“Shrek the Musical: A Theatrical Journey into the Swamp of Fun”

Shrek, the lovable ogre with a heart of gold, has captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide through his animated film adventures. However, the magic of Shrek extends beyond the silver screen and onto the stage with “Shrek the Musical.” This theatrical production brings the beloved characters and memorable moments to life in a way that is both enchanting and hilarious.

A Fairy Tale with a Twist

“Shrek the Musical” takes the essence of the original Shrek films and transforms it into a lively and entertaining stage performance. The story follows Shrek, an unlikely hero, as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from the tower guarded by the fire-breathing dragon. Along the way, Shrek is joined by an assortment of quirky characters, including the talkative Donkey and the diminutive but powerful Lord Farquaad.

Spectacle of Song and Dance

One of the highlights of “Shrek the Musical” is its dynamic musical numbers. From the opening number, “Big, Bright, Beautiful World,” to the show-stopping “I’m a Believer,” the production is filled with catchy tunes that add an extra layer of magic to the fairy-tale atmosphere. The songs not only propel the narrative forward but also showcase the characters’ personalities and emotions.

Theatrical Magic and Set Design

The stage adaptation of Shrek’s world is a feast for the eyes. Elaborate set designs transport the audience from the gloomy swamp to the towering castle, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the story. The costumes, from Shrek’s signature green ensemble to the fairy-tale creatures’ whimsical outfits, contribute to the overall spectacle, immersing the audience in a fantastical realm.

Humour for All Ages

“Shrek the Musical” masterfully blends humour for both children and adults. While the kids will giggle at the slapstick comedy and witty one-liners, adults will appreciate the clever pop culture references and the musical’s satirical take on traditional fairy-tale tropes. The humour is smart and layered, ensuring that everyone in the audience finds something to laugh about.

Shrek’s Endearing Message

Beyond the laughs and musical numbers, “Shrek the Musical” carries a heartwarming message about acceptance and embracing one’s uniqueness. Shrek, the supposed monster, teaches us that it is okay to be different and that true beauty comes from within. This positive and affirming theme adds depth to the production, making it more than just a funny fairy-tale romp.

A Theatrical Adventure Worth Experiencing

“Shrek the Musical” proves that the magic of Shrek extends far beyond the silver screen. With its enchanting performances, catchy tunes, and heartwarming message, this musical brings the beloved characters to life in a way that captivates audiences of all ages. Whether you are a fan of the original films or new to the world of Shrek, experiencing this theatrical journey is a must for anyone seeking a delightful and entertaining night at the theatre.

A big thank you to Wales Millennium Centre for having us.

The length of this musical

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes (including 1 interval.)

Getting your tickets

Book your tickets now! You can purchase your tickets HERE. The ticket prices start from £17.50 and the show is available until Saturday 25th November 2023. There is limited availability in most days at the moment and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary.

Age guidance:  5+ (no under 2s.) Further details can be found on their website. 

If you have already watched this musical, let us know your thoughts in the comments below or if you go to watch it, come back and left us know too. 

Read our previous post here and don’t forget to follow our socials Instagram and Twitter.

Thank you for reading. 

Stay safe

Kay

The post Shrek The Musical at Wales Millennium Centre – Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

Thrilling, Captivating and Emotional

Les Misérables has landed at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff and they will be there from 13 December 2022 until 14 January 2023. This is a show not to be missed! Les Misérables has been a hit on the stage since it first opened in London in 1985. It has been performed in 42 countries and seen by over 70 million people. The show has won numerous awards and accolades, including three Laurence Olivier Awards and a Tony Award for Best Musical.

For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to Les Misérables.

Les Misérables is a beloved classic novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862. Set in 19th-century France, the story follows the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean as he seeks redemption and strives to make a better life for himself and those around him. With compelling characters, a gripping plot, and a powerful message of justice and hope, Les Misérables has captivated readers for generations. It has been adapted for the stage and screen many times, and remains an enduring work of art.

Plot

The show follows Jean Valjean as he embarks on a journey of redemption after his release from prison. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including the cruel Inspector Javert and the kindly Fantine. The story is filled with heartfelt moments, as well as thrilling action scenes. You will see the love story unfolding, between Cosette and Marius. The Inspectors ultimate fate. And Éponine’s constant struggles with love.

