Shrek the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne with a fun-filled musical comedy that will delight the young folks and the young-at-heart.
Shrek the Musical is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film Shrek and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek!. When it was launched, the film Shrek was the #1 highest-grossing animated film and the #3 highest-grossing film. Still today, three of the Shrek films are in the Top 20 Highest Grossing Animated Films of all time.
The musical version brings the story of everyone’s favourite green ogre to life on the stage and we are invited to opening night.
As you enter the theatre there’s green theming everywhere, from the ushers’ green ogre ear headbands to the ‘Swamp Shop’ gift store…
…..and various cardboard cutouts and posters you can use for the perfect Shrek selfie.
Shrek the Musical follows the movie storyline very closely so take some time to watch the film to prepare kids for the musical experience.
If you’re not familiar with the story of Shrek it turns the traditional fairytale on its head.
In a kingdom far, far away things get mixed up when a smelly, rude ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess trapped in a dragon-guarded tower. Will they discover true love?
Other favourite characters from the movie that make an appearance include Shrek’s best friend the wise-cracking donkey, a gingerbread person with a sharp tongue and other fairy tale misfits from Pinocchio to Red Riding Hood.
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Ben Mingay manages to animate his green silicon prosthetics admirably in his role as Shrek, and his Scottish accent and rich singing voice are both on point. It must be hard work sweating on stage for 2 hours while you bring life to a much-loved character.
I saw Lucy Durack in Legally Blonde and cannot shake Elle Woods from her characterisation of Princess Fiona. Nat Jobe has a difficult job of topping Eddie Murphy (who voiced Donkey in the film) and doesn’t quite hit the same heights. His material just doesn’t have the same ‘zing’ as Murphy’s sassy delivery and I feel the relationship between Shrek and Donkey is a bit flat.
Marcia Hines will be playing The Dragon during the Melbourne season for performances from 18 March onwards. However, I don’t know whether Marcia will be able to knock out the thrilling, dramatic voice of the actor who sings the role of The Dragon on the opening night though!
My highlight is Todd McKenney playing Lord Farquaad, a short aristocrat with a short temper! McKenney has a LOT of fun in character, from the snide comments, the sexual innuendo and to the ridiculously short floppy puppet legs that he has to manipulate with his hands and legs. He packs a huge comedic punch with only half his body and kneepads. I admire his flexibility in moving around the stage on just his knees!
While Lord Farquaad is the ‘bad guy’ in the story I think he steals the show every time he’s on stage. It’s clear that McKenney is a musical theatre veteran. His dynamic connection with the audience and knowing ‘insider’ asides are engaging techniques honed from decades of experience.
There are few topical references, with a nod the MCG and a sly reference to Pauline Hanson in the Wicked Witch. And lots of fart and burp jokes!
The music is by Jeanine Tesori and the lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. I don’t think the songs are particularly memorable but the number containing the shocking reveal of Lord Farquaad’s father is very funny!
And of course, the finale is a high-energy, all-cast rendition of ‘I’m a Believer’.
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Shrek the Musical FAQs
Where is Shrek the Musical showing?
Shrek the Musical is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne from 16 February 2020 until April 2020. It will then move to Brisbane for the next season from 9 May 2020 at QPAC.
How Much are Tickets to Shrek the Musical?
Tickets to Shrek the Musical start from $49.90 for Wednesday 1pm and 7:30pm, Thursday 7:30pm and Sunday 6pm shows. You can also save money if you buy 4 A Reserve tickets for performances at Wednesday 7:30pm, Thursday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday 6pm.
Where Can I Buy Tickets to Shrek the Musical?
You can buy tickets to Shrek the Musical from Ticketek online or at a Ticketek outlet.
How long is Shrek the Musical?
Shrek the Musical goes for 2 hours 30 minutes with a 20-minute interval.
Is Shrek the Musical for adults? What age is Shrek the Musical suitable for? Is Shrek the Musical kid-friendly?
Shrek the Musical is good for adults who loved the original films, but it’s not geared towards adults and does not contain adult themes. I think it’s suitable for kids 6+ years, mainly because of the length of concentration required compared to the 95 minute movie.
Is Shrek a good musical?
I give the musical 3 out of 5 stars. For my reasons why read the full review above.
How is Shrek the Musical different to the movie?
The musical runs very close to the plotline of the movie and the same characters appear in both. Obviously there are new musical and dance numbers involved. It is also longer than the original film.
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Tips for visiting the theatre with kids
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”thon-hot-tips-panel”]Tips for Shrek the Musical:
- Tickets start from $49.90 for Wednesday 1pm and 7:30pm, Thursday 7:30pm and Sunday 6pm shows;
- Best availability is Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening performances;
- You can also save money if you buy 4 A Reserve tickets for performances at Wednesday 7:30pm, Thursday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday 6pm;
- Arrive early for selfies in the foyer. Also, there are always queues for the ladies toilets!;
- BYO snacks from the 7-11 on the corner of Exhibition and Lonsdale St. It’s cheaper than the candy bar and no lineup!
- Snacks and a small fidget toy will help keep little (tired) kids engaged during the show, particularly for evening sessions starting at 7:30pm and finishing at 10pm;
- If you have little ones ask an usher for a cushion (subject to availability);
- Her Majesty’s Theatre is 5 minutes walk to Parliament station;
- Prebook parking at Secure Parking Rydges Melbourne which is practically across the road from the theatre. It is $16 if you arrive after 5pm;
- Prebook $9 Night & Weekend parking at 59 Lonsdale Street Car Park (a short walk from the theatre). It is only available when you book online via Secure Parking Secure-a-Spot and enter promo code: SHREK2020;
- Parking must be booked online and paid for at least 30 mins BEFORE arriving at the car park; and
- Eat in Chinatown beforehand as it’s around the corner. We like Secret Kitchen on Exhibition Street.
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