I was delighted to be invited by the Jeff Guppy School of Musical Theatre to review their latest production of Shrek the Musical at Stanwell School, and from the moment the curtain rose, it was clear they were delivering on their promise: their biggest show yet. Directed by Amy Guppy, Ffion Arrandale and Sian Smith, this was a performance that went far beyond the expectations of amateur dramatics—so much so that there were stretches where you could genuinely forget you weren’t watching a full-scale professional tour.

Based on the beloved DreamWorks classic, Shrek the Musical brings familiar characters to the stage with heart, humour, and a brilliant twist of fairy tale chaos. The story follows everyone’s favourite green ogre as he journeys to rescue Princess Fiona—with a talking donkey in tow—and discovers that sometimes, your happily ever after looks a little different than expected.

What truly elevated this production was the sheer calibre of the cast. Every performer, from lead roles to ensemble cameos, gave 110% with infectious energy. The comedic timing, emotional beats, and dynamic vocal performances landed with ease and charm. It was impossible not to be swept up in it.

Visually, the show was a triumph. The costumes and makeup were whimsically imaginative, capturing the magic of the characters without relying on replicas. From Donkey’s animated antics to Lord Farquaad’s hilarious physicality, the details brought the entire swamp to life.

It’s no small feat to stage a show with this much colour and complexity, but the Jeff Guppy School nailed it. The audience laughed, cheered, and gave a standing ovation that felt entirely deserved.

This production wasn’t just a success for the school—it was a reminder of the power of musical theatre to surprise, delight, and transport. Bravo to the entire team.

You can find out more about Jeff Guppy School of Musical Theatre on their website, Facebook and Instagram.