By TheatreVillage 
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This epic production I had the chance to see at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre. I remember seeing Shrek the Musical on stage at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane many years ago at the time it starred Amanda Holden and I was sitting in the Gods.
This time around it was a new cast and a new production. Starting off with scenery, some of the scenery is on a digital projection screen and I had seen one or two comments before the show that it detracted from the show. Overall I felt it complemented the production, there were at times it added to the production and reminded me of a pantomime. The lighting of the show was aesthetically pleasing and had strong visual effects, so well done to Ben Cracknell, it was designed and executed well.
The sound levels did not appear correct at the beginning of the show, one of Shrek’s numbers the sound seemed to be heavily coming from one side than the other side, but as the show developed, there seemed to be more of an even balance of sound.
Choreography in the show was very good. The music also was very good and added to the show.
Coming onto the actual production, the majority of actors played their parts very well and I loved the ensemble numbers with the whole cast.
Anthony Lawrence played the part of Shrek brilliantly and made Shrek’s mannerisms brilliantly. Joanne Clifton as Princess Fiona also gave an outstanding performance. I did find James Gillan’s performance as Lord Farquaad amusing but I did miss his character not playing being on his knees- it added a comic element from previous shows. Stand out stars for me was Cherece Richards as Dragon, such a powerful voice. I also really admired Bethany Kate as Teen FIona, her voice and acting were superb and I did want to hear more of her. The part of the show that didn’t work for me, was the the delivery of the lines by Brandon Lee Sears as Donkey, his singing and mannerisms were spot on but the little quips and jokes were not heard by me properly and I don’t know if this was a diction issue or a sound issue. Therefore I couldn’t laugh in full at these jokes.
This production had tremendous production values and the majority of the audience seemed to enjoy it. If you have not seen Shrek before, then try to see it, its a show worth seeing!
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/shrek-the-musical/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
