All-singing, all-dancing fun and escapism!

Following their peek into the rehearsal room, BATS’ production is up and running full steam ahead in Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre until the 19th November. I was fortunate to be invited to their finished show to see how it fares up to the rehearsal, and it was a colourful energetic performance that brought a huge smile to my face – and many others from gauging the audience around me! Lots of glitter, lots of green, and a set and costumes that look like they’ve come straight from the west end, BATS’ production of Shrek The Musical may not be a west end musical, but is still guaranteed to give you a great night out.

As mentioned in the rehearsal post, a lot of the show was still in the works – there were no costumes, set, or puppets. So seeing all these pieces come together and fill in the gaps makes the show as special as it is. The dragon puppet is fantastic in its own right and under Sally Manning’s direction, once the cast have all donned their costumes, they’re the perfect finishing touches for their wonderful performances from the moment anyone sets foot on the stage. Where else can you see Snow White and a fairy shimmying together?

Leading the cast is Reece Fitzgerald, Louise Travis, Richard Bond and Ben Kennedy as Shrek, Fiona, Donkey & Lord Farquad respectively. They all work splendidly together, bouncing off each other and nailing the comedic timing and bringing real emotion to the more tender scenes. Bond and Kennedy as Donkey and Lord Farquad have wonderful stage presence and easily get the audience on side with their wheeze-worthy humour and having perfected the iconic characters’ mannerisms, making it hard not to love them. Even in scenes where they’re not the main focus of attention, they’re highly entertaining to watch as they react to the scenes unfolding.

Having said this, the show is also very much one which showcases and celebrates the ensemble as much as the named leads. With the ensemble becoming many different characters across one performance, there is no confusion or grey area – they are all fantastic at clearly separating one role from the next, but bringing equal amounts of energy, personality and character to every role they take on in the show.

A special mention also goes out to the younger members of the company – Olivia Kingham, Sophia Newborough, Isla Clarke, Amelia Ellis-Cosgrove, Theodore Hartgill and Ayla Tipp. These young performers split the roles of young and middle Fiona and young Shrek. Though they’re younger than their peers, they all appear completely at ease on stage and comfortable in their roles as if this is something they do on a daily basis, instantly winning the hearts of the audience.

The choreography, courtesy of Luannsa Goodman and Sally Manning is slick and praiseworthy; tap dancing mice, dance breaks galore and high-energy ensemble numbers showing off what everyone can do. With the number of songs the ensemble are all in and the number of dance breaks, it’s remarkable how well they keep their stamina and maintain their energy. In fact, the company as a whole deserve the utmost praise for keeping their enthusiasm and energy sustained from the moment the curtain rises to the moment it comes down again.

BATS’ hard work was already paying off in the rehearsal room and now with the set, costumes and the finessed details all put together, the finished piece is a wonder to watch – a finished show everyone in the company both on and off stage should be proud of for what they’ve put together. Surrounded by an audience of children and adults, it is clear this show has something for everyone; as I was sat watching the show, there were children open-mouthed in awe and adults cackling with joy. Shrek The Musical is an explosion of colour and fun-filled joy; it is the perfect night out for some guaranteed all-singing, all-dancing fun and escapism. Shrek The Musical is the perfect excuse to forget your worries, take a trip to Duloc and let them entertain you so you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile. on your face and a spring in your step.

BATS’ production of Shrek The Musical runs until 19th of November, and word has. tickets are selling thick and fast, so I wouldn’t delay treating yourself, your friends, family – maybe even your pet dragon – to a night out at the theatre.

Leyla Demirel
One Show at a Time