The young performers created a ‘big, bright, beautiful world’ on Derby Theatre stage 

Derby Youth Musical Theatre has now established itself as one of the leading youth musical theatre companies in the country and, whilst it defines itself as an ‘amateur’ company, there is absolutely nothing amateurish about its productions.

 

Right from the start, the standard was set high with some strong vocal performances in the overture introducing the story. This was followed by a string of incredible talents: Billy Sweet as Shrek took us on a journey of self-discovery and not only commanded the stage with his vocal prowess but managed to create a genuinely touching character, not an easy thing to do when one is ensconced in a green fat suit. 

 

Fiona’s introductory scene blew us away with not one, not two, but three princesses whose singing would not have sounded out of place on a West End stage (including the powerhouse voice of Bella Syson who has, no doubt, a bright future ahead of her as a performer). Daniel Pimperton brought real finesse to Donkey with impeccable comic timing and characterful singing. 

 

An explosion of wonderful characters and moments

 

The show itself is an explosion of wonderful characters and moments: from the diminutive and perverse Lord Farquaad brought to life with gusto by Takoda Liverman (flanked by his comically incompetent guards) to the formidable Dragon stunningly performed by Georgia Bullock, and the enthralling presence of the Wicked Witch played by Ania Rakic, via the hilariously desperate Gingy talentedly embodied by Caitlin Smith and the deluded Pinocchio hilariously interpreted by Riley Chambers - there is not one dull moment.

 

One of the many highlights of the show was the arrival of the Duloc dancers who almost hypnotised us with their cartoon-like looks and united choreography, creating a scene which can only be described as beautifully deranged. 

 

The story is full of slightly offbeat quips, including Fiona jokingly singing about the possibility of being bipolar before flirting with Shrek through the medium of burps and farts; the script occasionally sounds like it was written by one of the fairy creatures under the influence of a colourful mushroom found in their enchanted forest.

 

An incredible job by the whole team

 

The whole production team has done an incredible job of bringing the best out of the wackiness of the narrative: Directors Holly Earl and Hope Lo Monaco, Musical Director Charlotte Daniel, and Choreographers Caroline Green and Ellie Beech have done a stunning job of directing, coaching, training, supporting and encouraging the young performers on stage.

 

The stage managers must also be congratulated on managing an ever changing (and Broadway worthy) set. The live Shrek Band provided a note-perfect accompaniment to a huge array of songs with showstoppers like “Freak Flag” which had everyone tapping their feet along with the fairytale creatures. 

 

Like an onion, this show has many layers

 

Beyond the weirdness and the jokes, the story highlights the need to look at what we have in common rather than what sets us apart, and the company itself embodies that idea superbly: young people from 13 to 23 years old all coming together on the Derby Theatre stage with one common goal: to tell a story of acceptance while having the best time ever. Like an onion and the eponymous ogre, this show has many layers and there is something for everyone. You do not want to miss the ‘big, bright, beautiful world’ these young performers create on stage. 

 

Review by Geraldine Cottalorda

 

 

A performance full of humour, drama, superb musicality and confident dancing

 

Derby Youth Musical Theatre’s production of Shrek the Musical at Derby Theatre was sensational! It’s one of the best youth productions I’ve ever seen. It’s a lively, feelgood show, and the company delivered a performance full of humour, drama, superb musicality and confident dancing. 

 

It’s a warm, funny tale about friendship, acceptance and finding out where you belong. 

 

Billy Sweet leads the cast brilliantly as Shrek. He’s a talented actor and singer who brings real drama, character and confidence to the role. His mix of grumpy humour and underlying warmth works beautifully and his accent is spot on. 

 

Bella Syson is a terrific Princess Fiona, full of energy and sharp comic timing especially in the scenes that show her less than perfect princess habits. Her singing is excellent, particularly in “I Know It’s Today” and “This Is How a Dream Comes True”, and she’s a talented dancer as well. 

 

Daniel Pimperton is great fun as Donkey. Quick, cheeky and full of personality. His asides to the cast and audience are very well delivered. He can also sing and dance well. 

