Shrek The Musical – Liverpool Empire

Once upon a time, in a land far far away… or just down the M62 in Liverpool depending on your postcode. Shrek The Musical landed in The Empire Theatre just in time for half term. Boasting a cast of International and West end stars, Shrek is certainly not one to miss out on this week.

Opening with strong choreography and vocals from the ensemble in “Story of My Life” this was certainly a settle into your seat’s moment as you begin to see the story unfold. Shrek, who is played by Anthony Lawrence has a big job on his hands which is to confront Farquaad (played by James Gillan) and reclaim his swamp, unbeknownst to him that he is on a far bigger path of defeating a dragon and claiming the princess from her tower. Light work? Or so he thought before he met his noble stead…

A personal favourite from the moment he braced the stage was that of Brandon Lee Sears who played Donkey. To live up to a name such as Eddie Murphy who brought us the original Donkey and do it justice is some task – but with theatre credits such as Dreamgirls, Dirty Dancing and Guys and Dolls; it’s no wonder Sears embodies the role and gives the audience the fantastic mannerisms, expressions and comedic timing that is expected. Laughter and joy could be heard throughout the theatre on several occasions.

A special mention must be for the relationship between Joanne Clifton who plays Fiona and Lawrence who plays Shrek. Throughout Act 1 we see the relationship form but in Act 2 we really see it blossom. Particularly during “I Think I Got You Beat” they really drive home the message of Shrek in which being weird and wonderful is okay, because it’s who you are, and your people will always accept you for that. When playing roles such as Shrek and Fiona, we as an audience must truly believe in the bond and they certainly gave that to us with ease.

One thing that often can be hard to do in theatre, is deliver the famous lines from the original movie or production. You sometimes feel a sense of build up to a moment which can then be anti-climactic, but with Shrek you find yourself laughing just as much as the first time you heard those words… such as “that is a nice boulder” and “better out than in I always say”. Sears and Lawrence most definitely encapsulated what it is to deliver the true vision of Shrek.

Jam packed with stage design, sets and lighting to carry you from scene to scene we are memorised by the journey we are on, feeling like we are entirely immersed. As mentioned, the choreography being impeccably performed – particularly during Cliftons ode to her dancing career during “Morning Person” in the second act. For me, this was a truly beautiful moment and the standout piece of choreography. Vocally strong throughout across the board, but it’s worth giving further praise to Cherece Richards who plays Dragon – singing “Forever” I really did wish we could stay… forever.

The perfect night out for all the family, Shrek the Musical continues throughout this week in Liverpool before embarking on the rest of its UK Tour. Get your tickets sooner rather than later, you won’t be disappointed! https://shrekuktour.com/

Reviewer: Manda Elizabeth

Reviewed: 12th February 2024

North West End UK Rating: