High-energy fun that will leave you feeling happily ever after...
OUR VERDICT
Booking a seven-night residency at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre would be a challenge for the most experienced of companies let alone a theatre school. However, after witnessing GSA’s (Guildford School of Acting) masterful production of Shrek the Musical last night, I think the show could run for an entire season.
Based on the much-loved Dreamworks film, the show is bursting with energy, jokes and visual delights. The songs with the exception of one or two are, for the most part, forgettable although the lyrics stay in the mind longer than the tunes.
The musical very much follows the plot of the first film which sees ogre Shrek fighting to save his swamp after it is invaded by a group of storybook characters banished from their fairy tale home by the diminutive Lord Farquaad. Determined to get his land back, Shrek agrees to try and rescue Princess Fiona who has been imprisoned in a tower for the tiny Lord, accompanied by his new companion a talking donkey. However, the Princess is not all she seems and even if you haven’t seen the movie, you can guess the rest…
Aidan Cutler was splendid as the gruff ogre, offering a subtle and nuanced performance, which is hard to do when you are wearing generous padding, a tiny snout and are painted green. He was well matched by the feisty Fiona played by Jessica Bates, whose comic timing, vocal range and dance skills were all top notch. Bradley Walwyn did well as the needy Donkey, but out of all the characters, Eddie Murphy’s cinematic turn makes this the hardest act to follow.
However, garnering applause whenever he made an appearance, it is fair to say that the night belonged fair and square to Matthew Rankcom who as the narcissistic, despot Lord Farquaad simply stole the show. It is a gift of a part – although a tricky one as it requires the actor to remain on his knees throughout – boasting the wittiest lines, a couple of big numbers and a lot of hair flicking. Matthew expertly and effortlessly wrung the most out of every second!
The ensemble was also given plenty of opportunities to shine with characters such as Pinocchio, The Pied Piper and The Blind Mice all having numbers and there were plenty of solos to round too. Anna Davey as the dragon deserves a mention, as she belted out her number, Forever, out of sight, while the audience watched an expert puppet creation take centre stage.
Which brings me quite nicely to the magnificent set which blended seamlessly through the numerous scene changes; the puppetry, lighting, sound and wardrobe were all superb and the whole tech and creative teams must be complimented on the overall look of the show which was simply superb.
Tickets are priced at an incredibly reasonable £17.50 and I would urge you to go along – not only are you supporting the stars of the future and your local theatre, but you are in for some damn fine entertainment that would not look out of place in the West End.
Venue: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Dates: 23 March - 30 March
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