REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
PALACE THEATRE SUMMER YOUTH PROJECT
presents
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August 2026
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
PALACE THEATRE SUMMER YOUTH PROJECT
presents
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August 2026
It’s always a huge treat to be invited to see the Summer Youth Project production at the Palace Theatre. Over the many years the Summer Youth has been running, there has been a standard of production and performance that has maintained heady heights and never fails to impress, especially with the knowledge that the summer holiday rehearsal period is just a mere 2 weeks. So with a reputation that goes before them, this year’s newly appointed director, Chelsea O’Connell and choreographer, Laura Street, certainly had their work cut out for them this year.
Shrek the Musical follows a grumpy but soft-hearted ogre whose peaceful swamp is suddenly overrun by displaced fairytale creatures banished by the diminutive yet ambitious Lord Farquaad. To regain his privacy, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to rescue the fiery, secret-keeping Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, accompanied by the annoying yet hilarious and chatty Donkey. This witty stage adaptation of the classic animated Dreamworks film delivers a brilliant showcase for ensemble storytelling alongside a heartwarming theme about self-acceptance.
Shrek the Musical follows a grumpy but soft-hearted ogre whose peaceful swamp is suddenly overrun by displaced fairytale creatures banished by the diminutive yet ambitious Lord Farquaad. To regain his privacy, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to rescue the fiery, secret-keeping Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, accompanied by the annoying yet hilarious and chatty Donkey. This witty stage adaptation of the classic animated Dreamworks film delivers a brilliant showcase for ensemble storytelling alongside a heartwarming theme about self-acceptance.
Photo credit: Tim Browne
The show kicks off with young Shrek’s (Samuel Lewins) parents (Oliver Street and Charlie Byrne) sending him off into the “Big Bright Beautiful World” which then leads into a great ensemble dance number (“Story of My Life”) with everyone on stage performing with enormous energy; in fact, the choreography in every dance number is executed brilliantly with everyone all impressively very sharp and in sync with their moves.
As you would expect, all the favourite characters pop up here, including Gingy (Willow Watts), Pinocchio (Tony Lambert), the Three Little Bears (Ruby Radley, Rocco Jeff and the cutest baby bear, ever, Scarlett Plant), the Three Little Pigs (Liam Parker, Oliver Street, William Holley), the Three Blind Mice (Alice Morgan, Emma Clarke and Lola Jenkins) and of course the Wicked Witch (Ava Barry) as well as many others who were all equally impressive - Duckling (Isabel Sampson), Wolf (Elijah Conway), Pied Piper (Hannah Moss), Fairy Godmother (Ruby Finch), Sugar Plum Fairy (Jorja Lintott), Peter Pan (Lewis Andrews), Elf (Kacy Lefember), Humpty Dumpty (Logan Hendy), Dwarf (Joeseph Lewins) and Gingy puppeteer (Hannah Lambert).
The leading players are lead by Oliver Bearman who fully embraces this opportunity to play the larger than life Scottish ogre and takes on the role with lots of enthusiastic energy showing off some fantastic vocals to boot. You really get the sense that Oliver is in his element here. His sidekick Donkey is jauntily played, giving some great attitude, by a perky Charlie Wright and the pair work really well together. Iris-Lilly Oldham is simply delightful as Princess Fiona from the get go showing off that same quirky sassiness that Cameron Dias brought to the role in the film, and giving us lots of laugh out loud moments alongside some beautiful vocals too. There are also some lovely cameos from Esther Imber-Dinsdale and Mille Barnes as the Young and Teen Fiona’s.
Introduced by his manservant, Thelonius (Sid Taylor), Freddie Strange holds his own as Lord Farquaad and is just perfect in the role as the arrogant Lord and also nails the comedy aspect needed for this part producing lots of laughs. His song about his father, The Ballad of Farquaad) is an absolute hoot.
