Arguably the most famous swamp in the UK has made its way to Manchester – and what a ‘Shrektacular’ arrival it was.
Directed by Nigel Harman, the fabulous hit family show Shrek the Musical is now running at the Palace Theatre until January 11, 2015, and you’d be green with envy if you missed it.
Based on the Dreamworks animation Shrek, which in turn was inspired by a story book character created by William Steig, this family show is absolutely hilarious and received a standing ovation on press night.
I was sceptical about how the performance would translate from film, but it works brilliantly.
It contains all the classic Shrek lines you’d expect such as ‘onions have layers’ and ‘not the gumdrop buttons’ but with extra definition to the characters and a brilliant and funny musical score not contained in the film, apart from ‘Welcome to Duloc’ and ‘I’m a Believer’.
Gerard Carey is fabulously funny as the short Lord Farquaad and arguably stole the show, spending most of it on his knees with a pair of fake legs strapped to the front of his thighs. The audience was in stitches as he scuttled across the stage and repeatedly spread his legs, telling an unexpected and amusing tale of how he came to be so small.
Faye Brookes and Dean Chisnall were equally entertaining as the loveable grumpy ogre Shrek and his happy ever after Princess Fiona, who claims years of being locked in a tower like Rapunzel has affected her mental health, well it would wouldn’t it!
Don’t miss it.
Tickets from £19.50 - £70 (subject to booking/transaction fee). Call 0844 871 3019 or visit www.atgtickets.com/manchester Groups of 10+: 0844 871 3038. Note the earlier performance start time of 7pm.
