Shrek is perfectly happy living alone in his swamp until Lord Farquaad dumps a crowd of displaced fairytale characters on his doorstep. To get his home back, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower so Farquaad can marry her and become king. Accompanied by a Donkey who regards silence as a personal enemy, Shrek completes the rescue, but the journey home changes everything. Fiona has a secret, Shrek discovers he might actually like having friends and the traditional fairytale ending receives a large green rewrite.
All Saints Elton Theatre Youth presented Shrek The Musical JR. at The Met from Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th July 2026. Charlotte Crowley directed the production and led the vocals, with Samantha Tarrier as choreographer.
Based on the DreamWorks animated film and the Broadway musical, the junior version keeps the story’s collection of familiar fairytale characters while giving them a very unfamiliar sort of fairytale.
Theo Skorzewski played Shrek, an ogre who has spent years being judged before people know him, so he has decided life is easier without them.
Fiona has spent years waiting for the storybook prince who is meant to rescue her. What arrives is Shrek and Donkey.
There are some adjustments. Oliver Parker played Lord Farquaad, while Erin Carroll, Halle Howarth and Thea Osmond appeared as the three Storytellers. Lucy Jackson, Billy Crowley and Jacob Fleming played Mama Ogre, Papa Ogre and Little Ogre.
Along the way, the show turns many traditional fairytale ideas upside down. Heroes do not have to look heroic. Princesses do not have to behave like princesses. A talking Donkey can apparently maintain a conversation for several hours without breathing.
At the centre is a simple message about friendship, self-acceptance and allowing people to be exactly as gloriously peculiar as they are.
Featuring energetic ensemble numbers and songs including I’m a Believer, Shrek The Musical JR. gave All Saints Elton Theatre Youth another large-scale opportunity to sing, dance and create a whole collection of larger-than-life characters.
A big, bright, beautiful world indeed. Even if part of it smells faintly of swamp.