"Shrek The Musical Jr" by Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group.

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

I've seen quite a few productions of "Shrek the Musical" over the years, but I can't remember seeing a "Jr" version of this musical, well now I've managed to tick that off the list with this production by the Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group. This musical is not the easiest of musicals to perform as a Junior edition, but this big group did the show proud.

The story begins with Shrek telling the audience of his childhood, and how, on his seventh birthday, his parents send him out of their house and into the world to make his living. They warn him that because of his looks, everyone will hate him, and he will not have a happy ending. After saving Princess Fiona from the dragon who had kept her locked in her tower, he delivers her to Lord Farquaad so that he can marry the Princess and become King of Duloc, just so that Shrek can get his marshy home back. On his way he meets many fairytale creatures and of course Donkey who becomes his best mate.

Shrek is played by Leo Capaldi, and a massive role to pull off, but you can tell that Leo has worked on the whole physical feel of the Ogre and knows his onions. Shrek's Scottish accent isn't the easiest to maintain but Leo did a really good job in this department, and apart from The Proclaimers, who else can sing in a broad Scottish accent?

Seth Burgess plays Papa Ogre  and Florence Everitt is Mama Ogre with Rupert Shaw playing Young Shrek in a very confident opening.

Donkey is played by Charles Beckett. Charles is one of those young performers that I have seen several times in showcases and always manages to attract your attention. Same here. Charles got the attitude, physicality and fun just right as Donkey.

Princess Fiona is played by Alisia Carolea. I was saying to Keira in the interval that I had forgotten just how strong Alisia's vocal abilities are. Alisia gave us a lovely sassy, and bossy Fiona along with a very powerful set of vocals. Alisia really got under the skin of Fiona and again shows that she is a fine character actor and can deliver comedy with ease. Her timing on "I Got You Beat" is brilliantly funny.

Young Fiona is played by Annie Shepherd and Teen Fiona is played by Imogen Pullen. Both young actors own extremely confident voices which blend well with Alisia's in the song "I Know It's Today"

Lord Farquaad is played by Teddy Hunt. This is a hard role for an adult to play due to having to act on their knees. Teddy seemed not to have any issues whizzing around on his knees. Teddy's comedy skills and delivery are spot on, and he looked brilliant in the costume. The legs were just slightly too big which made Farquaard look bow-legged, all of which added to the fun. A really clear delivery in the scripted sections as well as in his singing, especially in one of his big songs, "What's Up Duloc".

The Dragon is voiced by Elizabeth Kenny and operated by four young puppeteers. I have been a fan of young Lizzie's for a while now and always stands out in everything that she does on stage. Previous reviews that I have mentioned her in always show what a focused young actor she is. I'm so pleased that Lizzie got to be on stage at the same time as the Dragon, dressed in a lovely shiny red outfit, but what really strikes you about Lizzie is her voice. The Dragon's big song is "Forever" and this was no problem for Elizabeth to hit those big notes. And she performs like a diva should as well; you can see that she feels the song she is performing.

Pinocchio is played by Harry  Merrick. By attending and reviewing the Nottingham Arts Theatre Showcases, you get to see these young actors as they progress up the ladder in their acting abilities, and Harry is another one who is always on the rise. He looks brilliant as the wooden little boy (not a puppet or a doll) and Harry has perfected that voice that we all recognise from the Disney films. Another young man who can deliver comedy really well.

Gingy is played by Benjamin Green and another great vocal styling for a comic character.

Noah Shaw plays the Captain of the Guards. Noah is a natural on stage and is very comfortable to watch. He knows exactly which words to stress and enunciate which really brings his script to life. Noah is also a very confident physical actor and I think will make a fantastic character actor when he is ready for a leading role.

Polly Sibley, Mia Woodward, and Abigail McGregor are the Three Little Pigs, as well as doubling as Knights.

Darcey Orwin, Martha Kemp, and Sophia Smith take on the roles of the Three Bears.

The Three Blind Mice are played by Adleigh Chappell-Royce, Varvara Ivanauskaite and Lillian Tattersall.

Julian Magda, a regular face in the Arts Theatre productions takes on the role of the Pied Piper.

Flossie Bailey, Fergus Hillery, Betty Metson-Scott, Louis Dickson, Ivy Barton and Theo Clarke are the Knights.

Josie Leigh plays the part of the Wicked Witch and a skeleton.