As you would expect, all the favourite characters pop up here, including Gingy (Willow Watts), Pinocchio (Tony Lambert), the Three Little Bears (Ruby Radley, Rocco Jeff and the cutest baby bear, ever, Scarlett Plant), the Three Little Pigs (Liam Parker, Oliver Street, William Holley), the Three Blind Mice (Alice Morgan, Emma Clarke and Lola Jenkins) and of course the Wicked Witch (Ava Barry) as well as many others who were all equally impressive - Duckling (Isabel Sampson), Wolf (Elijah Conway), Pied Piper (Hannah Moss), Fairy Godmother (Ruby Finch), Sugar Plum Fairy (Jorja Lintott), Peter Pan (Lewis Andrews), Elf (Kacy Lefember), Humpty Dumpty (Logan Hendy), Dwarf (Joeseph Lewins) and Gingy puppeteer (Hannah Lambert).
The leading players are lead by Oliver Bearman who fully embraces this opportunity to play the larger than life Scottish ogre and takes on the role with lots of enthusiastic energy showing off some fantastic vocals to boot. You really get the sense that Oliver is in his element here. His sidekick Donkey is jauntily played, giving some great attitude, by a perky Charlie Wright and the pair work really well together. Iris-Lilly Oldham is simply delightful as Princess Fiona from the get go showing off that same quirky sassiness that Cameron Dias brought to the role in the film, and giving us lots of laugh out loud moments alongside some beautiful vocals too. There are also some lovely cameos from Esther Imber-Dinsdale and Mille Barnes as the Young and Teen Fiona’s.
Introduced by his manservant, Thelonius (Sid Taylor), Freddie Strange holds his own as Lord Farquaad and is just perfect in the role as the arrogant Lord and also nails the comedy aspect needed for this part producing lots of laughs. His song about his father, The Ballad of Farquaad) is an absolute hoot.
Photo Credit: Tim Browne
It has to be said that over the years of Summer Youth Project there have been many of its alumni who have gone on to drama schools and some have performed in West End shows, proving that this is a solid start and grounding for any child who wants to pursue a career in the super tough business that is musical theatre. I’m sure there are many children in this production who will do the very same, but one in particular has to be Mia Cater who, I’m pretty sure, left the majority of the opening night audience with their jaws dropped with her stunning range of vocals during her musical number as Dragon. It’s a shame more songs weren’t written in for Dragon so we could enjoy a bit more. Great work from the Dragon puppeteers too - Quinn Byrne, Khira Robinson and Stef Iftimie who really help bring her to life.
MD, Alex Wood, has done a great job with the cast vocals and the band also sounded fantastic on opening night. The songs in this musical I find are quite mature for the context of the show and perhaps not what you would expect from animated film adaption which is not for everyone but, for me, makes it even more impressive to hear them sung so well here.
The Summer Youth Project not only brings opportunities for performers but also gives those kids who prefer to be behind the scenes the option to spend their 2 weeks learning the technical side of theatre who I always feel represent the unsung heroes of the piece, as without them the show simply wouldn’t go on. So, big kudos has to go to Charlie Shepherd, Daisy Hayes, Emily Rogan, Hugo Bermon, Louis Jacobs, Max Garnett, Micaela Fallon, Sophie Sewell, William Sterry and Zaine Brinton for your valued contribution to the performance and performers.
This whole production of Shrek the Musical looks so professional on stage, with great sets, props and smooth scene changes throughout. Every single costume, thanks to Wardrobe team led by Tammy Pitts and Jasmine Edwards, was perfect for each character and most importantly, every single person out there on stage looked like they were having an absolute blast, which meant that every single member of the audience was equally loving every moment too.
A well deserved standing ovation and getting to have a dance to “I’m a Believer” at the end of the show was the icing on the Gingy. I can’t imagine the amount of hard work that has gone into this production but it has definitely paid off. Huge congratulations to every single member of the cast and crew and to the production team, who no doubt have had a few sleepless nights over the last couple of weeks whilst putting this all together. This is one of the best Summer Youth Productions I’ve seen and here’s to many more!