The music in Les Misérables is an integral part of the show, with its stirring ballads, dramatic ensemble pieces and uplifting choruses that reach into the depths of the audience’s soul. The show has some of the most iconic musical theatre songs of all time, including the heart-wrenching “I Dreamed a Dream”, the soulful “On My Own”, and the powerful “One Day More” that encapsulate the spirit of the musical. The musical score is a powerful reflection of the emotions of the characters, allowing us to further understand the story and immerse ourselves in the world of the musical. The music of Les Misérables is truly a masterpiece and an unforgettable experience.

Les Misérables has been translated into almost every major language, and it has been studied by generations of students in classrooms around the world. Its themes of justice, mercy, and redemption have inspired generations of readers to think more deeply about their own lives and the world around them.

Summary

This is the second time we watch this show and this time it felt like the very first time. It is fresh, the cast do an amazing job in captivating you with their characters and immersing you in this era. The songs were emotional and we had tears in our eyes when “On My Own” was being performed by Éponine (Siobhan O’Driscoll.)
Nic Greenshields returns to Cardiff to once again grace us with his voice and what a pleasure it was to be there. We cannot deny the amazing talent this actor has. His voice gives goosebumps, prepare yourself when you hear “Stars.” And how can we forget Dean Chisnall, who is back again as Jean Valjean. Both actors do an outstanding job.

What was our favourite performance? We have a few, but the one that stands out for us because of its comedy is “Master Of The House.” This was performed by Thénardier (Ian Hughes) and his wife, Madame Thénardier (Helen Walsh.) We would like to mention that Ian Hughes is from Merthyr Tydfil, so it is a very special moment to have someone Welsh in this wonderful play.

We will like to say a huge congratulations to the cast of Les Misérables, because they all did a phenomenal job. When we left the theatre, people’s faces were beaming with joy and we heard a few people commenting that they will sit and watch it all over again. From our side we were excited to watch it, but a little hesitant at the same time due to the length of the play, however when you sit there you lose track of time and before you know it, it is the end of Act 1. So this time we didn’t feel the 2 hours and 50 mins and if we did, it was worth it.

Cast members

Jean Valjean played by Dean Chisnall

Javert played by Nic Greenshields

Bishop of Digne played by Rick Zwart

Fantine played by Lauren Drew

Bamatabois played by George Arvidson

Madame played by Tessa Kadler

Little Cosette played by Mali Sylvester
Emma Roberts
Yasmin Teodosio

Madame Thénardier played by Helen Walsh

Young Éponine played by Cadi Mair Peart
Mali Grug Evans Davies
Maddison Belle Platt

Thénardier played by Ian Hughes

Éponine played by Siobhan O’Driscoll

Cosette played by Paige Blankson
——
Enjolras played by Samuel Wyn-Morris

Marius played by Will Callan

Combeferre played by Jordan Simon Pollard

Feuilly played by Harry Chandler

Courfeyrac played by Will Barratt

Joly played by Joseph McDonnell

Grantaire played by Raymond Walsh

Legles played by Dean Read

Jean Prouvaire played by Caleb Lagayan

Swings played by Aidan Banyard
Emily Olive Boyd
Damian Kneale
Jamie Pritchard
Rebecca Ridout
——
Directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt
Sound by Mick Potter
Lighting by Paule Constable
Costume design by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rolland

A big thank you to Wales Millennium Centre for having us.

The length of this musical

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including the interval.

Where to purchase tickets for Les Misérables at Wales Millennium Centre?

Tickets for Les Misérables at Wales Millennium Centre can be purchased on their website. The show will be in Cardiff Bay until 14 January 2023. Ticket prices start from £22.50 onwards, click HERE to book your tickets now. Age guidance: 8+, no under 2’s (please check their website for more details.) There is medium to high availability in most days at the moment and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary specially now during the festive season.

If you have already watched this production, let us know your thoughts in the comments below or if you go to watch it, come back here if you can and left us know too. 

Thank you for reading. 

Stay safe

Kay

The post Les Misérables at Wales Millennium Centre – Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

My Fair Lady has landed in Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre and it will be here until 26 November. The Lincoln Center Theater Production award winning show is on tour in the UK and now we get the chance to enjoy it in our Welsh capital.  

For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to My Fair Lady.

