Our All-Female Trio Bringing Shrek to the Stage

They’re the trio tasked with bringing the fairytale world of Shrek to the stage. And it’s a relief for Sally Manning, Jules Dance and Luannsa Goodman to finally see the fabulous family musical take shape.

Director and Co-choreographer, Sally Manning

“Shrek was originally planned for November 2020, but the pandemic put paid to that,” explains director and co-choreographer Sally. “So it’s been taking up a lot of space in my head for a long time! But as rehearsals have progressed, all those thoughts and ideas have been transferred to the cast, so I’m enjoying it a lot more now as my head feels a lot lighter!”

Based on the hugely popular animated film, Shrek is the tale of a green ogre who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside wisecracking Donkey, feisty Princess Fiona and evil Lord Farquaad – to discover that fairy tales aren’t always what they seem.

Choreographer, Luannsa Goodman

“The most important thing for us is to make the show pure magic,” says choreographer Luannsa. “My generation grew up loving the film, and I’ve watched the Broadway production on YouTube about 1000 times! But I’ve put my own spin on the dancing. It’s full of character, farcical, funny and slapstick, as well as technically challenging. We’re now drilling the little details and the cast are doing brilliantly.”

Musical director Jules agrees. “This is an exceptionally strong cast and I’m thrilled about that! We’ve got a live band for this show too. The music is fantastic and very clever, with nods to other shows which musical theatre fans will love.”

Children especially will enjoy seeing familiar characters pop up like Pinocchio, Peter Pan, the Gingerbread Man and the Three Little Pigs. But with a twist.

Musical Director, Jules Dance

“Shrek is very much NOT a pantomime,” says Sally. “It’s a story of acceptance. It’s told in a fun, humorous way, but definitely has a deeper meaning. All our lead actors understand that – and they’re phenomenal, they’re absolutely smashing it!””

“There are belly laughs and great physical comedy,” says Jules, “But there’s also passion and pathos. The show tugs at your soul!”

Sally, Luannsa and Jules are clearly delighted with how the cast and crew have responded to the challenge of fulfilling their vision for Shrek the Musical.

“There are lots of surprises in store for the audience,” teases Sally. “And we can’t wait for you to see it!”

Shrek the Musical runs from 10 - 19 November at the Haymarket. Buy tickets online.

Meet Shrek and Lord Farquaad - Aka Reece Fitzgerald and Ben Kennedy

Newsflash! The farting green ogre who lives in a swamp in the Land of Duloc is actually a primary school teacher from Surrey! But then, as Shrek the Musical shows us, “Fairytales aren’t always what they seem.”

Reece Fitzgerald

And challenging expectations is something Reece Fitzgerald absolutely loves about playing the unlikely hero of BATS’ latest show, based on the hugely popular animated film.

“Shrek shows us that being you - being unique - is OK and can be celebrated, rather than always conforming to society’s expectations” says Reece.

“Lots of children I teach have got tickets to come and see Shrek. Hopefully it will inspire them. If their teacher can go off and do something completely different, they can too!”

“Knowing what their teacher does in his spare time also means I’m spared an awkward explanation, if I neglect to remove any green makeup before coming to class the next morning!”

Ben Kennedy

Shrek’s arch rival is the thoroughly evil Lord Farquaad, played by software engineer Ben Kennedy, for whom the role marks a radical departure from the string of pantomime dames he’s played recently in the Alton area.

“I’ve always wanted to be a baddie!” says Ben. “I think Farquaad has been festering underneath my personality for a long time! If I get booed by the audience at the end of the show that would be wonderful!”

Farquaad’s physical shortcomings provide much of the comedy - but it’s no laughing matter for Ben’s knees!

“I spend the whole show on them! Fortunately I had a vast array of knee pads in my garage from when I did extreme sports as a teenager. During rehearsals I’ve been wearing them out, pair by pair! It’s taking a lot of endurance!”

Both Reece and Ben are newcomers to BATS, something Reece found “nerve racking but exciting.” It was the chance to perform in Shrek that enticed them.

“It’s a show that captured my heart years ago,” says Reece. “I love the music and I saw the most recent tour of the show twice.”

“It’s a musical that’s works on different levels,” adds Ben. “The kids will love all the jokes and fairy tale characters. There’s adult humour too. Plus it gets pretty deep in places. But above all it’s a great feelgood family show!”

You can see Reece and Ben in Shrek the Musical from 10 - 19 November at the Haymarket. Buy tickets online.

Shrek child auditions - Information for pre-audition workshops, audition dates and registration

If you are a parent/guardian of a child and would like them to join us to perform in our production of Shrek, here is the information you need about auditions. Children will need to be 7 years or older to audition.

The show will be performed at The Haymarket from 10 - 19 November.

What are we looking for?
We are looking to cast six children for three roles. Each role will be shared by two children:

• Little Fiona - playing age 7 - 10 years

• Little Shrek - playing age 7 - 10 years

• Teenage Fiona - playing age 10 - 14 years

If you want to know a little more before you decide to put your child forward for audition, view the audition pieces and the schedule of rehearsal dates. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings and on some Sundays.

Pre-audition workshops
Pre-audition workshops will be fun and informal run by our very approachable Creative Team: Sally Manning (Director), Jules (Musical Director) and Luannsa (Choreographer). To get the best out of our auditionees, it is our job to make your child feel at ease!

