As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of attending the lively St Neot’s Prep School production of Shrek the Musical Jr on Wednesday 18th March 2026. Under the enthusiastic direction of Kerry Phelan, with musical direction by Mark Bassett, and choreography by Jess Marshall, this familiar fairytale world was brought to life with energy, warmth, and a strong sense of teamwork from the cast and crew alike. It was a colourful and good-hearted show filled with laughter, imagination, and plenty of charm.
Shrek the Musical Jr is a stage adaptation of the 2001 DreamWorks film, with a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. It tells the story of an unlikely hero, a grumpy but lovable ogre named Shrek, who lives a solitary life in his swamp until a group of fairytale creatures arrives, banished there by the tiny tyrant Lord Farquaad. To reclaim his peace, Shrek strikes a deal to rescue Princess Fiona, who has been locked in a tower guarded by a fierce dragon. Along the way, he is joined by the ever-chatty Donkey, and together they embark on a journey that teaches them that beauty, love, and friendship often come in the most unexpected forms. It is a tale of acceptance and self-discovery, told through lively humour, vibrant songs, and a great deal of heart.
From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that St Neot’s had poured real care and effort into their production. The impressive set design, complete with clever scene transitions and bold backdrops, created a true sense of magic on stage, something rarely seen in school productions of this scale. Particularly inventive was the use of puppetry to bring the dragon to life, a creative flourish that delighted the audience and added an extra layer of theatrical spectacle. Every element of the staging, from the lighting and sound effects to the detailed costumes, worked together to paint a vivid storybook world.
Leading the cast with confidence and poise was Luc as Shrek, whose steady presence anchored the performance throughout. Luc’s ability to balance humour with sincerity gave the character both heart and strength, offering the audience a genuine sense of Shrek’s journey from gruff isolation to friendship and love. Opposite him, Lola shone as Fiona, showcasing a beautiful singing voice and a natural flair for acting. Her performance in “Morning Person” was a particular highlight, combining strong vocals with a playful sense of comedy that perfectly captured the princess’s quirky charm. Her chemistry with Luc brought both laughs and warmth, particularly in “I Got You Beat”, which was performed with exuberant humour and infectious energy.
Jack’s portrayal of Donkey was enormously entertaining. His quick wit, expressive reactions, and impeccable comic timing made him a real audience favourite. “Make a Move” was one of his standout moments, performed with high energy and great personality, proving Jack’s instinct for physical comedy and audience engagement.
Another memorable moment came from the two younger Fionas; Teen Fiona, played by Rose, and Young Fiona, played by Tess. Their duet sections in “I Know It’s Today” were sung with confidence and heart, beautifully illustrating Fiona’s longing and optimism at every stage of her life.
Max gave a delightfully funny performance as Lord Farquaad, milking every comic moment with great physicality and timing. His wry line delivery kept the audience chuckling throughout, providing some of the evening’s biggest laughs. Equally impressive was Freya as the strong and sassy Dragon. Supported by dynamic puppetry, her powerful, soulful vocals in “Forever” filled the hall, adding drama and excitement to her scenes and giving real polish to the production.
The Duloc dancing chorus and the wider ensemble of dancers added sparkle and precision throughout, their routines full of enthusiasm, rhythm, and flair. These ensemble moments were among the production’s brightest highlights, lighting up the stage with coordinated movement and vibrant energy, particularly in “What’s Up Duloc”, which radiated joy and teamwork.
A special mention must go to the numerous cameo characters who brought added colour and humour to the stage. Gingy, portrayed with cheeky charm, was a comic delight, while the Ugly Duckling’s brief but confident appearance drew warm laughter from the audience. Peter Pan and Pinocchio were both wonderfully characterised, their playful performances adding to the lively fairytale atmosphere. Mama Bear and the Wicked Witch delivered their lines with spirit and humour, and the Three Little Pigs made a particularly entertaining trio with their expressive faces and clear vocal work. The Three Blind Mice also stood out for their stylish movement and delightful musicality, enhancing every number they joined. These smaller roles were performed with great attention to detail and commitment, demonstrating the depth of talent within the ensemble.
Behind the scenes, the hardworking backstage team deserve high praise for managing such a fast-moving, technically ambitious production. Their smooth transitions and precise cues helped maintain pace and atmosphere, allowing the audience to stay fully immersed in the story. The overall technical achievement was a real credit to the school’s production team and to the hours of rehearsal and preparation that clearly went into the show.
Shrek the Musical Jr. is a joyful yet demanding show, combining comedy and romance with choreography and vocals in equal measure. St Neot’s talented young performers rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and courage, delivering a performance that radiated joy and imagination from start to finish. This Shrektacular production was truly an ogre‑whelming celebration of talent and togetherness in school theatre!