The latest version of Shrek The Musical arrived at London's Eventim Apollo last week, under the direction of Nick Winston (Fame, Rock of Ages). Find out what the critics had to say about the show below!

What's The Plot?

The show follows Shrek, a large green ogre, who lives alone in his swamp. When a whole host of fairytale creatures, evicted from the Kingdom of Duloc, begin squatting on his land, Shrek sets off to address the matter with Lord Farquaad. On his way, he rescues Donkey from a gang of Farquaad's ruffians. The grateful Donkey offers his friendship and guidance to the lost and grumpy ogre. At Castle Duloc, Farquaad demands that in exchange for getting his swamp back, Shrek must rescue Princess Fiona, whom he intends to marry. But Fiona is not your average damsel in distress, and holds her own alarming secret that changes everything!

The Reviews

The Guardian: "The show often feels flatly unadventurous, typified by its lackluster bridge-crossing sequence. Onions and ogres have layers, we're told, in a line from the film. This musical? Not really."

WhatsOnStage: "There are still going to be plenty of parents, myself included, who will be keen to introduce their children to this much-loved title this summer. But if this shrinkflation approach to production continues, Shrek The Musical will start testing the resolve of even the most ardent believer."

The Standard: "I feel sorry for the actors, inevitably stuck doing poor imitations of the original voice cast. In the lead role, Antony Lawrence is lumbered with a fat suit and a mask that makes him virtually expressionless. Todrick Hall has plenty of sass and swagger as Donkey but few witty lines to back him up. As Fiona, Joanne Clifton has to perform one number with a semi-inflated deer, a malfunctioning prop bird and a troupe of tap-dancing rats (don't ask). All have fine, strong voices but favour volume over comprehensibility."

TheatreandTonic: "It is a shame this show has moved quite so far away from the original production but it is still worth a watch. The finale number is really quite the spectacle and really gets the crowd on side. It is just a shame it doesn't manage it sooner. If you are in and around London over the summer and you have children who like fairytales and fun this is definitely one for them"

Everything Theatre: "However, even with an excellent live band there's something lacking at the core of this musical and it has to come down to the songs. Clearly, the film is packed with familiar funky and upbeat classics that build huge atmosphere and support the story. Here the songs are largely rather forgettable and samey. I can't remember one of them postshow and the closing rendition of I'm a Believer' only serves to remind you what you've missed."