Photo's Courtesy of Dave Wilson
NODA Review - Martin Craig
Shrek is a large, ugly, smelly, grumpy ogre, with a Scottish accent - alone and happy in his swamp. That is until it is invaded by disgruntled fairytale characters exiled from Lord Farquaad’s Kingdom.
Joined by a ceaseless wisecracking Donkey, Shrek goes off to complain to Lord Farquaad, who, (according to prophecy foretold by the Gingerbread Man), would become king if he married a Princess. Cue Princess Fiona, who has been locked in a castle tower. Shrek sets off on a quest at Farquaad’s behest with the promise of his life back if he rescues the Princess for him. After much dancing, adventuring, secret curses and angst ridden solos, everybody gets their "happy ever after".
All of the main roles gave good performances of their respective characters.
Jack Pike’s performance as Shrek gave good characterisation and movement throughout the show, especially in what seemed to be quite a stifling costume.
Andrew White was great as Donkey. One of the things with this role is diction - Andrew’s was great and the speed of his delivery ensured every word could be heard.
Philippa Hawley as Fiona was well cast, working well with Jack and Andrew.
Tony McGee as Lord Farquaad (and Director), threw everything at his scenes, playing the part strictly for laughs, and as such, had the audience laughing with him.
Kim Hazzard as the Dragon worked well in tandem with the puppet- she states in the programme that she’s loved all of it, and it shows.
Pinocchio and Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy were played well by Mark Stilwell and Jasmin Smith, being supported well by the rest of the cast and chorus in roles far too numerous to mention. The chorus sounded good throughout, and looked great - obviously enjoying themselves, their enthusiasm was there for all to see.
Staging wise, the set was generally an LED screen with larger props being used for different set pieces. I generally don’t like the over-use of LED screens, but for this show I think it’s essential. The crew worked the scene changes well. Sound and lighting were complementary to the production, although on the night I went there were one or two sound gremlins.
Choreographer Natasha McKenzie had drilled the society well, with slick musical numbers and movement.
Musical Director, Liz Condron, led the performers and orchestra well.
As Director, Tony McGee should be pleased with the overall production and what WAOS had produced.
Thank you WAOS for your invite and hospitality
Martin Craig (District 11)
Joined by a ceaseless wisecracking Donkey, Shrek goes off to complain to Lord Farquaad, who, (according to prophecy foretold by the Gingerbread Man), would become king if he married a Princess. Cue Princess Fiona, who has been locked in a castle tower. Shrek sets off on a quest at Farquaad’s behest with the promise of his life back if he rescues the Princess for him. After much dancing, adventuring, secret curses and angst ridden solos, everybody gets their "happy ever after".
All of the main roles gave good performances of their respective characters.
Jack Pike’s performance as Shrek gave good characterisation and movement throughout the show, especially in what seemed to be quite a stifling costume.
Andrew White was great as Donkey. One of the things with this role is diction - Andrew’s was great and the speed of his delivery ensured every word could be heard.
Philippa Hawley as Fiona was well cast, working well with Jack and Andrew.
Tony McGee as Lord Farquaad (and Director), threw everything at his scenes, playing the part strictly for laughs, and as such, had the audience laughing with him.
Kim Hazzard as the Dragon worked well in tandem with the puppet- she states in the programme that she’s loved all of it, and it shows.
Pinocchio and Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy were played well by Mark Stilwell and Jasmin Smith, being supported well by the rest of the cast and chorus in roles far too numerous to mention. The chorus sounded good throughout, and looked great - obviously enjoying themselves, their enthusiasm was there for all to see.
Staging wise, the set was generally an LED screen with larger props being used for different set pieces. I generally don’t like the over-use of LED screens, but for this show I think it’s essential. The crew worked the scene changes well. Sound and lighting were complementary to the production, although on the night I went there were one or two sound gremlins.
Choreographer Natasha McKenzie had drilled the society well, with slick musical numbers and movement.
Musical Director, Liz Condron, led the performers and orchestra well.
As Director, Tony McGee should be pleased with the overall production and what WAOS had produced.
Thank you WAOS for your invite and hospitality
Martin Craig (District 11)