“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.

The Bodyguard Musical is a thrilling and captivating stage production that is based on the popular 1992 movie of the same name, starring the unforgettable Whitney Houston. This musical has many fans around the world, captivating audiences with its stunning performances, mesmerising music, and compelling storyline. The Bodyguard Musical has now landed in Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre, until Saturday 29th April.

For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to The Bodyguard Musical.

Plot

The story of The Bodyguard Musical revolves around the character of Rachel Marron, a superstar singer who becomes the target of a stalker. In order to protect her, the producers of her show hire a former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer, to be her bodyguard. At first, Rachel is resistant to the idea of having a bodyguard, but she soon realises that Frank is the only person she can trust. As the story unfolds, we see the relationship between Rachel and Frank develop, while they both try to uncover the identity of the stalker who is threatening Rachel’s life.

One of the key elements of The Bodyguard Musical is the incredible music that is featured throughout the show. The musical includes some of the most iconic songs from the original movie, including “I Will Always Love You,” “I Have Nothing,” and “Run to You.” These songs are beautifully performed by the cast, led by the talented Melody Thornton, who takes on the role of Rachel Marron. Thornton is a singer, better known for being a member of The Pussycat Dolls, she brings a powerful and emotional performance to the stage, capturing the essence of Rachel’s character and delivering stunning renditions of the show’s most beloved songs. Frank Farmer is performed by Ayden Callaghan, known for his roles in Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. He is a very likeable character, that wins the audiences heart. And also did a wonderful job of bringing to life, the professional yet passionate character that is Frank Farmer.

Stage

In addition to the music, The Bodyguard Musical features spectacular choreography and stunning set design. The stage is set with elaborate backdrops and stunning lighting effects that bring the story to life. It is a much simpler stage, compared to other shows we have watched but it is perfect enough to portray the respective scenes. The choreography is expertly crafted, with the cast performing intricate dance routines that add to the excitement and energy of the production. Melody Thornton is entertaining to watch, she moved so effortlessly around the stage when dancing and if you are or were a Pussycat Doll fan, then you are in for a treat.

The show has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Olivier Awards and the Tony Awards, and has won several, including Best New Musical at the Whatsonstage Awards.

Summary

In conclusion, The Bodyguard Musical is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. With its stunning music, captivating storyline, and impressive performances, this musical is a true masterpiece of the stage. Whether you are a fan of musical theatre or simply love a good story, The Bodyguard Musical is sure to leave you breathless and wanting to go to watch it again. Let’s not forget Whitney Houston’s shoes are hard to fill, because she was and will always be a superstar with a mega voice but Melody Thornton, redeemed herself and made this night her own. It was fantastic from start to finish. And as always congratulations to cast and crew for a fabulous show.

Cast

Melody Thornton – Rachel Marron
Ayden Callaghan – Frank Farmer
Emily-Mae – Nicki Marron
Frankie Keita – Fletcher
Graham Elwell – Tony
James Groom – Sy Spector
John Macaulay – Bill Devaney
Marios Nicolaides – The stalker
Fergal Coghlan – Ray Court

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

The length of this musical

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including the interval.

Getting your tickets

You can purchase your tickets HERE. The ticket prices start from £19.50 and the show is available until Saturday 29th April 2023. There is still availability in most days at the moment and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary.

Age guidance: 10+ (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 here if you can and left us know too. 

Thank you for reading. 

Stay safe

Kay

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

Matthew Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty” is a retelling of the classic fairy tale that captivates audiences with its stunning choreography, imaginative sets, and incredible storytelling. This critically acclaimed ballet production is renowned for its bold and innovative interpretation of the classic story, making it a must-see for fans of dance and theatre alike. This production is now in Cardiff at Wales Millennium Centre until Saturday 4 February 2023.

For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to Matthew Bourne’s, Sleeping Beauty.

At its core, “Sleeping Beauty” tells the story of Princess Aurora, who is cursed at birth to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep for 100 years. When she is finally awoken by the kiss of a prince, she finds herself in a strange and unfamiliar world, full of strange and mysterious creatures.

Bourne’s version of the story is both contemporary and timeless, incorporating elements of gothic horror, Victorian elegance, and fantastical magic. The choreography is breathtaking, blending traditional ballet with contemporary dance styles to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The dancers move with grace and precision, bringing the story to life through their movements and expressions.

The set design is also a highlight of the production, with breathtaking sets and stunning costumes that transport the audience to a world of magic and wonder. The use of lighting and special effects adds to the overall ambiance, creating an immersive experience that leaves the audience captivated and entranced.

In addition to the breathtaking dance and stunning visuals, the musical score is also a standout feature of the production. The lush, sweeping melodies are performed live by a full orchestra, adding to the overall impact of the show.

Overall, Matthew Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty” is a must-see for fans of dance and theatre. Its imaginative retelling of the classic fairy tale, combined with its stunning choreography, beautiful sets, and incredible musical score, make it a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a fan of ballet or simply looking for a unique and captivating night out, “Sleeping Beauty” is not to be missed.

The Company/Cast

King Benedict | Andrew Monaghan, Dominic North, Danny Reubens

Queen Eleanor | Stephanie Billers, Kayla Collymore

Princess Aurora, their daughter | Katrina Lyndon, Ashley Shaw

Leo, the Royal Gamekeeper | Rory Macleod, Andrew Monaghan, Stephen Murray

Count Lilac, King of the Fairies | Paris Fitzpatrick, Dominic North, Christopher Thomas

Carabosse, the Dark Fairy | Ben Brown, Jackson Fisch, Paris Fitzpatrick Caradoc

Caradoc son of Carabosse | Ben Brown, Jackson Fisch, Paris Fitzpatrick

Ardor, the Fairy of Passion | Kayla Collymore, Katrina Lyndon, Bryony Wood

Hibernia, the Fairy of Rebirth | Megan Ferguson, Kurumi Kamayachi, Hannah Kremer

Autumnus, the Fairy of Plenty | James Lovell, Enrique Ngbokota, Christopher Thomas

Feral, the Fairy of Spirit | Jade Copas, Shoko Ito, Kurumi Kamayachi

Tantrum, the Fairy of Temperament | Jackson Fisch, Stephen Murray, Enrique Ngbokota

Lord Rupert, suitor to Aurora | Ben Brown, Isaac Peter Bowry, Cameron Flynn

Viscount Aubrey, another suitor | Benjamin Barlow Bazeley, Perreira de Jesus Franque, Danny Reubens

Sir Evelyn, another suitor | Benjamin Barlow Bazeley, James Lovell, Rory Macleod

Miss Maddox, Aurora’s Nanny | Stephanie Billers, Sophia Hurdley, Shoko Ito, Daisy May Kemp

Flossie, Aurora’s Maid | Jade Copas, Megan Ferguson, Bryony Wood

Archie, palace footman | Benjamin Barlow Bazeley, James Lovell, Rory Macleod

Bertie, palace footman | Isaac Peter Bowry, Ben Brown, Cameron Flynn

Carabosse Attendants | Benjamin Barlow Bazeley, Isaac Peter Bowry, Ben Brown, Cameron Flynn, Pereira de Jesus Franque, Danny Reubens

Caiff Garden Party Guests, Tourists, Sleepwalkers, Caradoc’s Henchmen, Wedding Guests a phypedwyr eu perfformio gan aelodau or Cwmni.

Garden Party Guests, Tourists, Sleepwalkers, Caradoc’s Henchmen, Wedding Guests and puppeteers all performed by members of the Company.

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

The length of this musical

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including the interval.

Getting your tickets

You can purchase your tickets HERE. The tickets start from £18.00 and the show is available from 31 January – 4 February 2023. 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.

