Review: Shrek the Musical, Acorn Theatre – Worksop

Sometimes when you go to a show, you feel like you’re seeing something special and you just smile all through it. The reason can totally defy you, you just know you’re having a great time. This can be especially true of an amateur production in a small theatre.

The Acorn is just that, a small theatre with a small stage, but that actually enhances this production. The closeness of the cast and the band, and the brightly coloured painted scenery all add to a community feel and a sense of inclusion that’s not always available in large venues.

Shrek is a completely feel-good show and a privilege to watch. Congratulations to MD Pete Lack who has obviously taken great pains to drill his cast; the musical entrances and exits are tight, the harmonies are clearly audible and a delight to listen to. The eight-piece band also does well in maintaining a good sound balance, never overpowering the vocalists.

Shrek, played by Jack Charlesworth has excellent stage presence, comfortable breaking the fourth wall as he introduces the story. He gives a likeable performance, capturing all the nuances of a grumpy loner who doesn’t really want to be alone but won’t admit it. He maintains the archetypal Scottish accent consistently and his vocals are always strong.

Luke Ogley Neeve gives a truly original performance as Donkey. There is no manic Eddie Murphy impersonation here (which I personally find rather irritating in the film version). His Donkey is more like a very camp Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. It is a fabulous choice and his voice and mannerisms are hilarious. He lights up the stage every time he appears and his delivery is perfect.

Emma Parker as Princess Fiona is convincing as a princess with a secret. There is pleasing chemistry between her and Shrek and their duet ‘I Think I Got You Beat’ is extremely funny. Her solo ‘Morning Person’ highlights her excellent vocals and comic timing with exploding birds and tap-dancing rats. Her trio with her younger selves (Ella Whittaker and Chloe Veitch in tonight’s performance) is well performed by all and equally as witty.

Lord Farquaad’s first entrance is always highly comical in this musical, and the actor with the sore knees is Jacob Minard who plays to the crowd deliciously as the villain. He has some witty touches, such as the beeping noises as his prop horse reverses to leave the stage.

Dionne Roberts’ powerful voice is perfect for the dragon. She sings the part excellently. The choice to have an actor play this character, though, does somewhat diminish the menace of the dragon. Roberts does well in the role but is not really a terrifying monster capable of fighting Shrek, holding previous suitors captive or defeating Farquaad.

The hard-working ensemble’s singing and choreography is slick. The fairytale characters are charming and their costumes are bright and colourful.

The second half loses a little pace as the audience waits patiently for the misunderstandings between Shrek and Fiona to finally be resolved, but the finale is exuberant and joyful. It feels as though they are having a fabulous party on stage and the audience has been invited to join in.

Tonight’s audience needed no encouragement and was on its feet at the end, cheering and clapping this magical production!

Book and Lyrics by: David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by: Jeanine Tesori
Directed and Choreographed by: Becca White
Musical Direction by: Pete Lack
Produced by: Worksop Musical Theatre Society

Shrek the Musical plays at Acron Theatre, Worksop until Sunday 18 May.