two hours (plus interval) with the first half focusing on adventure whilst the second half deals with growing relationships. There’s a message about being an individual and accepting who you are but also one of teamwork.

The raw elements from the film are difficult to transfer to the stage, the film broke a lot of rules about fairy stories, fantasy and Grimm tales were shown, especially with Roald Dahl style farting and burping woven in that turns into a competition.

This musical still has lots to offer, from its big band sound and set piece dance numbers (led by Strictly Winner Joanne Clifton). Joanne is great as Fiona, fun and feisty, Antony Lawrence is grand as Shrek, intimidating on stage as the unconventional leading man. Brandon Lee Sears steals all the scenes he is in as Donkey, bringing the chaos and running with it.

This is a restaged version from the previous tours meaning the sets and style look pretty different. digital projection plays a huge role without removing all the actual stage props and set and the costumes look really fun without becoming cosplay.

Shrek is at The Alexandra until 14th April 2024. Book tickets here: atgtickets.com/shows/shrek-the-musical/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/