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

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 Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty at Wales Millennium Centre – Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

Adventure Cinema

An open air Cinema has landed in Cardiff. Showing Pulp Fiction (18), Encanto (PG) and Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone (PG) Check the link for the dates and times of each film.

Place: Bute Park

Price: £0 – £14.50 + Eventbrite fees

Saturday 30th July-Sunday 31st July

Child Friendly Cardiff – The Summer of Fun Festival

Find a range of activities for the family. Workshops, performances, games and more.

Place: Cardiff City Lawn, City Hall

Price: Tickets £2 per person

Daily until 7th August.

Open from 10am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-4pm

Dinky Dragons

Soft play for babies and toddlers

Place: Museum of Cardiff, The Old Library

Free entry

12th August

Drop in 10am – 3pm 

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

This exhibition will showcase 100 backlit images, showing the beauties of earth and nature.

Place: National Museum Cardiff

Prices: General admission £10, Concessions £7, Free to under 16s and Amgueddfa Cymru Members

Running until 29th August.

Summer Fun at the Senedd

Craft activities, guided tours and many more

Place: Welsh Parliament, Cardiff Bay.

Free entry

Running until Tuesday 6th September

Open Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm

Summer of Fun Festival

Various activities across the city

In various locations. Check the link to see locations

Running until Monday 5th September

Jurassic Dinosaur Spectacular

Join the T. Rex and friends on an adventure.

Place: Margam Country Park

Price: £0 – £38.32

Monday 29 August 2022, 10am-5pm

Crafty Wednesdays

Craft activities for all of the family

Place: Museum of Cardiff, The Old Library

Price: £1 per child

Every Wednesday until 31st August.

Open from 10am-3pm

CoedLan – High Ropes

Climb, jump and balance through trees.

Place: St. Fagans National Museum of History

Price: £15 per person. Booking is essential

Requirements: Participants must be at least 110cm tall

Running until 4th September 2022, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.15pm 

Museum Sleepover: Natural World From Home

Join the expedition in the comfort of your own home. Set up camp and get ready to be part of an adventure. From insects to a safari and much more.

Event organised by: National Museum Cardiff

Place: At home

Price: £5 + Eventbrite fees

Suitable ages: 4-12

13th-14th August, 2pm-10am

Gilbert’s Birthday

Take the Knight’s trail around the castle and you can design your suit of armour

Place: Caerphilly Castle

Price: Standard admission prices apply. Extra £2 for a set of armour to decorate

Monday 29th August 2022, 11:00am – 3.00pm

Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park

Outdoor funfair attractions.

Place: Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay.

Running until Sunday 4th September.

The post What’s On In and Around Cardiff – Summer 2022 appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

Three words: Upbeat, Heartfelt and Spectacular. 

This musical has been seen by 110 million people all over the world and it is still one of West End’s best selling shows. And to proof it, they have been showing at Lyceum Theatre in London, since 1999. It is also currently the sixth longest running show in London’s West End. Many people travel from different cities and countries, just to witness and live this show. We are surely talking about non other than The Lion King. It is finally making its debut in Cardiff, since being here back in 2014. It is showing at the Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff makes part of their UK tour. The best part is, they will be performing for seven glorious weeks. 

This is a sponsored post.

If you have seen Disney’s The Lion King animated film, then it is perhaps now time to watch the stage production. We attended the show’s press night on Tuesday and from the moment you get to the Wales Millennium Centre, the atmosphere is upbeat and you just see smiles on people’s faces. We were excited and our youngest This is Cardiff team members were static and they could not wait for the show to start.

We can not lie, we have seen The Lion King animated film many, many times and one of us is a die hard Lion King fan, so you can imagine the anticipation to see this musical. When we walked in the Donald Gordon Theatre, the atmosphere was joyful and everyone was smiling with excitement. As Act 1 begins, you witness performers dressed as animals, elephants, rhinoceros, antelopes and lions, to mention a few. They were running from the back of the theatre hall and exit doors, towards the stage and passing the audience.

The animals were going to greet the new baby cub Simba and Rafiki (played by Thandazile Soni) appears doing the ceremony, whilst the “Circle of Life” song is playing. And we must admit from this moment on, there were non expected tears. The stage set up, along with the animals moving around and the music, just makes it such an emotional moment. You will feel transported back to the 90’s, early 2000’s when you used to watch this film as a child. 

All throughout Act One there are drums, vibrant colours, heartfelt music and you get immersed in the story of this little cub named Simba, who is a cheeky, curious and happy. You witness Simba being drawn to the Elephant Graveyard, a land forbidden by his father. Who is none other than Mufasa, the king of the pride and is very protective of Simba. By this time you would have definitely laughed, cried and smiled, because this musical makes you feel so many emotions at once.
One moment you are smiling, then the next Zazu the red-billed hornbill (played by Matthew Forbes) delivers a cheeky line and you laugh with such joy. The lines Zazu delivers give the musical a modern feel and it makes the dialogue more relatable, specially for the children, when Frozen is mentioned (everyone knows about Frozen) and the Welsh city, Swansea is also mentioned. 

From the beginning of the show you get a feel of the upbeat African rhythms, the live drums give it a realistic feeling and the beautiful colours on the stage set up, props and costumes, adds the cherry on top of a wonderful cake. The musical arrangements are managed by Mark Mancina and Lebo M, who do an outstanding job of bringing out nature, the African culture and causing excitement in the audience with the cheerful melodies. This musical is directed by Julie Taymor, who not only directs the musical but is also responsible for costume design and has won a Tony Award for her work on The Lion King.

Costumes

The cast members costumes are insane. So well planned out, the way the masks on the lions lowers when the lions bow, is actually genius. The lionesses masks are another story (we do not want to spoilt it, so you will find out if you go and watch it.) The cast members are acting, dancing in these wonderful costumes and what look like slightly heavy masks. So well done to them, because it is a magnificent job they do for us to enjoy such performance. There can be over 30+ performers all on stage at once, some with head pieces, others are moving puppets and then there are performers like Timon, Pumbaa and the three hyenas Shenzi (Rebecca Omogbehin), Banzai (Simon Trinder) and Ed (Owain Rhys Davies), whos costumes have special features like the legs. And the mouth on Pumbaa. These costumes have complex methods of operation. 

Stage and Props

We have already mentioned the costumes, now it is time to talk about the stage and props. The Lion King takes inspiration from the landscapes in Africa. So you can imagine, the beautiful colours and scenery. The backdrops used are simple, yet they are enough to give the feel of the land and jungle. The use of lighting, specially in the scene Under The Stars, where Mufasa appears and talks to Simba in Act Two, it is so impressive and the prop to create Mufasa’s face is just wow. That was definitely one of our favourite parts of the musical. We were also impressed with the stage set for the stampede where Mufasa dies, it looked very real and took the musical to another level. There were definitely many favourite moments that will stay in our memories forever, but we do not want to spoilt it for you all.

The songs featured are “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” by young Simba, the all time favourite Timon and Pumbaa’s “Hakuna Matata” and the very romantic “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” amongst others.

Cast members

In “Shadowland” Nokwanda Khuzwayo who plays adult Nala, gets to truly shine and show the audience her impressive voice and so does Stephenson Ardern-Sodje who plays adult Simba, in his performance of “Endless Night.” The part of young Simba is played by Joshua Khanyisa Smith, who did a fantastic job of captivating the essence of Simba’s adventurous and innocent self. Young Nala, was played by Riley-Ann Nicholls Murphy, who was also brilliant and did her performance so effortlessly. It was very impressive, because these two performers are young but so profesional. Now, we are giving a special mention to Richard Hurst, who plays Scar (Mufasa’s brother), his performance was fenomenal, he was scary and played his role so beautifully, he is a villain but is loved by many.

And another mention to Jean-Luc Guizonne, who plays Mufasa, what a strong presence he has. His talent is insane and he played his character so on point, showing Mufasa’s authoritative side as King of the pride, his loving and caring side as a father and his strong presence as a lion. And how can we forget Alan Mchale (who played Timon), Carl Sanderson (who played Pumbaa), these two are Simba’s best friends who take him on adventures in the jungle, when he ran away as a cub. They will always make you belly laugh with their sillyness and great humour. Matthew Forbes (who played Zazu), Mufasa’s majordomo and royal advisor. His funny lines would come out unexpectedly and Thandazile Soni (who played Rafiki) with her heart warming and impactful voice, that would travel miles.

What are the differences between The Lion King film and The Lion King musical?

Now you may be wondering. Are there differences between the musical and the animated film. The answer is yes. There are a few differences, for example: Rafiki in the film is a male and in this musical is a female. There is more focus on the lionesses this time, with them doing a dance/chant that was very well choreographed and so harmonious. This was nice to see, because there was not much focus on the lionesses in the film, which would have been nice specially at the time when the film came out. And we also must remember this is a musical, so every aspect of the film is portrayed by costumes and stage designs, to bring the scenes to life. 

What is the length of this musical?

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a one 15 minute interval for you to stretch your legs, wipe your tears and prepare for Act 2. 

Reviews from a younger audience

The reviews from our T.I.C (This is Cardiff) minis are as follows:

It was good, I liked the music and I liked the characters. – T.I.C mini (9 years old)

Can we go watch Lion King again tomorrow please? And also that the hyenas were scary – T.I.C mini (5 years old)

As you can see honest reviews here from a much younger audience. We did get a comment that it was a little long, but they sat down and watched because they found it very entertaining. 

Special thanks to Wales Millennium Centre for having us. We had a blast.

Where to buy tickets for The Lion King musical

The Lion King will be showing at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, until 27 August 2022. This event is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 3 years of age are not permitted at this show. Tickets start from £22.50, just click HERE to book your tickets or visit the Wales Millennium Centre website for more details. You won’t regret it. There are a few tickets left on different dates, so be quick as you would not want to miss out.

Note: If you go to The Lion King, you can use Disney’s filter on Instagram. It can be found by searching for “The Lion King UK” in the app, so you can take some cool pictures. 

As always thank you for your support and if you have read this far, thank you for reading.

Be safe.

Kay

The post Disney’s The Lion King Musical at Wales Millennium Centre – Our Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

This is a sponsored post.

We were kindly invited to Wales Millennium Centre today, on a family day out to watch The Amazing Adventures of Little Red.

This was an invitation we could not resist, because firstly who doesn’t love Little Red Riding Hood and secondly it was a chance to spend some time with the family and feel some sense of normality again.

This play was certainly a different take on the original Little Red Riding Hood story. With fairies, a wolf, a sheep, a crazy but funny grandma and many funny moments. There was a lot of vocal interaction with the kids as well as adults and the opportunity to watch the kids smile with all of the funny parts in this play.

Red is trying to find her own way, but she must go through some challenges before that can happen. She challenges a wolf, comes accross a Super Sheep and fights off an evil fairy queen.

It was a nice experience for the children, as people are slowly going back to their old normal of going out to public places and interacting with others.

The Weston Studio was a descent sized room, which makes it cozy and a more controlled environment. In this current situation it is safer to be in a smaller group of people. Each family/group of people had their own rows of seats and you were not so far from the stage. Which made it easier for the littles ones to see properly.

This show is from Williams and Ross, who are award winners. It is a family friendly show, from the ages 3+.

The show runs for 1 hour approximately, with no intervals.

The kids had a blast and they have loved this experience. Thanks to Wales Millennium Centre. It is always a pleasure to visit you.

This play was part of the Wales Millennium Centre, Cabaret Season. You can check out their cabaret performances on:
https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/seasons/cabaret

Thanks to our readers.

The post The Amazing Adventures of Little Red – Wales Millennium Centre Cabaret Season appeared first on This Is Cardiff.