Shrek The Musical is HERE IN SALFORD at the Lowry Theatre!
What a treat for children of all ages - out late on a school night! The fun began with a choir of ogres singing as I entered the Lowry, crowds of excited children running around trying to see all the treats on view. Everywhere you look there are ogre ears, (I didn't buy any to wear because I didn't want to be asked for autographs). Taking my seat I was infected by the buzz of excitement filling the theatre, children struggling to sit still waiting for the show to start.
The ogre voice told us to switch off our phones or he'll fart on our heads - mass laughter from all and the show began! First act and we meet the characters, Shrek is like the best friend your mum doesn't want you to have, big loud and smelly! Fiona is like a smarty pants big sister know it all tomboy with a soft centre, what an expressive face. That'll do donkey - too cool for school until he gets excited which is most of the time, full of energy and a great mover for someone with hooves. Lord Farquaad almost made me wet myself, this role stole the show. The funniest villain ever in the history of fairy tales!
The rest of the cast were brilliant bringing every fairy tale character to the stage, it was great fun picking out the likes of Pinocchio, Peter Pan, the Wicked Witch and Red Riding Hood and of course the Wolf in grannies clothes. I was particularly taken with the three blind mice! And this show has PUPPETS! The dragon is awesome!!!
Not all the songs will stay in my mind for long but the singing was FAB-U-LOUS! Amazing to have so many brill singers in one show! And the dancing had some of the kids dancing along in their seats. My favourite song was what I call the Fart Song - you'll know it when you hear it!
The sets were magical like a storybook brought to life. The orchestra is a credit to the show, the unseen essential cast member.
At the end of the show is the bringing together of all the characters singing 'I'm a believer' - a fitting end to the show, you can see that the actors are having as much fun as I was. A great intro to the world of live theatre for any kid (even better than panto)!
Cue STANDING OVATION!
Shrek The Musical runs at the Lowry Theatre on Salford Quays until Saturday 20th February