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It’s not often a fat and flatulent ogre takes star billing in a show at the Marlowe Theatre.
But when that show is based on an Oscar-winning movie with $500 million of box office takings to its name, exceptions can be made.
And Shrek the Musical is every bit as good as its animated predecessor.
It has arrived in the city following a hugely-successful run in the West End and is a real coup for the Marlowe.
I’m sure you know the story; ugly green ogre saves a stricken princess from a dragon-guarded tower to get his swamp back and they fall in love.
It’s a beautiful parody of the classic fairytale and transfers effortlessly to the stage.
From the off it’s clear you’re getting something big budget – the set is stunning and the costumes are superb.
Dean Chisnall, as Shrek, deserves his performance fee alone for enduring what must be hours in the make-up chair to become the ghastly, green ogre.
His portrayal is as warm as he must be in his giant suit, and the audience is soon willing the swamp beast to find true love.
His take on Shrek’s voice is a near-clone of Mike Myers’ and his vocal range is impressive, particularly in Big Bright Beautiful World.
But despite his character's name headlining the posters, it’s Faye Brookes, as Princess Fiona, who is the real star of the show.
Her vocals are faultless, her comic timing is near-perfect and the chemistry between her and Chisnall is about as real as it can be between a princess and an ogre.
The two facing off with I Think I Got You Beat was the best part of the show for me, and included some of many risqué adult jokes the show offers.
Matching Brookes in the comedy stakes was Steffan Harri as the vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad, who spends the majority of the show on his knees.
And given that Harri was only the understudy, it’s hard to imagine Gerard Carey putting in a better performance.
The gym workout and wedding scenes are particular highlights.
Among the other big characters, Idriss Kargbo has the near-impossible task of emulating Eddie Murphy’s performance as Donkey, but does a valiant job.
In short, Shrek is a superbly-cast show with a beautifully-presented ensemble (the dragon is spectacular) and is one of the best I’ve seen on the Marlowe stage.
Don’t miss it.
