Shrek The Musical has been the theatre performance I was most eager to see after hearing the UK Tour was making it’s way to Bristol Hippodrome this Summer.
I’m sure we’ve all seen Shrek. If not, where have you been? It’s one of my favourite childhood movies. But if you haven’t, here’s a snippet from the Press Release which will give you an idea of the story. “Join Shrek, our unlikely hero, and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance”.
I’m always sceptical about seeing my favourite movies turned to stage musicals. I seem to have a love/hate relationship with them. But Shrek is now up there with my favourites which include School of Rock on Broadway and Billy Elliott at the West End. It was absolutely brilliant.
The star of the show for me was Samuel Holmes. Playing the “vertically challenged” Lord Farquaad – on his knees for the entire performance. Every moment he was on stage left the audience in stitches. From his dancing – waving his stick thin legs around – to a workout session and a horse named Brexit. A perfectly timed, comical performance from start to finish.
Thursday’s performance saw understudy Micheal Carolan playing Shrek who interpreted the character flawlessly and Princess Fiona was played by X-Factor runner up Amelia Lily. Showcasing her musical talent but adding a comical aspect to the Love Island addicted puppeteering Princess.
Micheal Ayton had big shoes to fill playing Shrek’s lovable companion Donkey, which is played by Eddie Murphy in the Oscar-winning feature film, but it’s safe to say he filled them well, another stand out performance for me. And of course it wouldn’t be Shrek without the Fairytale Creatures such as Gingy, Pinocchio, the Three Blind Mice and a cross-dressing Big Bad Wolf. Yes, you heard me right. These little adaptions made the show all the more brilliant, adding a modern, comical twist on a classic fairytale.
Nigel Harman returns as director for this production and along with Tim Hatley’s clever set/costume design and Hugh Vantone’s Lighting design this performance was faultless from start to finish. I’d see it again tomorrow if I could.
Shrek the Musical is at the Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday 19th August. Tickets start at £19.50 and available on ATG Tickets via this link.
Until next time,
Nina says
It would be really interesting to see Shrek as a musical. It was such a great film. I’m glad that you enjoyed it and that it makes for a great musical as well!
Ami says
Thank you. We absolutely loved it.
Ami xxx
Ali Ash says
I’m a big fan of Hollywood movies but I’ve never even listened about the SHREK but viewing the images and reading your article has made me make the search on youtube. 🙂
Ami says
Ah I’m sure you’d love it! One of my favourites.
Ami xxx
Amanda maguire says
I’d love to see this. Unfortunately in northernireland shows like this are few and far between. I think a cost to the mainland may be in order lol
Ami says
Ah that’s a shame!
Ami xxx
kim says
I love musicals and this one looks so fun and colorful! I know my kids would love it too!
Ami says
I bet they would. I hope you get to see it one day.
Ami xxx
Monidipa Dutta says
Wow it must have been great. You have written so well about it that I want to see it too.
Ami says
Thank you, it was really enjoyable.
Ami xxx
Jana says
We love Shrek I’m my household! The pictures of the characters look pretty legit! This would be fun to go and see!
Ami says
It was so great! I did wonder how they were going to turn an animated movie “real” but they did such a good job. Especially the dragon!
Ami xxx
Sreekar says
Wow. That sure seems like an awesome experience. My son is a huge Shrek fan and would have dearly loved this. Will sho whim these wonderful pictures. Im sure he would appreciate!
Ami says
Aww bless him! I bet he’d love to see the musical version.
Ami xxx
jefferson says
woah, sherk in musical would be very lovely. Great review, kind of comprehensive since you’re mentioning the name of the actor and actress too
Ami says
Thank you!
Ami xxx
Kate says
I love musicals and in England you can find really the best ones! That one looks also very entertaining and interesting!
Ami says
I loved it. We do have some really good musical tours in the UK and I’m lucky that a lot of the performances come to Bristol Hippodrome.
Ami xxx
Blair villanueva says
I cant remember how many times i watched Shrek movie and i love it. Wish they will have a performance tour here in Asia.
Ami says
So glad you love the movie! It was always one of my favourites.
Ami xxx
Sigrid Says says
That must have been an awesome experience! The closest thing that we have seen is a video that we have dld online. And its spectacular. Would love to watch a musical live someday because my daughters love to sing!
Ami says
I’m sure they’d love it. I hope you get a chance to see a musical one day.
Ami xxx
Renata Green says
Shrek was the first animated movie I liked. Would love to see the musical, too.
Ami says
I’m sure you’d love it if you get the chance to see it.
Ami xxx
EG III says
Kudos to Samuel Holmes for his performance…It takes a lot to perform in and of itself, but to be on your knees the entire time takes it to an entirely different level.
Ami says
Haha yes! He was fantastic!
Ami xxx
Rhian Westbury says
I saw the shrek musicial when it was showing in London and I absolutely loved it. I’m so glad that it’s still doing the rounds x
Ami says
Ahh so glad you’ve seen it. So fab wasn’t it?
Ami xxx
Jennifer Prince says
This is SUCH a fun show. I saw it locally a few years ago, and it made me laugh so much. And I had never even seen the Shrek movies. Ha!
Ami says
Oh wow I can’t believe you hadn’t see the movie first! I said to my fiance whilst we were watching it I wondered if anyone was watching the story for the first time!
Ami xxx
Jackie says
I love Shrek and I had no idea it had been made into a musical. It looks amazing and I would love to see it!
– Jackie (Organised Mum Life)
Ami says
I was sceptical but oh my gosh it was amazing! I hope you get a chance to see it.
Ami xxx
Laura Dove says
We saw this on the west end last year and we loved it!! You can’t beat Shrek, the film or the musical. My kids are obsessed!
Ami says
It was fab wasn’t it. Glad you all enjoyed it.
Ami xxx
Vaibhav Mehta says
Looks like you had fun watching the show. Reminded me of my time as an actor in a musical. Good read 🙂
Ami says
It was such a good show! Oh wow amazing, I bet that was good fun?
Ami xxx
Louise says
I’ve bought my daughter tickets to see Shrek for her birthday as she’s a big fan of Amelia Lily. I actually saw her in American Idiot a couple of years ago and she was fab. I’m really looking forward to seeing this after reading your review 🙂
Louise x
Ami says
Aww I bet she’ll love that! I hope you have a good time.
Ami xxx
fashionandstylepolice says
What a stunning performance. It would have been fun to watch am sure.
Ami says
It was great fun!
Ami xxx