Plymouth Theatre Review

Title of Show: Shrek The Musical

Date of attendance: 25/03/2024

Venue: Plymouth College

Production Type: Musical Theatre

Easy to follow: 5/5

Family friendly: 5/5

Must see: 4/5

Burps, farts and laughter await at Plymouth College’s whimsical production of Shrek the Musical. Taking you on a hilarious journey through Far, Far Away, Plymouth College captivates and delights with their boundless energy, unrelenting enthusiasm and burgeoning talent, enchanting audiences in this production of pure joy. Bold, vibrant and brilliantly executed, this show is a triumphant spectacle, showcasing an exceptionally talented cast.

Led by a formidable principal cast, each character is brought to life with depth and authenticity. The titular role of Shrek (portrayed by Ethan R) is played with remarkable nuance, capturing both his gruff exterior and tender heart. Ethan’s commitment to the character (and the Scottish accent) is truly commendable and he lit up the stage with his exceptional portrayal. I particularly enjoyed his rendition of when words fail, which was delivered with an emotive connection to the song. Alongside Shrek, Fiona (portrayed by Rebekah S) stuns with her powerhouse performance, excelling in her acting and singing alike. Her sassy and independent character owned the stage with an electric presence that radiated confidence in every scene. Likewise, Henry D’s rich and impressive interpretation of Donkey perfectly captured the character’s irrepressible and infectious energy with an envious comedic timing that showed talent beyond his years. Playing a likeable villain is never easy, yet Joey V (as Lord Farquaad) showcased a delightful blend of flamboyance and humour that never failed to elicit laughter.

Special mentions must also be made to Megan H who excelled in her role as Dragon, belting her voice all the way to the rafters in a very impressive rendition of forever; Harry D, with his delightful portrayal of Pinocchio offered great vocals and a tone of voice that matched the energy and hilarity of the character from the film; Sophia R as Gingy, showcased her talent with a strong performance in both acting and vocals; and Jude F’s hilarious portrayal of the Bishop had the audience in stitches. The entire cast was a true tour de force, playing multiple roles seamlessly with ease and finesse. It was evident in the faces and energy of every performer that they were enjoying themselves as much as the audience.

In addition to the exceptional principal performances, the production values were equally impressive. In fact, it was the strength, commitment and energy of the entire cast and production team that makes this show stand tall. Every member of the cast commanded the stage with confidence, charisma and energy, creating a vibrant tapestry of storytelling that kept the audience captivated from start to finish. The ensemble’s profound commitment to their roles infused the production with a zest and intensity that drew the audience into the heart of the story. The dynamic choreography, harmonious vocals and commitment to storytelling enchanted the audience and transformed each scene into a true spectacle that left you wanting more. 

From immersive and imaginative set design, to detailed costumes and lighting, every aspect was meticulously well thought out. The versatility and adaptability of the set allowed for an ever-evolving environment for the actors to interact with, fostering a sense of spontaneity that enriched and deepened the overall theatrical experience. Puppetry was a key part of the production, and the dragon was spectacular to behold and impressive in design and execution. On the slightly less extravagant side of puppetry, Sophia R worked seemingly effortless magic with Gingy, blending puppetry with skilled characterisation to imbue the role with personality.

Credit also goes to the live band who added a dynamic layer to the performance, enhancing the atmosphere with their energetic and vibrant musical accompaniment. The lighting design was also rich and varied, adding nuance and depth, enhancing the overall production with a masterful use of colour and elevating the overall atmosphere. While there were some issues with the microphones, the cast took this in their stride with confidence and professionalism, displaying great levels of showmanship and professionalism, not allowing the technical issues to damper their performance.

Some impactful and memorable moments in this show (there are too many to name them all) that come to mind include the introduction of the Dragon, Shrek and Donkey on the bridge, which provided a great chucklesome moment, and the highly comedic scene with Farquaad and his horse, which garnered rapturous laughter and was delivered with impeccable wit and charm by Joey V. Watching these moments unfold was a true pleasure.

Overall this was a strong production with some outstanding performances from both the principal cast and ensemble. I was blown away with the level of dedication and energetic enthusiasm shown by the young cast and by the production team. With a heartwarming commitment to storytelling, a vibrant set, moments of sheer comedic brilliance and a deep investment in character, this musical offers a thrill for theatre lovers of all ages. The show concluded with audience interaction and a fantastic rendition of I’m a believer (which was thoroughly enjoyed by both the cast and audience) which left me with ‘not a trace of doubt in my mind’ that Plymouth College’s production of Shrek The Musical is show that will thrill anyone who has the pleasure of watching it! Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic performance!