Alex Michael is the Big Bad Wolf, as well as a skeleton.

Maisie is the Sugar Plum Fairy

Francesca Attewell is playing Peter Pan, as well as a skeleton.

Reuben Clarke takes on the part of Puss in Boots.

Asger Dobbs is the Ugly Duckling as well as playing a skeleton.

King Harold is played by Fergus Hillery and Queen Lillian is played by Isabella Tattersall.

Playing Farquaard's Father is Rosie Jones.

Helping bring the tale of "Shrek" to life are a trio of Storytellers, Abigail Newman, Amelie Burgess and Maisie Fletcher, but on first night (Friday), Cleo Sims replaced Abigail.

The Shrek Jr dancers are Emelia Pound, La Mai McKenzie, Heather Beardsmore, Ellie Strang, Isobel Burchell, Daisy Kemp, Varvara Ivanauskaite, Adleigh Chappell-Royce, Lillian Tattersall, Rosie Jones, and Lauren Varley.

The Ensemble are made up of Betty Metson-Scott, Louis Dickson, Julian Magda, Isabella Tattersall, Flossie bailey, Theo Clarke, Ivy Barton and Stella Walker.

Directed by Keira Dormer-Hazell and Eleanor Carty, and while first night will always have a few niggles, the show was pacy and captured the fun of the full blown production, and you could tell that the young actors were having a ball.

Musical Director is Jonah Williams. I've mentioned what a cast of talented singers this lot are and that is partly due to their own talents, but also due to one of the most talented singing coaches that Nottinghamshire has. Jonah has brought out the very best of vocals from this group in this show, and that obviously reflects on the work that Jonah has put in, as he always does.

Choreographed by Charlotte Clay and Kate Russell. This is a show with a large cast and that means a lot of work on the choreography front for both choreographer and the cast, but the cast made the show fun with the lively choreography.

The Production Manager is Jessica Royce, assisted by Arlo Perrons.

The costumes are by Jessica Royce and World Of Wigle, who used to be called Spotlight Costume Hire. This is "Shrek" and there are many, many costumes required for all of the characters in this musical, and they all looked fantastic. Donkey, Fiona, Pinocchio, Farquuard, Big Bad Wolf, Three Pigs are all worthy of mentions for being eye catching and vibrant.

Set Designer is Keira Dormer-Hazell, and I loved the hired in projections used in the background.

Sound is by George Wilson from College Street Technical Services. You know that I am always on the listen out for a good sound, especially in musical theatre, and while the sound started off really well, we did have mic pack issues and missed mic cues. These, I am sure will all be resolved after opening night (Friday).

Lighting is by Zach Silcock, assisted by Evie Webster, and while there may have been the odd slightly late light cue, I also acknowledge that this area of production is very new to some of these young people. It's opening night, most people may not have even noticed but I'd hate to think that people may think I am going soft by not mentioning it. But seriously, I know, and Evie will back me on this, something like the lighting, and sound, takes ages to perfect, so an odd late spot is nothing to worry about. I know Zach from his singing and acting skills and I doff my cap to him for widening his theatre skills in this way.

Stage Manager for the show is Oliver Sheard - who I am sure I spotted as one of the Dragon puppeteers. Deputy Stage manager Lenny Brady, both mentored by the legend of stage management Nigel Newton. The Stage Crew were James Cragg and Cleo Sims; all keeping a smooth flow for the scene and prop changes.

Prop management by Jack Kent, Ace Merkell, George Ward and Charlotte Clay.

As with several theatre youth groups nowadays, the actors are getting more and more involved with non stage work, including stage management, lighting, sound, make up etc. which is fantastic because it gives these young people a more rounded education into theatre and theatre production. This also means that the production side, as well as the stage side of local theatre will be in very good, and eventually experienced hands, guaranteeing the future of local theatre; and that is a very good thing in my eyes.

One other area I also need to mention is the Front Of House Crew, who often don't get credited, but they are always so happy to help in whatever way they can, and nothing is too much trouble for them. They are forever on the go, and in this heat at the moment, that has to be applauded and recognised.

You just can't help but have fun with this show, and especially with the finale of "I'm A Believer".

"Shrek the Musical Jr" is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 29 June. I'm definitely a believer that you will love this production, so go on , get your freak flag out and let it fly!

Photographs by Chris Rees.