Easter Ross Musical Theatre’s production of Shrek touches on contemporary themes
Tain’s Duthac Centre was a riot of colours last week, the most important being green, writes Angus Gray.
Easter Ross Musical Theatre’s production of Shrek touched on some contemporary themes – the Fairytale Creatures, ably led by Pinocchio (Kate Mackenzie), had been evicted by the wicked Lord Farquaad, who described them as “trash” who were “poisoning” his kingdom.
Shrek was to help the refugees to return to their homeland and would find love in the process.
Shrek (Steven Kelly) was a huge, larger-than-life presence on stage. His buddy, Donkey (Andy Hurst), was a magnificent foil to him and the two were the focus of a great deal of humour, such as their consideration of onions and parfaits and their entertaining Travel Song.
They also brought out the poignancy of rejection and isolation, as well as the wonder of true friendship, in their excellent rendition of Don’t Let Me Go and Who I’d Be.
Princess Fiona (Jo Galloway) also had many opportunities to demonstrate her fine singing voice, even if her very highest notes were a little too much for a bird perched above her at one point.
Among her many striking moments was a tap dance with the rats. She too brought out the poignancy of her own situation, with her troubled childhood and her desperately guarded secret.
The audience was delighted at the way the burgeoning romance between Shrek and Fiona developed, enhanced by much flatulent entertainment.
Love would come to Donkey as well. When Dragon appeared (a very powerful performance by Caitlin Macleod) things changed for him and soon a relationship began to form between them.
The catalyst for all the dramatic turmoil was the odious Lord Farquaad (Shaun Cowan). His wickedness was quickly established as he threatened Gingy (Dawn Gregory) and his portrayal of the comic villain raised huge roars from the audience – the person everyone loved to hate.
His cruelty to his own father showed that there could be no redemption for him and he met his end in the jaws of the dragon, a sequence cleverly arranged by producer Barbara More.
The show ended with an exuberant performance of This Is Our Story. Sharon Macleod’s musical direction, Kerry Russell’s choreography, Brian Mackie’s lighting and Ross Macleod’s sound management, as well as so many other elements in this demanding production, had come together beautifully.
Stars of the future also featured, with Finlay McMeeken setting the tone expertly in the opening scene and Harper MacRae and Hannah Robertson showing real talent as the young Fiona.
And yet there was one final treat as the cast exploded into an energetic performance of I’m A Believer. The applause and cheers were deafening.
