'Shrek The Musical' review — this buoyant musical introduces the beloved animated film to a new generation

Read our review of Shrek The Musical, starring Antony Lawrence and Joanne Clifton, now in performances at the Eventim Apollo to 31 August.

It is nearly 25 years since a grumpy green ogre called Shrek came into the public consciousness. The much-loved 2001 Dreamworks animation followed an unusual hero who falls in love with an unconventional princess, learning lessons of friendship and that beauty is more than skin deep, and now the buoyant stage musical adaptation introduces that enduring story to a new generation.

Antony Lawrence, who has played the role of Shrek on tour, shows no signs of fatigue with the character. His Scottish accent could be stronger, but his singing is the best part of his performance, with a touching rendition of “Gonna Build A Wall”. Lawrence also shows off some impressive dance moves, especially considering the amount of padding he is carrying.

Lawrence lacks chemistry with Joanne Clifton, who is an energetic, but too high-pitched Princess Fiona. Their duet “I Think I Got You Beat” should lean into their developing relationship, but feels flat. The toilet humour they share will appeal to a younger audience, but there’s little for the grown-ups.

Broadway star Todrick Hall is a real hoot as Donkey, channelling some big Eddie Murphy vibes with his sass and attitude. Cherece Richards is the standout vocalist as Dragon. Her rendition of “Forever” nearly takes the roof off and gets the biggest applause of the night, although why the dragon puppet that follows her doesn’t move its mouth is puzzling.

This stage adaptation has changed a fair amount since opening on Broadway back in 2008. In a nod to political correctness, the villain Lord Farquaad is no longer played by an actor on their knees, so nearly every reference to the character’s height has been cut out. A sensitive decision, but it does remove a lot of the humour. James Gillan really camps it up as Farquaad, however the changes reduce him to a one-dimensional villain.

Philip Witcomb’s costume design adheres to the aesthetics of the film and Nick Winston’s choreography is energetically executed. The tap-dancing rats and the routine during the rousing anthem “Freak Flag” are both great. Jeanine Tesori’s music and David Lindsay-Abaire’s lyrics combine to create a dynamic score, but it is not the most memorable out there.

What unfortunately lets the show down is the set, which looks like it was designed for a much smaller theatre. Primarily confined to just a third of the stage and enveloped by large half-moon shapes, the ensemble scenes feel constricted, even when there is so much space to play with. It means the production looks lost in the vast space of the Eventim Apollo and is visually underwhelming.

There’s an attempt to compensate for the lack of set with Nina Dunn (for Pixellux)’s video design. These projections are nicely considered, but are relied upon too much and distractingly go in and out of focus.

This a family musical that feels more like a pantomime. There are definitely some fun elements that will keep little ones entertained during the school holiday season – just don’t expect to be blown away.

Shrek The Musical is at the Eventim Apollo through 31 August. Book Shrek The Musical tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Shrek The Musical (Photos by Pamela Raith)