Shrek The Musical
South Hill Park
01344 484123
Until April 18
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Everyone’s favourite ogre is back this Easter in South Hill Park’s hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical.
The show’s run included a special gala evening attended by local dignitaries.
On arriving, local councillor Emily Blyth, spontaneously tinkled the ivories beautifully in the VIP lounge, where we were warmly welcomed with drinks.
A lovely talk with the head of marketing, Margaretha Welsford and one of the trustees Mike O’Donovan, gave a real insight into all the incredible work South Hill Park produce, in all facets of the arts and performance.
There is something for everyone to have a creative outlet to see or do every week.
This production was a real community event, produced by their professional creative team, South Hill Park Presents. It was formerly known as the Wilde Theatre Company.
Their shows provide opportunities for local performers to showcase their skills in high-quality pieces of drama and musical theatre.
It’s great that it’s also been a sell-out production for them and richly deserved too.
Shrek The Musical is a real feel-good, positive theatrical experience and so uplifting, leaving the theatre with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your swamp… I mean heart.
Having watched the original West End production many moons ago, this company did do it justice completely.
As the show started, the musical number Story Of My Life was outstanding by the ensemble.
Every number they were involved in was slick and en pointe, with impressive choreography from Charlotte Steele.
The number Things Are Looking Up also had riotous applause and cheers from the audience.
Again a well-choreographed ensemble piece.
Pinocchio, played by Sam Gillet, with his growing nose had some funny lines and caused much laughter from the crowd. He was my guest’s favourite and that’s no lie.
Brad Clapson was Shrek, following several years as South Hill Park’s pantomime dame. He has a very strong performance technique, with many audience cheers, whistles, claps and shouts.
His well-formed characterisation and true film-styled vocals were impressive. His great on-stage chemistry with Poppy Ridell’s Donkey helped too, making him a joy to watch.
As for Poppy: wow, what a talent. Her energy was infectious and a sensational singing voice to boot. The number with the three blind mice was a standout performance. Definitely the audience choice award and mine as well. Her costume, complete with hooves, was great as well.
Young princess Fiona, played by Tilly Mills, had a performance style above her years. A well-pitched voice and vocal tone.
She then changed magically into a slightly older Fiona, as Madeline Banbury … and then changing finally into Georgie Banks, who masterfully finished their opening song that introduces Princess Fiona to the audience.
The three of them singing at the end perfectly harmoniously matched.
Georgie Banks was superbly cast and owned the stage throughout.
Ashleigh Wells as Lord Farquaad had a fabulous entrance and with ideal comedy timing.
Another firm audience favourite that didn’t disappoint. Very funny and well played throughout.
The guards that assisted his first scenes had total focus and worked together beautifully.
Effective puppetry is used for the dragon, with the three performers sharing the voice and vocals of the character with aplomb.
The skeleton “old knights” ensemble was a fun addition too.
An audience clap along started act two with real good spirit, leading into a lovely rat tap ensemble number with a full-on Bucks Fizz costume surprise by Princess Fiona. Watching her falling in love with Shrek after a flatulent burp fest was hilarious, but beautifully played.
A simply fairytale ending finished off a hugely enjoyable evening of live theatre.
A huge well done to all the cast and crew on a fabulous production that had a standing ovation and everyone on their feet dancing.
A night of pure theatre, at its best.
Cleverly directed by Mark Hooper, the rhythm and pace were flawless. The characters were developed to maximum effect, with some very funny ideas included too. The skateboard horse reversing with a beep sure tickled me.
The musical direction by Tim Crumper was solid, with harmonies explored and perfected in every number.
My only criticism, if I had to pick one (which was hard on this occasion) would be that a live orchestra would have been perfect. To be fair all the performers having to work to backing tracks is no easy thing to do. There’s no room for error or mistakes and I noticed none.
It was a stunning lighting design by Michael Brenkley and a captivating set design by Victoria Spearing.
I couldn’t fault the sound design and operators either, no hiccups at all from Phil Hoegger and Darren Gould.
The costumes, with matching wigs and accessories, have been skilfully put together by Naomi Gibbs, a real riot of colour. Not sure if they were hired in, or created especially for the performance, either way, they worked a treat.
South Hill Park puts on community productions three times a year in Spring, Summer and Autumn. Cast members often range in age from eight to 80 – no one is too young or too old as long as they come with bags of enthusiasm.
If you’d like to get involved in performance at South Hill Park, or are interested in joining our backstage team or show bands, get in touch with its head of technical, Gareth Evans, via its website, https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/about/contact/
To sum it up, the audience absolutely loved it and so did I. Bravo South Hill Park Presents can’t wait for the next one.
Splattyoo
Reading’s honest viewer.
