If you are a fan of the film 'Shrek', you will be a fan of Fermanagh Musical Theatre’s (FMT) vivid and colourful version of the modern classic.
The talent on stage may allow you to think that upon entering Enniskillen’s Ardhowen Theatre you have been transported to the West End in London to see a professional production.
READ MORE: FMT to stage 'relaxed' performance of 'Shrek The Musical'
Leading man John Óg Cathcart, a recent drama school graduate, plays a spell-binding Shrek, looking gloriously green in stage paint, and sporting a pair of platform boots that add to his ogre stature.
His portrayal is funny and moving at points, with a strong stage presence.
Clodagh Sweeney brings the chaotic nature of Donkey, Shrek’s kooky companion, to life with her line delivery both fast and funny, adding some great moments of physical theatre.
Princess Fiona, played by Bláthíne Smith, is a strong vocal talent, with her yearning for freedom beautifully expressed in the multi-age musical number, 'I Know It's Today', with Young Fiona (Niamh Maguire), Teen Fiona (Amy Bogue) and the now adult Fiona providing stunning harmonies and a deep sense of longing.
Villainous Lord Farquaad and his height provide some great moments of comic relief, with Odhrán Sweeney displaying some impressive dance skills, even though he's confined to acting on his knees as well as showing off his fantastic vocal talent.
When he is paired with the Duloc Dancers, it is truly a sight to behold, and brings a real energy to the production, providing some musical theatre at its most joyful.
The entrance of the Dragon (Nadia Stenson) is a highlight from a staging and costuming point of view, and is one of the magical moments in the production where it is hard to distinguish between professional theatre and amateur.
This moment tests the limits of what is possible within an amateur group, and the pay-off is excellent.
The assortment of fairytale creatures played by the chorus are all unique and bring many of the beloved characters from the film to life.
Puppetry brings Gingy, The Gingerbread Man to life, with Niall Kerr taking the reigns and providing a fantastic cadence for the character in a lively role.
Other notable fairytale characters making an appearance include Pinocchio (Harry Parkinson) and a wide range of familiar faces from fairytale classics, with the Scarecrow (Alison Lappin), Cheshire Cat (Scarlett Murphy) and Big Bad Wolf (Paraic McHugh) among those to appear, as well as the Three Little Pigs (Amy Bogue, Cara Murphy and Maddison Blair), who also excel as Donkey’s dancers in ‘Make a Move’.
The Chorus of more than 20 members provides strong backing vocals and a wide range of dance styles with a truly slick performance.
Stand-out numbers include ‘Freak Flag’, and ‘Story of My Life’.
At the helm of the production was Director Sam McElgunn, who turned this mammoth production into a superb stage show, ably assisted by Assistant Director and Stage Manager, Jonathan McBride.
Musical Director Moya Sweeney has ensured that the songs carry well not just vocally but also add much beauty and depth to the performance, allowing the show to soar, and her work with choreographer Chloe Martin, assisted by Cara Murphy, brings real flair to the production.
One of the stand-out elements of this show has to be the costumes by Amanda Finch, which add a great deal of authenticity to the production.
They add distinction, character and a fantastic vibrancy, and it is obvious to the audience how much care and detail was placed in costuming.
The run of Shrek the Musical will continue in the Ardhowen Theatre from this Wednesday, August 21 to Saturday, August 24.
A matinee performance on Saturday will be a ‘relaxed’ performance and will feature a BSL interpreter, Stephen Conlan.
This performance is designed to especially welcome those on the autistic spectrum, those with a learning disability, or anyone with a sensory predisposition.
Slight alterations are made to the performance, though the overall content will not change.
House lighting will remain at a reduced level, and strobe lighting, loud noises or explosions have been reduced or removed entirely.
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