By Isle of Wight Observer
The ever-popular Island Savoyards are back at Shanklin Theatre this month with everyone’s favourite smelly ogre in Shrek the Musical. It is the first time this musical theatre adaptation of the original Shrek movie will be performed on the Island, and what better time to bring this family favourite to the stage, than during the October half-term holiday.
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…”; and thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wise-cracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy-tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.
Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Luke Cumberpatch and Emily Scotcher star, as Shrek and Princess Fiona, with Ches Checkley joining the cast as Shrek’s “noble steed” Donkey. Other principal cast include Daniel Farmer as Lord Farquaad, Holly Gardiner as Dragon, Alfie Luke as Pinocchio and Ellie Warne as Gingy. Audiences can also expect a large ensemble cast, consisting of fairy-tale creatures such as the Big Bad Wolf, the Three Little Pigs, Fairy Godmother, Wicked Witch, the Three Bears, Peter Pan and a chorus of tap-dancing rats, to name a few.
The show is directed by Sarah Scotcher, and Andrew Woodford returns to his post as musical director, in what he classes as one of his favourite scores.
Performances are at Shanklin Theatre on October 25, 26, 27 and 28 at 7.30pm and on 28 and 29 at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from the theatre box office in person, by calling 868000 or on-line at iow.life/bookshrek.