 

Lord Farquaad is one of my favourite characters in the show, and Takoda Liverman is outstanding in the role. His performance is packed with brilliant exaggeration, capturing all the silliness and swagger the role needs. For a 14 year old, his physical comedy is exceptional, and he works the audience with total confidence. He looks like he’s enjoying every second on stage. A future stage professional, I’m sure. 

 

The ensemble is excellent, filling the stage with character and movement

 

The ensemble is excellent, filling the stage with character and movement. Every fairytale role is clearly defined and genuinely funny, and the full company numbers have real power. 

 

The Fairytale Characters are Riley Chambers (Pinocchio), Georgia Bullock (Dragon), Caitlin Smith (Gingy / Sugarplum Fairy), Ania Rakic (Wicked Witch), Ralph Garnham (Peter Pan), Thomas Smith (Mad Hatter), Liliana Simmons-Clark (Mama Bear), Ben Mather (Papa Bear), Poppy Fawcett (Baby Bear), Bella Carolan (Ugly Duckling), Eddie Clarkson (White Rabbit), Megan Beastall (Fairy Godmother), Hannah Lake (Humpty Dumpty), Stevie Kirkham (Big Bad Wolf), Ethan Adamson, Taylen Brodsky, Teddy Osborn (Three Pigs), Taylen Brodsky (Thelonius / Papa Ogre), Abi Ashforth, Daisy Hamilton, Emilia Shapcott (Blind Mice), Rachel Redfern (Queen Lillian, Elf), Louis Whitfield (Captain of the Guard, King Harold), Finley Williams (Pied Piper, Bishop), Robyn Preston (Teen Fiona), Ava Hicklin (Young Fiona), Louis Drake (Little Shrek, Grumpy the Dwarf). 

 

The Villagers, Wedding Guests, Knights, Guards, Duloc Dancers, Rat Tap Dancers are Ruby Armstrong, Abi Ashforth, James Bailey, Michael Bately, Emily Box, Georgia Bullock, Emily Campion, Eddie Clarkson, Millie Dalziel, Poppy Fawcett, Ralph Garner, Daisy Hamilton, Katie Kirk, Robyn Preston, Emilia Shapcott, Tia Shaw, Louis Whitfield, Finley Williams. 

The talented Puppeteers are Sarah Doughty, Oscar Drake, Findlay Parker, Sam Reed and Lauren Wells. 

 

There are many standout moments in this production, but the Dragon scene was one of my favourites. It was dramatic, beautifully staged and full of impact.

 

A talented creative team

 

This production clearly has a very talented creative team. Director Holly Earl and assistant Hope Lo Monaco keep the story clear and fast moving, making great use of the stage and giving every performer their moment to shine. Musical Director Charlotte Daniel ensures confident singing across the cast, with well balanced harmonies and a strong ensemble sound. The ten piece orchestra was a joy to hear. 

 

Caroline Green’s choreography gives the big numbers real shape with tight timing throughout. Jamie Vella’s lighting design adds plenty of atmosphere, shifting smoothly between swamp greens, darker castle tones and bright fairytale colours. Harry Greatorex’s sound design is excellent. Every word is clear, and the vocals fit perfectly with the band. 

Costumes, props and sets are colourful and lively, helping the whole show feel exciting to watch. Stage Manager Pete Roberts and his team keep everything running smoothly and at a rapid pace. 

 

Great characterisations, humour and genuine enthusiasm

 

This is a fun and confident production from Derby Youth Theatre. The cast work brilliantly together, the creative team shape the show well and the whole evening has a warm, upbeat feel. It’s the kind of youth theatre performance that left me smiling and very impressed. It is full of great characterisations, humour and genuine enthusiasm from the whole cast. The standing ovation at the end was very well deserved. 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Shrek is a show that adults and children will love, and it deserves every bit of praise it gets. I’ve seen several amateur productions, but this one is the best in my view. I’m certain that tonight I was watching several future stage professionals. 

Derby Youth Theatre is firmly part of the Derby arts scene, and I look forward to their next production, Beauty and the Beast in November 2027. 

 

Review by David Allen