As an NSTA representative, it was my great pleasure to attend Ysgol John Bright’s performance of Shrek the Musical at Venue Cymru on Friday 20th March 2026. This performance was a joyous, polished, and thoroughly entertaining triumph.
Shrek the Musical is an adaptation of the 2001 DreamWorks film, featuring a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. The narrative follows a grumpy but misunderstood ogre whose swamp is invaded by a motley crew of fairy-tale refugees. Joined by a wisecracking Donkey and a fiercely independent Princess Fiona, Shrek embarks on a journey that challenges the traditional “happily ever after”.
From the moment the bilingual opening announcements elicited their first laughs before the show had even begun, it was clear that comedy would be the strongest thread running throughout the evening. Yet the humour was only one of many strengths. The production featured an excellent live band performing to a professional standard, made up of both school staff – including the Headteacher – and local music tutors. Their musicianship elevated every number and provided the show with a remarkable musical foundation.
The other aspect of the musicianship that must be highlighted was the excellent singing throughout the production. Alexa delivered a powerful, stellar performance as Dragon; her vocals were stunning in strength and control, all the more remarkable for such a young performer. Ben brought great vocal power and an impressive range, singing with a rich, deep tone that suited Shrek perfectly. Aaron’s singing was another highlight, showcasing excellent timing, clear pitch, and the added challenge of maintaining his Donkey voice while performing vocally, a feat he executed brilliantly. Meanwhile, Isabel offered consistently beautiful and powerful singing as Princess Fiona. Her vocal performance remained fully in character at all times, with a wonderful range of tone that allowed her to lean into comedic moments while still delivering the emotional heart of her songs.
Throughout the production, the acting remained top quality, the comic beats sharp, and the ensemble work tight and disciplined. The direction ensured excellent use of space and a clear sense of storytelling, while the young cast displayed maturity and focus well beyond their years. The comedic timing remained impeccable from start to finish, delivered consistently by a cast who clearly understood both the style and spirit of the source material. Aaron’s portrayal of Donkey brought boundless energy and comic flair to every moment onstage. Isabel’s Princess Fiona shone with physical comedy and sharp delivery, while Benjamin gave Shrek warmth, personality, and a wonderfully dry sense of humour, making the role his own without trying to merely emulate the original performance. Osian’s Lord Farquaad was a comedic highlight, delighting the audience with exaggerated expressions and a brilliantly tongue in cheek performance. Emmie added further humour and charm as Pinocchio, maintaining character with sass, pitch, and tone of her voice.
One of the most impressive aspects was the cast’s ability to maintain concentration and remain fully in character, resisting the urge to break even during scenes that had the audience roaring with laughter. Their commitment was particularly memorable during the wedding scene, where intentional fourth-wall breaks by Osian were handled with excellent comic effect.
Another notable element was the use of professional-standard puppetry. Gingy’s puppet was expertly handled, with Sophie delivering a clever, engaging performance by blending both characterisation and visible puppeteering. This dual presence created a unique and playful effect that captivated the audience. The Dragon puppet was astonishingly large and highly effective, both visually and dramatically. Alexa, performing separately from the puppet, acted almost as a vocal counterpart to the creature, delivering powerful singing while allowing the movement and presence of the puppet to take centre stage; a striking and memorable creative choice.
The ensemble scenes were equally impressive, with large musical numbers featuring huge groups of pupils from across the school. It was heartening to see such a wide range of ages involved, with younger pupils performing confidently alongside their older peers. The choreography, created and led by pupils Evie, Emmie and Alexa, was dynamic, varied, and highly engaging. At times offering up to three simultaneous layers of choreography, it provided visual richness and kept the audience absorbed in every corner of the stage. A particularly delightful touch came during the “Morning Person” number, where the front tab was partially lowered to reveal only the tap-dancing feet of the performers. When the curtain rose to reveal the full chorus and a transformed set, the effect was charming and very well received.
Despite the expansive size of the Venue Cymru stage, the principal cast filled it with confidence and professionalism, demonstrating assured stage presence and clear evidence of strong direction. The set design was minimalistic, but undeniably of high quality, effective, and purposeful. It made excellent use of height and levels, particularly during two of Lord Farquaad’s scenes; first when he appeared high in his castle at last able to look down on the people of Duloc, and later when he arrived astride his palomino horse. Both moments were not only visually striking, but used to superb comedic effect.
The visual world conjured by the creative team was equally impressive. Costumes, hair, makeup, and prosthetic pieces were of exceptionally high quality, enhancing characterisation without overwhelming the performers. Shrek’s prosthetics in particular were detailed and effective, yet allowed Ben to project expression and personality with clarity. The ensemble costumes were vibrant and fantastically varied, contributing to the rich visual storytelling.
By the end of the show, the audience response left no doubt about the production’s success: a full house rising to its feet in a well-deserved standing ovation. Shrek the Musical by Ysgol John Bright was a thoroughly fantastic show from start to finish; funny, heartfelt, musically strong, and a wonderful celebration of the talent and dedication within the school.