i'm a believer, are you?
- David Bithell
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Directed by Rob Stevens
Review by Kelly Smith for on behalf of A View To A Kiln
Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming adventure as your favourite Ogre returns in a brand-new production produced by Stage Productions.
How many people can say they fell in love with their other half while they were having a farting competition? Unless your name is Shrek or Princess Fiona, I’m going to hazard a guess that your answer to that question was a resounding NO!
After last year’s Rock of Ages, Stage Productions have brought another showstopper of a musical to the Regent Theatre this week, this time in the form of Shrek the Musical. Based on the 2001 film of the same name, I’m sure you’ll be very familiar with the plot and characters, so you won’t find any spoilers here!
I am personally very well-versed in the film version; it was one of the first DVDs I owned, I watched it on a weekly basis with my younger cousins Grace and Liv and possess a lot of the same personality traits as Donkey. In fact by the age of 2, Liv had watched the DVD so many times, she could re-enact the DVD menu scene and did a perfect impression of the Three Little Pigs. But I digress…
As familiar as the film is to me, I’d never seen the musical version until now and wondered how it could translate from stage to screen. For starters, where on Earth would they find a talking donkey? I needn’t have worried because Nathan Adams lived up to Eddie Murphy’s original character in both voice and mannerisms!
Having been first cover Shrek on the last UK tour, Scotty Armstrong played the title character of this production perfectly. His voice is sensational and his rapport with Adams’ Donkey and Kayleigh Ann Strong’s Fiona was spot on. Strong by name, strong by nature, Kayleigh Ann’s performance was pitch perfect.
Despite being one of the smaller roles, choreographer Grace Forrester had a brilliant showing as the human embodiment of Dragon. Her rendition of “Forever” was a shining light in an already sparkling production.
A very special mention to Will Henshall, doubling up as King Harold (Fiona’s dad) and Lord Farquaad. He had some of the biggest laughs in the show, but his commitment to the role showed during “Welcome to Duloc”. He may have lost his wig mid-song, but after picking up and wearing stray head gear from a member of the ensemble he carried on regardless, earning huge, well-deserved cheers from the audience.
The staging was as good as any professional stage show could hope to be and it was great to hear songs being sung to live music being played. There’s humour to suit young and old and it was fab to see so many people of all ages in the theatre to support the cast of local talent.
In a full circle moment, Liv (now a 17 year old drama student) came along to the Regent with me to watch the show and loved every second.
The message at the heart of the show is to never judge a book by its cover, embrace your quirks and “Let Your Freak Flag Fly”. Stage Productions may be an amateur company, but this show is far from amateur. Leave your troubles far, far away and get your tickets to this wonderful show. I’m a believer, are you?
Shrek the musical is at The Regent Theatre in Hanley until Saturday 28th June 2025.
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