Picking up steam through WA’s Southwest in September, Shrek The Musical is set to transform Crown Theatre Perth into a vibrant swamp on Thursday for its first local show. Delighting audiences in Albany, Bunbury, and Mandurah, the New Zealand-inspired take on the modern fairytale is sure to strike a chord with big-city crowds. And while the production has played to thousands abroad, including breaking ground in the Middle East, producer Layton Lillas believes the jokes hit harder in Australia.
“In the regions, there were belly laughs from top to bottom,” he said. “Every Australian seems to get the jokes. It actually resonates perfectly here.
” Debuting in 2008, the theatrical take on the nostalgic film series adds life to beloved characters Shrek, Lord Farquad, Donkey, Princess Fiona and more. Bringing their WA tour to a crescendo in Perth with seven shows in four days, the seasoned theatre pro has enjoyed his time in our State — but admitted it hasn’t been without its challenges. “It’s always hard to get everything over here.
It’s expensive,” he said. “I always forget just how far it away is, but now we’re here it’s been brilliant.” While initial plans may have been dialled back to accommodate the remote regions, you won’t feel it, with the full weight of a $1.
3 million set and 16-strong travelling cast ready to roll. Not to mention the hours of make-up required to look the part. Despite his salt-of-the-Earth aesthetic, Shrek’s prosthetic ear .
