A fan of the original animated classic, I had planned a simple afternoon out with my seven-year-old nephew to see Shrek The Musical at the Colliseum Theatre West HQ in Sydney. Just the two of us, popcorn in hand, ready to cheer on our favourite green ogre. But life, as it so often does, had other plans. His two-year-old brother staged a meltdown worthy of a fairytale dragon, and suddenly I was coordinating a mini adult-aged army to accompany me… I roped in a friend to babysit, stockpiled snacks, and wrangled the siblings into a single, surprisingly cooperative convoy. By the time we settled into our seats, I was ready for anything – and Shrek delivered, in spades.
From the first moment, the production bursts into life with chaotic, joyful energy. Fairytale characters fill the stage in full, glorious costume: wicked witches, three little (and very pink) pigs, plus a gingerbread man (named Gingy … obviously!). Even as an adult, I found myself laughing out loud at the puppetry, whiz-bang props, and slapstick moments designed to delight both kids and grown-ups. Truly, some events are meant to make you say: “Better out than in, I always say” – whether it’s your laughter or your inner ogre.
Much like its iconic on-screen version, stage-set Shrek is a perfect mix of gruff charm and heartfelt vulnerability. His “I don’t care what anybody thinks” attitude is instantly infectious, though it’s the relationships he forms that give the story its warmth. Princess Fiona live similarly puts on a performance that Cameron Diaz would be proud of – her vocals rich and soulful, yet playful enough to engage younger viewers. And Iosia Tofilau as Donkey may have had big, Eddy Murphy sized shoes to fill, but certainly stops up and is utterly magnetic. From his quick quips to his spirited dance moves, he commands the stage, ensuring every child (and their exhausted aunt) has a new favourite character.
Lord Farquaad adds a mischievous layer of comedy, each entrance a little parade of absurdity that drew delighted groans from my nephew. And, Dragon is an unsurprising showstopper – the blend of puppetry, power, and a soaring voice kept even my toddler glued to the performance, a small miracle in itself. As Shrek himself might say, “What are you doing in my swamp?” could easily be the question every audience member feels when first stepping into the vibrant chaos of this production.
The story, familiar yet fresh, carries a simple but powerful message: embrace who you are and let your freak flag fly. Shrek experiences comic disasters, heartwarming friendships, and tender moments of self-discovery on his journey from lonely swamp-dweller to celebrated hero. The musical weaves in clever humour for adults – Farquaad’s over-the-top antics, the soldiers’ comic terror, and the Gingerbread Man’s pointed sass – without ever losing sight of the magic and fun that draws children in. And yes, there are songs that will stick in your head for days, like “Somebody once told me that you can’t miss this” – okay, maybe I added a little lyric twist, but you’ll get it once the music starts.
One of my favourite aspects of this production is the set design. From sliding trees and towering castles to a shaky bridge over lava, the stage transforms seamlessly, keeping the adventure dynamic and visually captivating. Projections, moving curtains, and whimsical props – like smoking skunks and an exploding morning bird – add layers of delight that had my nephew whispering “wow” more than once. The costumes deserve a special mention, too. Each character’s outfit is thoughtfully crafted, perfectly balancing animation-inspired exaggeration with live-performance practicality. The attention to detail allows the actors to inhabit their roles fully, bringing familiar fairytale faces to life in a way that’s utterly enchanting.
As an aunt juggling two very different ages, I appreciated that Shrek keeps everyone in mind. The humour works on multiple levels (from fart gags to 6-7 references!), the songs are catchy and spirited, and the action is never dull. Even with my youngest occasionally squirming in his seat, he stayed captivated by the spectacle, and by the interval, both boys laughed, sang along, and gasped at the dragon’s dramatic entrances. The harmony between music, choreography, and performance is so seamless that it feels less like a show and more like stepping into a storybook.
Standout moments abound: the three Fionas singing together, Pinocchio’s nose-growing antics, the chaos of fairytale soldiers meeting Shrek and Donkey, and the ensemble’s brilliant harmonies. Each scene reinforces the story’s central joy: that love, friendship, and self-acceptance are worth celebrating, even in a world of dragons and villainous rulers.
By the final curtain, my nephew was jubilant, my toddler enthralled, and I was struck by just how much heart this production carries. Shrek The Musical at West HQ isn’t just a family outing; it’s a full-scale, laugh-out-loud, tear-tinged adventure that reminds both young and old that life is sweeter when you let your true self shine.
Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or sneaking away with just one child, this musical is a joyous, thoroughly entertaining escape – a fairytale explosion of laughter, music, and magic. It’s the kind of show that leaves you grinning all the way home, humming the songs and recounting your favourite moments like treasures discovered in a swampy kingdom.
Sydney-siders, there are still tickets available for Saturday’s performance – grab them fast before this magical adventure sells out! After all, as Shrek would say, “Better out than in – go ahead, let your freak flag fly!”
