*****
SHREK is one of those ‘children’s’ movies that adults will secretly enjoy just as much as the youngsters. This big, brash and heartfelt musical is no different, yet this time there is added high-kicking panache and some bouncy (surprisingly hummable) songs, which are cleverer than you might expect and guaranteed to make you smile on a wet Manchester day.
The show includes everything from tap-dancing rats to Lord Farquaad’s knee-high showstoppers
Dean Chisnall - as the green ogre whose appearance means the villagers never hang around long enough to see his heart of gold - has a mighty voice and stage presence to burn. He teams up with a comedy sidekick, Donkey (played with oodles of charm by Idriss Kargbo), and the two go on a road trip reminiscent of a Bob Hope/Big Crosby movie plot.
They come across Lord Farquaad (the brilliant Gerard Carey) who has a booming voice, despite being smaller than Janette Krankie. Cue plenty of size jokes that never grow tired; despite its cuteness, this Shrek production conveys its timely messages about never judging a book by its cover with aplomb.
Princess Fiona (a feisty Bronté Barbé) is trapped in a tower and dreams of being rescued by a handsome Prince. But in this modern fairy tale, the hero is a tubby green guy who has a penchant for breaking wind.
David Lindsay- Abaire’s book and lyrics gives you so much more than a slavish film-to-stage adaptation. Here, there is bite and knowing spoofs of the likes of Les Mis, The Lion King, Wicked and Dreamgirls, as well as some delicious lines. Whilst the gingerbread man is being interrogated, he screams: “Not my gum drop buttons!”
I took my nephews, ten-year-old Callum and eight-year-old Henry. Callum loved the big numbers, involving the whole cast (including a great ensemble) – such as I’m a Believer and Freak Flag. For Henry, the dragon was worth the ticket price alone. Beautifully bought to life by four puppeteers and the Aretha Franklin-like vocals of Candace Furbert, I’m inclined to agree with him, as she truly flies.
Nigel Harman’s direction is spot on, so the show never drags and includes everything from tap-dancing rats to Lord Farquaad’s knee-high showstoppers. Tim Hatley’s set and costumes present a great backdrop for these crazy characters to thrive. Jeanine Tesori’s music, particularly in numbers like I Think I Got You Beat (I Got You Babe meets Anything You Can Do) is as catchy and memorable as anything else out there.
Like me, you might have expected a cash-cow designed to sell merchandise and keep the Dreamworks brand alive, but this superb show is so much fun.
This is the last stop of the tour and it’s certainly a case of happily ever after for anyone who goes to see Shrek at the Lowry: a great family musical, guaranteed to turn your friends green with envy.
Shrek runs at The Lowry until 20 February