Review: Kim Tobin
MD, Alex Wood, has done a great job with the cast vocals and the band also sounded fantastic on opening night. The songs in this musical I find are quite mature for the context of the show and perhaps not what you would expect from animated film adaption which is not for everyone but, for me, makes it even more impressive to hear them sung so well here.
The Summer Youth Project not only brings opportunities for performers but also gives those kids who prefer to be behind the scenes the option to spend their 2 weeks learning the technical side of theatre who I always feel represent the unsung heroes of the piece, as without them the show simply wouldn’t go on. So, big kudos has to go to Charlie Shepherd, Daisy Hayes, Emily Rogan, Hugo Bermon, Louis Jacobs, Max Garnett, Micaela Fallon, Sophie Sewell, William Sterry and Zaine Brinton for your valued contribution to the performance and performers.
This whole production of Shrek the Musical looks so professional on stage, with great sets, props and smooth scene changes throughout. Every single costume, thanks to Wardrobe team led by Tammy Pitts and Jasmine Edwards, was perfect for each character and most importantly, every single person out there on stage looked like they were having an absolute blast, which meant that every single member of the audience was equally loving every moment too.
A well deserved standing ovation and getting to have a dance to “I’m a Believer” at the end of the show was the icing on the Gingy. I can’t imagine the amount of hard work that has gone into this production but it has definitely paid off. Huge congratulations to every single member of the cast and crew and to the production team, who no doubt have had a few sleepless nights over the last couple of weeks whilst putting this all together. This is one of the best Summer Youth Productions I’ve seen and here’s to many more!
Review: Kim Tobin
Photo Credit: Tim Browne
Featured Dancers and characters:
Bishop: Jessica Carruthers
Ava Wright, Darcie Griffiths-Ware, Edeigh Irvine, Francesca Pasqui, Grace Garrett, Kayla O'Brien, Lauren Cowley, Layla Oxenham, Libby Marjurum, Madison O'Brien, Matilda Cornell, Nia Robinson
Ensemble:
Abel Skelton, Alayna Peat, Alex McEvoy, Amelia Parker, Ava Thacker, Beau Whitehead, Bella Watts, Bethany Cripps, Ciara Daly, Ella Burlison, Ellena Camfield, Emilia Lee, Emmie Philpot, Frank Cass, Gabriel Edwards, Hadassah Allick, Hattie Bermon, India Halliday, Isobel Carter, Jack Barlow, Layla Pace, Mia Lansley, Monroe Howett, Nicole Dasent, Penelope Cousins, Prudence Brown, Ruby Parlamentas, Scarlett Goudie, Spike Keiffer-Wells, Violet Surridge.
Bishop: Jessica Carruthers
Ava Wright, Darcie Griffiths-Ware, Edeigh Irvine, Francesca Pasqui, Grace Garrett, Kayla O'Brien, Lauren Cowley, Layla Oxenham, Libby Marjurum, Madison O'Brien, Matilda Cornell, Nia Robinson
Ensemble:
Abel Skelton, Alayna Peat, Alex McEvoy, Amelia Parker, Ava Thacker, Beau Whitehead, Bella Watts, Bethany Cripps, Ciara Daly, Ella Burlison, Ellena Camfield, Emilia Lee, Emmie Philpot, Frank Cass, Gabriel Edwards, Hadassah Allick, Hattie Bermon, India Halliday, Isobel Carter, Jack Barlow, Layla Pace, Mia Lansley, Monroe Howett, Nicole Dasent, Penelope Cousins, Prudence Brown, Ruby Parlamentas, Scarlett Goudie, Spike Keiffer-Wells, Violet Surridge.
Head down to the swamp this summer, at the Palace Theatre!
