A Believer in Shrek!

After missing out on seeing the London production, an opportunity arose to see Shrek The Musical at the Leeds Grand Theatre during its previews in July.  It seems the theatre's present is green following a successful run of Wicked previously.

 Dean Chisnall and Faye Brookes

(Photo credit: Helen Maybanks and 

accessed via http://shrekthemusical.co.uk)

Shrek is based on the award winning Dreamworks animation movie.  All are taken on Once Upon a Time fairytale journey where Shrek (led by Dean Chisnall) and his unlikely but loyal companion Donkey (played animatedly by Idriss Kargbo) pursues to rescue Princess Fiona (played beautifully by Faye Brookes) from the tower with its unassuming love struck Dragon (vocals by Candace Furbert).  At the same time Shrek and his new companions are faced with more company on his swamp, Dulac's fairytake folks, following the eviction by short but selfish power hungry Lord Farquaad (perfectly played Gerard Carey).

 Idriss Kargbo and Dragon

(Photo credit: Helen Maybanks and 

accessed via http://shrekthemusical.co.uk)

The musical captivates and entertains one and all, young and old from beginning to end with its stunning staging (courtesy of Tim Hartley, Hugh Vanstone and representatives of Autograph Sound).  Certainly there is something for everyone with its well known and love fairytale characters such as Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Three Little Pigs et al.  Modern references are cited with connections to the Royal Family and modern musical including Les Miserables rendition of One Day More and not forgetting the comedic elements and its inneundoes which all can relate to in society today.  These are topped by the all energetic and down to earth singing and dancing which is under Pip Jordan's choreographic direction.

 The company

Idriss Kargbo and Dragon

(Photo credit: Helen Maybanks and 

accessed via http://shrekthemusical.co.uk)

Dean Chisnal, Faye Brookes, Gerard Carey and Idriss Kargbo lead an amazing cast of performers who proudly presents Shrek The Musical with their hearts and souls on stage.  Their performance vibes echo throughout to the audience which is received with maximum participation with its Happy Ending I'm A Believer! A big thanks goes to Nigel Harman, who played Lord Farqaad in the London production, whose fresh outlook and direction to the tour production was second to none and fully appreciated by the audience.  Shrek is on at the Leeds Grand Theatre until Sunday 17th August 2014 and will continue to tour around the country.  Further information can be found on the official website.