On every day until Saturday June 18, and based on the brilliant 2001 hit movie, it promises to be a fun, feel good experience for all the family. Eileen Leahy discovers more about how it’s all come together from TWODS’s chair June Fuller and the show’s director Lucy Moignard…
Their summer production Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society – or TWODS as they’re more commonly known – are bringing the musical version of the 2001 DreamWorks hit movie Shrek to life on the stage of the Assembly Hall here in Tunbridge Wells all this week until Saturday, June 18.
Everyone’s favourite green, loveable ogre and unlikely hero Shrek will be joined by his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower, which is guarded by the fire breathing, ruby coloured love-sick Dragon.
“We want audiences to come to Shrek knowing they would recognise the loveable main characters”
Other classic characters from the film – which was made into a musical in 2008 – who’ll be treading the boards at the Assembly Hall include Lord Farquaad – ruler of the Duloc kingdom where Shrek is set – and a gang of fairytale misfits plus the hilarious sounding ‘Biscuit with Attitude’.
“All in all you’ve got a Shrek-tacular mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages,” laughs TWODS’ chair June Fuller. Here, she and director Lucy Moignard tell us more about the show that’s already wowing audiences…
So how has the last two years been for TWODS because of the pandemic?
We usually perform two shows a year but when theatres were closed due to Covid, we – like all other amateur and professional companies – had to put that on hold. Notably the only other occasions when we have been unable to perform were in the two world wars!
How did it feel to be back on stage when you finally returned last November?
It really was wonderful! We put on our own show Destination Anywhere: A Musical Journey which won the award of excellence from NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association. The buzz of performing live and entertaining an audience reminded us why we love doing what we do. And recently we’ve been delighted to welcome new members into our society – which shows what an appetite there is for this rewarding and sociable hobby.
Do you feel you are properly back up and running now and able to schedule shows?
Absolutely. We’ve been entertaining audiences in Tunbridge Wells since 1889 so the process of casting, rehearsing and putting on a show is ingrained in generations of TWODS members. We are a well-oiled machine! During the pandemic we continued planning and looking at options so that once theatres re-opened, we were ready to go!
You’re putting on a performance of Shrek, what made you decide upon this particular production?
There are lots of factors we have to consider when choosing a show, but mostly we thought Shrek The Musical would be a firm family favourite and a little light entertainment for everyone after the pandemic. For that reason, we have scheduled our performance times a little earlier than usual to make it accessible for our younger audience. Evening performances will start at 7pm and matinees at 2pm.
Are you adding anything different to your interpretation of this classic film and stage musical?
We want the audience to come to the show knowing they would recognise the loveable main characters, so we have tried to get it as close to the original animated film as possible. However, the dragon song ‘Forever’ is far more exciting, with added dancers appearing as flames and skeletons.
How many is in the cast and who are in the lead roles?
There are 45 in the cast including six children playing the parts of baby and teenage Shrek and Princess Fiona. On top of that there is the whole army of TWODS members who make up the production team, the backstage crew, the front of house hosts, and voluntarily take on the many roles that play an equally vital part in putting on a show!
What have rehearsals been like for the cast and crew?
All TWODS members have been working extremely hard to get the show as amazing as it can be and they’re all having a lot of fun too. Getting everyone together in one room to rehearse has been a challenge at times, but we have succeeded, as you will see on stage.
What do you think audiences will enjoy most about seeing your performance?
Children will adore the Three Blind Mice, the Gingerbread Man, and the Grammy award-winning musical score of happy singalong tunes. The adults will love the cheeky, irreverent humour from the original film.
The songs are uplifting and will have you tapping your toes along. It will be funny in places, a little cheeky and also heart-warming at the same time.
How long have you been in rehearsals?
Sixth months! We have been working very hard since January to bring you this show, and we hope that our audiences enjoy watching it as much as we enjoy performing. It may even inspire some audience members to get involved…
And on that note are you still looking for more TWODS members?
Yes! We’re always looking for new members to join our family – particularly men. But you don’t have to be a performer to make an amazing contribution.
Helping front of house selling programmes, working backstage making props or costumes, or learning new skills as a stagehand – there are so many aspects of theatre to get involved in the possibilities are endless!
