Shrek the Musical at the Liverpool Empire Review
Shrek the Musical
Liverpool Empire
26 November to 6 December 2015
Reviewed by Anita Baxter
Myself and a friend went to the Liverpool Empire to see the Musical Shrek which has been performed previously at the West End and was based on the DreamWorks animation film Shrek. This is a family show recommended age is 5+ years and above. You don’t have to have seen Shrek or to have read the book (by William Steig) to be able to follow the story, from the opening scene Shrek the musical has you captivated.
Shrek is the Musical story of a group of mismatched characters from various fairytales who have been evicted from their homes by Lord Farquaad, the villain in story, and the unusual hero Shrek an ogre whom falls in love with the Princess Fiona, (whom has a mystery of her own).
Main characters
Dean Chisnall is Shrek
Bronte Barbe is Princess Fiona
Gerard Carey is Lord Farquaad
Idriss Kargbo is Donkey
At the beginning 7 year old Shrek an ogre is told by his father, that it’s time to leave home and is sent off into the big wide world. Then Princess Fiona who is also sent away by her parents to live in a tower (this keeps her mystery safe), she is also at age seven when she leaves home. Shrek finds himself surrounded by a group of villages and decides he can’t live like that deciding he needs to be alone, he finds himself a smelly swamp and makes it his home. Lord Farquaad (the funniest of the cast) evicts the fairytale characters to the swamps and they end up living in the swamp but they all want to get back to the castle. Meanwhile all Shrek wants is peace and quiet and to get his swamp back.
Lord Farquaad hears about Princess Fiona and wants to marry her. He says to Shrek that if he rescues Princess Fiona he will give the land back to the fairytale misfits and he will get his swamp back. Donkey one of the misfits embarks on the quest with Shrek and they soon become best of friends as they rescue Princess Fiona, as the story continues other amazing characters : A soon to be love struck dragon, a gingerbread boy, three blind mice, and many more come to life on the stage.
This is one of the funniest musicals I have seen. It’s so colourful the different characters bringing one of the best musicals around to Liverpool and soon to other parts of the country. A must for families, couples and groups of friends to see!
Once again I have nothing but praise for the staff of the Liverpool Empire. Very helpful and plenty of staff around in case you need any help.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £49.50 (booking fees may apply).
Shrek the Musical is at the Liverpool Empire until 6 December 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