There’s a fairytale of talent stomping onto our stage at the Palace Theatre this August as the Summer Youth Project production of Shrek the Musical splashes into Southend
There’s a fairytale of talent stomping onto our stage at the Palace Theatre this August as the Summer Youth Project production of Shrek the Musical splashes into Southend
Now in its 18th year, the Southend Theatres’ Summer Youth Project offers youngsters aged between 9 and 19 the opportunity to perform and produce a full-scale show, led by a professional Creative and Production Team. As well as a team of Alumni Assistants this year, sharing their experience and love for SYP with this year’s company. Auditions were held in April, where we joined by 220 young people, and a cast of 85 young performers were selected to take part in the production of this family favourite story of Shrek the Musical. Drawn from across Southend and further afield, our participants will create, learn and rehearse for 10 days in the summer holidays, followed by 4 days (5 shows) of performing to live audiences.
As well as the cast of performers, a team of 10 youth technicians will join the professional crew on the show, learning backstage skills, gaining practical experience, and understanding what it takes to get ours shows up and running.
Southend Theatres’ Creative Learning Manager, Emma Wagstaff said ‘The Summer Youth Project is always a highlight of the year and 2026 will be no exception. The standard of auditionees was higher than ever this year, and we are excited to see the end result of their hard work over the summer. The youth technicians too all impressed with their enthusiasm and commitment to the project. Bring on the swamp this summer!’
Shrek the Musical, based on the 2001 DreamWorks film and William Steig’s book, tells the story of Shrek, a solitary green ogre living in a swamp, content with his isolation. His peaceful life is disrupted when a group of fairy tale creatures, banished by the cruel Lord Farquaad, take refuge in his swamp. To reclaim his privacy, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad: he will rescue Princess Fiona, whom Farquaad wishes to marry, in exchange for the return of the creatures to their homes. On his journey, Shrek reluctantly befriends Donkey. Together, they navigate obstacles, including a fire-breathing dragon, to reach Fiona’s tower. Fiona, however, is not the typical princess Shrek expects; she harbours a secret curse that transforms her into an ogre at sunset, which can only be broken by true love’s kiss. The musical features humour, memorable songs, and a cast of vibrant characters, including Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, and the Dragon, highlighting themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and challenging societal norms.
Tickets for Shrek the Musical are on sale now. Join our incredible company, at the Palace Theatre this summer, celebrate their talent and enjoy a great show!
Shrek The Musical – Palace Theatre Summer Youth Project 2026
Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Southend on Sea, SS0 9LA
Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August 2026
palacetheatresouthend.co.uk
Contact Centre: 0343 310 0030
As well as the cast of performers, a team of 10 youth technicians will join the professional crew on the show, learning backstage skills, gaining practical experience, and understanding what it takes to get ours shows up and running.
Southend Theatres’ Creative Learning Manager, Emma Wagstaff said ‘The Summer Youth Project is always a highlight of the year and 2026 will be no exception. The standard of auditionees was higher than ever this year, and we are excited to see the end result of their hard work over the summer. The youth technicians too all impressed with their enthusiasm and commitment to the project. Bring on the swamp this summer!’
Shrek the Musical, based on the 2001 DreamWorks film and William Steig’s book, tells the story of Shrek, a solitary green ogre living in a swamp, content with his isolation. His peaceful life is disrupted when a group of fairy tale creatures, banished by the cruel Lord Farquaad, take refuge in his swamp. To reclaim his privacy, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad: he will rescue Princess Fiona, whom Farquaad wishes to marry, in exchange for the return of the creatures to their homes. On his journey, Shrek reluctantly befriends Donkey. Together, they navigate obstacles, including a fire-breathing dragon, to reach Fiona’s tower. Fiona, however, is not the typical princess Shrek expects; she harbours a secret curse that transforms her into an ogre at sunset, which can only be broken by true love’s kiss. The musical features humour, memorable songs, and a cast of vibrant characters, including Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, and the Dragon, highlighting themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and challenging societal norms.
Tickets for Shrek the Musical are on sale now. Join our incredible company, at the Palace Theatre this summer, celebrate their talent and enjoy a great show!
Shrek The Musical – Palace Theatre Summer Youth Project 2026
Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Southend on Sea, SS0 9LA
Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August 2026
palacetheatresouthend.co.uk
Contact Centre: 0343 310 0030
