REVIEW: Dreamworks Theatricals presents SHREK the musical - Liverpool Empire Theatre

Thursday 26th November was press night for SHREK the musical. Presented by Dreamworks theatricals, the show played out to a packed auditorium of children and adults wearing green Alice bands in imitation of the endearing green ogre.

Shrek was played by Dean Chisnall, his love interest Princess Fiona by Bronte Barbe, Lord Farquaad by Gerard Carey and Donkey by Idriss Kargbo.

From the very first scene, hilarity was the theme and the set design was a sight to behold, all green and magical with a wonderfully festive feel to it. This show is a fore runner to panto season and certainly gets the audience ready for the festive season. The unlikely hero embarks on a quest to save princess Fiona from a fire breathing dragon and the arms of Lord Farquaad.

There is an ample mix of innuendo which hopefully goes over the heads of the younger members of the audience, there are belly laughs courtesy of Gerard Carey who plays Lord Farquaad and Shrek's sidekick Donkey played by Idriss Kargbo. Prepare for unlimited fun dished out abundantly particularly from the duo. Carey almost upstages Chisnall by his comedic performance. That is not to say that Chisnall in his role as Shrek is to be undermined. He portrayed with brilliance the character who grabs a place in the heart of the audience and reinforces the message that appearances are only superficial. This is the beautiful moral of the production; despite the endless passing of wind and hilarity, the underlying message is that preconceptions based on outward appearances are futile and above all else harsh and unfair.

Without ruining the plot and revealing too much, expect a strong cast, excellent vocals, score and a lot of laughter. This show is reminiscent of a Monty Python sketch in parts but meets Disney halfway in the middle. The skill of the puppeteers who parade the love-sick dragon across the stage is second to none.My absolute favourite character was Donkey. He had attitude and style. This is an absolute gem of a show and it is suitable for adults and children alike. It's all singing, all dancing and worthy of a glowing 5 stars from me.

Shrek The musical runs at The Empire Liverpool until Sunday 29th November and tickets can be purchased here Stunning! Suitable for all.