Wales Community Theatre Players’ Shrek The Musical – 17 July 2025, Montgomery Theatre

Review by Jacob Bush.

Shrek the Musical is the perfect musical for the start of the summer holidays, suitable for all ages whether they’ve seen the film before or not. Wales Community Theatre Players do an admirable job at staging this larger than life musical on a stage much smaller than we’ve seen the show on before.

Claire Harriott directs the show well, keeping the show moving despite not having the opportunity to have lots of different sets. Repeated sets are used effectively to depict multiple locations, enhanced by Dylan Phelps’ lighting design. Harriott’s choreography is energetic, filling every inch of the stage with movement. The band under the direction of Ray Gallagher sound excellent although the cast unfortunately fall out of time with the band just a few times too many.

Will Marshall takes on the iconic role of Shrek. He sings the challenging score well, and has a great stage presence, bouncing off his cast mates well. He managed to lack of ‘roar’ sound effects with great professionalism. Adam Wigglesworth gives a wonderful performance as Donkey. He is very funny, full of energy and delivers his musical numbers with confidence.

Joseph Bairstow thoroughly enjoys his limited stage time as Lord Farquaad. Shuffling around on his knees, his portrayal is wonderfully camp and funny, whilst still managing to be unpleasant and villainous. Katy Marsh blows the roof off with outstanding vocals as Dragon, and the Dragon puppet is beautiful. Jessica Wade also delivers stunning vocals during Freak Flag as Humpty Dumpty, and Karen Fuller puppeteers and voices Gingy to perfection.

The star of this show is Faye Wood as Princess Fiona. She may well be one of the strongest vocalists to have played the role in the UK. She lands the comedy of the role perfectly, whilst also bringing to life the conflict and heart of the role expertly. She and Marshall develop a very believable romantic chemistry on stage that we really root for.

Shrek the Musical is a great musical adaptation of the film, packed full of catchy songs from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori. The production will inevitably get slicker as the run progresses, so be sure to get down to the Montgomery this week to start your summer break right.