Shrek the Musical was originally due to happen a fair while back but was postponed due to a pandemic I'm pretty sure you'd have heard about. It's finally here at The Cresset in Bretton and let me assure you... it was worth the wait.
You know you're in safe hands when watching any production from Peterborough’s multi-award-winning Peterborough Operatic & Dramatic Society (PODS). It felt like just yesterday I was watching their adaptation of Elf - which I loved. I was also a big fan of their acclaimed productions Hairspray and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Despite walking in with such high expectations, not only was I not in the slightest bit disappointed, I feel this could be their best show yet.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animation film, Shrek the Musical is a Tony Award-winning riot. You're probably all familiar with the storyline, but the original songs and laugh-out-loud gags not found in the film bring new life to the classic fairy tale.
The set designs were unlike anything else I've seen on that particular stage before. Their use of the space they had was nothing short of brilliant.
There were singers’ worthy of the stage in the West End and I couldn't have been prouder that I was watching local talent.
My only concern walking in was that it may have been too long for my 3-year-old son. He was captivated throughout. So much was happening amongst so many bright and colourful characters - meaning not once did he start to become restless. We were both captivated throughout.
Shows are running until May 28 at The Cresset, 7.30pm nightly with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
For more details and tickets, visit www.cresset.co.uk
Mikey Clarke