Shrek The Musical – Orbit Theatre
***
New Theatre, Cardiff
Wed 29 May
This new production from long-standing Cardiff Amateur Company Orbit Theatre had moments when you really thought you were listening to the real West End production of the show. You could not fault the vocals from the leading cast, with stand-out solos from the Dragon (played by Jenny Brock) and Gingy (Alexandra Williams).
As audiences naturally tend to do, you go in with the original film cast in the back of your mind and the comparisons couldn’t have been better. After a rocky start, with the microphones being too quiet for the audience to hear the opening vocals, Dan-Ivor Jones lifted things up with an impressive characterisation of Pinocchio during the number Story Of My Life, assisted with the fairytale characters who were very good at their roles individually.
The show properly picks up further when Lewis Cook makes his appearance as the villain, Lord Farquaad. Every time he was on, you could not take your eyes away from him. Every line was delivered with perfect timing with the audience in stitches, including an ad-lib during a costume malfunction. No faults here.
Being a family show, Shrek attracted a lot of younger audience members who seemed to become quickly agitated with the length of the production, proving to be a distraction from the performance on stage that at times struggled to retain my attention. The show has moments where only Shrek (Matt Preece) and Donkey (Mat Hole) are onstage which unfortunately falls flat with a lack of scenery around, only having themselves to keep our attention. When Fiona (Lizzie Burgess) was introduced however, the performances lifted, especially with a standout performance of the song I Think I Got You Beat which awed the audience with pitch-perfect harmonies and playful choreography.
A family favourite and guaranteed laugh, the enthusiastic cast of Shrek The Musical had everyone clapping and singing by the finale of I’m a Believer. It’s not without its flaws, but is still a worthwhile visit to the theatre.
words Poppy Manning
Shrek: The Musical by Orbit Theatre is on at the New Theatre, Cardiff until Sun 2 Jun. Tickets: from £14. Info: www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk