REVIEW: Shrek, The Lowry, Salford

Based on the 2001 movie, Shrek The Musical tells the tale of a stinky ogre bribed to rescue a beautiful princess for a wicked lord desperate to be king.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Feb 2016, 15:17 BST
Updated 5th Feb 2016, 15:19 BST
Bronté Barbé as Princess Fiona, Dean Chisnall as Shrek and Idriss Kargbo as DonkeyBronté Barbé as Princess Fiona, Dean Chisnall as Shrek and Idriss Kargbo as Donkey
Bronté Barbé as Princess Fiona, Dean Chisnall as Shrek and Idriss Kargbo as Donkey

The show, at The Lowry, Salford, until February 20, is a Shrek-tacular feast for the eyes, bringing to life the fairytale realm of Duloc and Shrek’s swamp as the audience steps into the storybook.

Dean Chisnall and Bronte Barbe, as Shrek and Princess Fiona, have a blast as the unconventional pairing, with Barbe defying the usual expectations of a leading lady.

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But perhaps stealing the show is Gerard Carey’s hilarious Lord Farquaad.

The supporting cast of familiar fairytale faces mix childhood classics with comical quirks, in a whirlwind of over-the-top costumes. A positive moral message runs throughout; be yourself, accept your own flaws, and true love will find its way, although it’s well cloaked in comedy so as to never become sickeningly sweet.

After more than 18 months on the road, this is the last chance to catch Shrek on tour, so don’t miss out.

Related topics:Salford