Reviewed by Lucy Gwilliam
As we arrived at the Liverpool Empire, we could sense a great atmosphere. The audience were gathering outside to have their pictures taken with cast members such as the Wicked Witch and one of the little pigs. Inside face painters were working their magic, creating beautiful green glitter patterns for the children attending the show. It was great to see so much enthusiasm around the show and it really got us in the mood to watch the performance.
My husband, daughter and I attended the show and had driven from Manchester to get the chance to see this highly acclaimed show based on the fantastic movie of Shrek. Shrek is a swamp ogre who goes on a journey to save his swamp from Lord Farquard, who has sent all of the fairy tale characters from his land to live in Shrek’s swamp.
Shrek takes up the challenge to rescue Princess Fiona from a tower, to bring back to be Lord Farquard’s queen, in return for the deeds for his swamp. On his mission, Shrek falls in love with the Princess Fiona, but does not think she will love him back, so takes her back to Lord Farquard.
However, Shrek does not know that Fiona is cursed and is a Princess by day and an ogre by night. The story that came after was just perfect.
I loved the little quirks of the show which made it different from the film and very unpredictable. It did follow the same story line but with its unique differences.
The set and props were definitely the best and most interactive we have ever seen. I loved the way they had the Gingerbread Man moving, this was a kind of animatronics I have not seen in a live performance before. The dragon was so much like the dragon in the film, the men in charge of the dragon puppeteering were top notch and her voice was spectacular.
The acting and singing all together were just magical. Every single character put on an outstanding performance for this opening night show. It was a truly magical show to watch and we were just totally enthralled throughout.
The show was funny, witty and totally engaging. My 8-year-old daughter described it as “amazing” and “her friends will be so jealous when I tell them about it tomorrow”. We will definitely be recommending it and would love to see it again when or if it next visits Manchester.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £12 to £56 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Shrek The Musical is at the Liverpool Empire from 12-24 June 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
