Shrek the Musical finishes up its UK tour this month at The Lowry theatre in Salford and last night I was lucky enough to be inviting to take my family along and walk the green carpet for the local press preview. We are already big fans of Shrek the Musical after owning the dvd for the past few years (they really should turn more musicals in to dvds as they are a great way to get the kids interested) and I was happy to see that the production varied enough from the dvd to keep both myself and the children entertained.
The story of Shrek and Fiona is one that most of us know but watching it unfold on stage with fantastic costumes, fabulous stage props and catchy songs that are still stuck in my head, added a magic to the story that woud be hard to beat.
The puppetry involved in recreating the dragon was magical and Alison (6) couldnt believe her eyes as she watched it fly around the stage singing to Donkey. As grown ups we may have seen the puppeteers controlling her from below but to the kids that dragon was almost real and her stage presence added to the whole production.
However I couldn’t write a post about Shrek The Musical without mentioning the amazing Lord Farquaad who received a well deserved standing ovation after producing so many comedy moments through his pure brilliance. From a cheeky look to his over enthusiastic movements he had audience members of all ages howling with laughter everytime he was on stage and with just enough adult humour to get the kids looking confused as their parents chuckle to themselves it made a fantastic family show that everyone enjoyed.
Shrek the Musical will be at the Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, Salford Quays until February 20th with shows at 7pm ever night apart from Mondays and 2pm matinees Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
