Go to see a show which starts with a warning that if you don’t turn your mobile phone off a big green ogre will break wind on you and you pretty much get the feel for what you’re in for with this production.

Shrek The Musical takes audiences on a colourful, fun whirlwind adventure with Shrek and Donkey who set off on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, who has been locked in a tower by her parents, to take her to Duloc to wed her soon to be husband Lord Farquaad.

Based on the Dreamworks animation film this family show, directed by Nigel Harman, is absolutely brilliant.

The stage production cleverly encapsulates everything that is loved about the film from the fairytale characters including a gingerbread man who can’t bear the thought of losing his gumdrop buttons, to its quirky lines and subtle references to other films and musicals, but giving it an added layer - a bit like ‘an onion’.

Gerard Carey stole the show as the diminutive Lord Farquaad, who had the audience in stitches as he scuttled around the stage and repeatedly spread his legs, telling an unexpected and funny tale about his childhood and the reason why he is so short.

The Dragon in Shrek The Musical
The Dragon in Shrek The Musical

The vocally talented Bronte Barbe, who shot to fame in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for Dorothy in Over the Rainbow back in 2010, was superb as Princess Fiona.

Her perfect pairing with Dean Chisnall (Shrek) shines through when they perform ‘I think I got You Beat’ – a sing off where they battle to prove who has had the worst life so far before taking it to a whole new level with burps and wind passing, when oddly it becomes clear they are made for each other.

Worth a mention also is the impressive huge dragon puppet guarding Fiona’s tower, controlled by a team of puppeteers and featuring the gospel sounding vocal talents of Candace Furbert, who also takes on the role of the Fairy Godmother.

This show is a fabulously funny, great night out that you don’t want to miss.

It runs at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre until Sunday, December 6. Tickets can be purchased online here . Recommended age is five upwards. Tickets range from £10 to £49.50 plus booking fees.

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