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When you think of Shrek, you think green heart-shaped nipple tassels, right?
Well, that’s exactly what you get in Swamplesque, and that’s just the opening act. The show throws together laugh-out-loud comedy, burlesque, drag, powerhouse vocals and a dash of circus, all wrapped up in chaotic fairytale energy. Best of all, it genuinely feels like the cast are having the time of their lives, and that joy is completely infectious.
From the opening moment when the green spotlight hits Shrek in a sheer green negligee it’s clear we’re in for something a little different.
It’s fun, it’s camp and it’s gloriously messy, and that’s exactly where the magic is. Watching Shrek bop along to, and gradually undress to, the film’s most iconic track, Smash Mouth’s All Star, is pure glee and sets the tone for the wonderfully unhinged ride ahead.
Pinocchio then takes the baton, leading us on a dance journey from Beyoncé’s If I Were a Boy through to Christina’s Dirrty joined by the three little pigs. It’s hilarious, unexpectedly sharp and a total crowd-pleaser. And you’ll be glad to see that he’s still sporting his favourite underwear!
Dragon is ferocious and fierce in her fiery red costume and hair. She belts out Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” and yes, there’s fire! Meanwhile, the Magic Mirror wows with dazzling acrobatics in an outfit that doesn’t stay on for long… and yes, he’s also rocking Pinocchio’s favorite underwear.
The show is delightfully interwoven with mimed exchanges lifted from the film’s dialogue. This cleverly ties the whole adventure together from Shrek and Donkey’s friendship, to Lord Farquaad’s ridiculous dating game show in search of true love, while Fiona is just looking for somebody to… love, but with a far more honest four-letter word coming out of her mouth.
There are a few moments where the energy briefly drifts from the show’s core theme. This slightly interrupts the otherwise tight, silly and playful flow. It doesn’t derail the fun but it does feel a bit random in an otherwise wildly entertaining production.
Watching these characters dance, strip and revel on stage is a testament to the bravery, vulnerability and creativity of the artists involved.
It’s wild, queer and completely mad which is exactly what Fringe is all about.