Earlier on in the week, we had the opportunity to attend My Fair Lady’s press night. As usual the atmosphere in the Donald Gordon Theatre is electric and you see smiles all around the room.

My Fair Lady is a production based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion, with a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. This show has had success at London’s West End and has been on tour for over 15 years. My Fair Lady is a story about a young lady, named Eliza Doolittle. She is a Cockney flower seller. In this story you also get to know Henry Higgins, a professor, whose only mission is to change the way Eliza speaks and make her into a descent lady. It is a story about transformation and love, with a couple of twists and deceptions along the way. 

Act 1

In this act we will be introduced to Eliza and Professor Higgins. You will hear songs such as Why Can’t the English?, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly? – Eliza and The “Loverly” Quartet. With A Little Bit of Luck – Dolittle + Company. I Could Have Danced All Night, The Rain In Spain, On The Street Where You Live. 

Act 2

In this act you will hear songs, such as You Did it, Get Me to the Church On Time, Without You, I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face. 

Apart from the beautiful costumes, the creative set and the occasional funny one liners, the show was very entertaining. It was a story that in our opinion it is relatable to many women and it reminded us slightly of Jack in Titanic, where he had to learn to dress decently, how to use cutlery correctly and how to speak. The story also showed the rocky relationship that Eliza (Charlotte Kennedy) had with Alfie, her father (who is none other than actor Adam Woodyatt from EastEnders.) Yes, you read that right.
This was an emotional, but liberating process for Eliza as she finally sets herself free from that situation. My Fair Lady is about hope, change and most importantly affection, because after Eliza had made the changes Professor Higgins (Michael D. Xavier) had helped her to achieve, the people around her grew to love her and care for her.

All of the cast members did a fantastic job, but we have to praise Charlotte Kennedy for her talent and voice, it was beautiful and soothing. Michael D. Xavier did a great job of giving Professor Higgins the character and charisma, that we enjoyed so much. And we also have to mention John Middleton who plays Colonel Pickering, because he was outstanding and we loved his celebration dance.

Nevertheless we were left with some unanswered questions. Questions such as: Do Eliza and Professor Higgins end up just being friends? Do they end up being a couple? We think that in the end, some of us were left with mixed responses but it leaves things to the imagination.

Costumes

The costumes were beautiful, elegant and sophisticated. You will see corsets, top hats and women wearing very elegant dresses with big hats. And yes, we have a favourite costume. But we won’t describe it, because you have to see it with your own eyes. She looked beautiful! 

Stage and props

The stage had a set mechanism we had never seen before, with Professor Higgins study being a rotating set where on one side there is the study and on the opposite side the entrance to the house with a staircase. We found this set amazing and so practical. It was a very clever set. Well done to the team that came up with this idea. 

In Act 1 there is the scene where they are all at the horse races (Scene 6) and the horses are galloping and we hear the sound travel all around the room, from one side to the other. We had never been to a play where they did this before. It was awesome and made the scene seem so much more realistic. 

Cast members

Eliza Doolittle, played by Charlotte Kennedy 

Professor Henry Higgins, played by Michael D. Xavier

Alfred P Doolittle, played by Adam Woodyatt (from EastEnders)

Mrs Pearce, played by Lesley Garrett

Colonel Pickering, played by John Middleton (from Emmerdale)

Mrs Higgins, played by Heather Jackson

Freddy Eynsford-HIll, played by Tom Liggins

The “Loverly” Quartet, played by Joseph Claus, Jordan Crouch, Tom Ping and Oliver Tester

Frank, The Bartender, played by Paul Westwood

Book and lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner

Music by: Frederick Loewe

Directed by: Bartlett Sher 

A big thank you to Wales Millennium Centre for having us.

The length of this musical

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including the interval.

Where to purchase tickets for My Fair Lady at Wales Millennium Centre

Tickets for My Fair Lady at Wales Millennium Centre can be purchased on their website. The show will be in Cardiff Bay until 26 November. Ticket prices start from £19.50 onwards, click HERE to book your tickets now. Age guidance: 8+ (please check their website for more details.) There is medium to high availability in most days at the moment and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary.

If you have already watched this production, let us know your thoughts in the comments below or if you go to watch it, come back here if you can and left us know too.

Thank you for reading.

Stay safe

Kay

The post My Fair Lady at Wales Millennium Centre – Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.