Pre-audition rehearsals will take place on the following dates. You’ll only need to attend one session to go through the audition material but may attend more if there is space. Please email marketing@bats.net with which workshop/s you wish to attend and the name and age of your child:
Wed 1 Jun: 18.30 - 19.30
Mon 6 Jun: 18.30 - 19.30
Wed 8 Jun: 18.30 - 19.30
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

Auditions You must have paid the £10 audition and Junior members fee and completed the form to audition for the show. This must be paid by Wednesday 8 June.
We ask that your child has familiarised themselves with the music and dance learnt during the pre-audition workshops.

Date: Saturday 11 June
Time: You will be allocated a timeslot for your child’s audition
Venue: Market Chambers, Church Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7QE

Costs involved

We want you to be aware of the costs involved, so that you can make an informed decision before you commit your child to an audition.

Audition: £10 - This covers the cost of the audition and Junior Membership for your child
Performance fee: £50 - Only payable if your child is successful at audition and cast in the show
Additional expenditure - You may incur some limited additional expenditure, e.g. for costumes, shoes, personal props etc.

Shrek adult auditions - Information for pre-audition workshops, audition dates and registration

If you are an adult (18+ years) and would like to join us to perform in our November 2022 production of Shrek, here is the information you need about auditions.

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Access audition resources online: Members area

You must be a paid-up member to be able to access audition materials, audition form and book slots for pre-audition workshops. Access these resources by logging into your member account on the BATS website. If you are a new member, pay your membership online with a debit or credit card to gain instant access your account. Annual membership is £25 and runs from 1 July - 30 June.

If you want to know a little more before you decide to audition, read the character descriptions/requirements and the schedule of rehearsal dates.

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Welcome talk (it is not mandatory to attend in order to audition)
Mon 30th May: 19:30 – 22:00 hrs
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

Pre-audition workshops
You'll need to attend at least one pre-audition workshop to practise singing with the musical director and be taught your chosen audition dance (there are different routines for 'ensemble', ‘tappers’ and 'dancers'). You do not need to register or book a slot to attend a rehearsal.

Pre-audition rehearsals will take place on:
Wed 1 Jun: 19:45 – 22:00 hrs - Music with Jules and Tap audition piece with Leigh
Mon 6 Jun: 19:30 – 22:00 hrs - Music with Jules, Movers and Dance audition pieces with Luannsa
Wed 8 Jun: 19:45 – 22:00 hrs - Music with Jules, Movers and Dance audition pieces with Luannsa
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

Auditions
The online audition form must be submitted by Wed 8 June.

Sat 11 Jun: 12:30 - 17:00 Venue: Market Chambers, Church Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7QE

Sun 12 Jun: Times TBC
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

Performance Fee
If you are successfully cast in the show, a performance fee of £100 is payable before the costume call (Thurs ). You can pay in instalments - just talk to us to request this.

Schedule of director setting and rehearsal dates
In addition to the director setting dates, cast will generally be called for rehearsal every Monday and Wednesday evening. View the schedule of rehearsal dates.

Sister Act Review, May 2022 - NODA

Scenery/Set/Properties: The main backdrop (a large, of stained-glass arches) was most impressive and of the highest quality. There were a variety of scenes inside the Convent (refectory, dormitory, Mother Superior’s office and Confessional) and on the outside, the night club, police station and the street. Some sets were made up using basic properties enabling quick changes to keep the action moving and the props, when necessary, were well used by the cast. There was good attention to detail including a walking stick that lit up which was in keeping with the upbeat nature of one of the songs.

The programme was colour, glossy and of superior quality. There was a message from the Chairman, photos of the cast, some rehearsal photos and details of future productions and auditions. It contained all the necessary information about the show and there was also some information about the group and how to get involved.

Costume/Hair/Make Up: The costumes were brilliant, smart, in keeping with the characters and displayed great attention to detail. Deloris’ ‘fur’ coat, the nun’s habits with ever changing front pieces, pyjamas, Monsignor’s vestments, costumes for night club patrons and people in the street, and even the Pope’s vestments were all authentic. Eddie’s on-stage change from police to ‘Vegas Elvis’ white jump suit and back to police uniform was magnificent and well executed. Most of the cast’s hair was hidden under their nuns’ headdresses but the 70s wigs for Joey, TJ and Pablo were just right.

Lighting, sound and special effects: An excellent use of lighting beautifully brought the stained-glass arches to life during scenes inside the chapel, while effective use of multi-coloured lighting and a glitter ball created the lively nightclub atmosphere. The cast sounded terrific. Sally Manning as Mother Superior was outstanding. She was grounded, note perfect and sang with self-possessed authority. Kirsty Kingham had irresistible energy bringing great gusto to the role, (if perhaps just a little over-amplified in the opening number) In complete contrast, Rhianon Mone’s solo ‘The Life I never Led’ was beautifully sung with innocence and dignity.

The production: This feel-good show was a triumph from start to finish. It was energetic, hilarious and joyful. The show was filled with great moments and the cast shone. The direction and choreography by Louise Travis was excellent, creative and filled with humour; the cast being in synch with the music and each other. The laughter was particularly evident when Joey, TJ and Pablo sang and engaged with the audience; particularly one lady! Luannsa Goodman was cheeky and charming as the exuberant Sister Mary Patrick. Deloris’ journey takes her from selfishness to responsibility and sisterhood and Kirsty Kingham took the audience with her.

This was a well-crafted show with huge talent both on and off the stage. There was a great deal of comedy and a theme of genuine affection and friendship. All in all, a fantastic evening that enabled the audience to leave the theatre with beaming smiles.

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)