A green delight for Shrek fans

THE leading character is snot green and far from good looking – and the show is peppered with burping and trouser trumps.

But far from hindering the proceedings, these characteristics from our unlikely hero just add to the delight of Shrek The Musical, which made me smile from the moment I sat down.

It is absolutely brilliant.

The sets are spectacular and the costumes really bring the stage to life, with everything from three blind mice in white fur shrugs and sparkles to a basque-clad Big Bad Wolf.

Nigel Lindsay’s Shrek is loveable to the point where you just want to hug him, despite the numerous gassy episodes!

I was a little unsure of the limp that he adopted in a few of the scenes, but that is my only minor criticism, for he charmed the whooping audience from his first appearance with his tartan trousers and trumpets for ears.

His intolerance of Donkey, played by Richard Blackwood, soon turns into a budding ‘bromance’ and the pair have a great chemistry together, throwing one-liners like a basketball.

Blackwood makes the character his own, and has the comic timing down to a fine art - a great return to the limelight for the funnyman.

But many theatregoers will be going along to see Amanda Holden’s take on Princess Fiona.

However, for me, it was Nigel Harman as Lord Farquaad who stole the show.

He should – and did – get a thunderous applause for spending the entire show on his knees.

But not only that. His facial expressions and camp, over-exaggerated movements were a sheer joy to watch.

The weight lifting scene was great and his horse mounting and reversing was nothing short of hilarious.

Holden gets an A for effort from me, as although her voice is not as stunning as that of spectacular Dragon Landi Oshinowo, and at times she plays the part a little like a school teacher, she seems to come into herself during the second half and obviously thoroughly enjoys herself throughout.

If you enjoyed the film, you will love Shrek live.

Believe me – I’ve already booked to go again next month!