Shrek is a brilliant animation turned musical about an Ogre who sets off on a quest (with a talkative donkey) to save a feisty princess locked in a tower. Throw in a gang of fairytale misfits and a Lord with a small (haha) problem and you have a SHREKTASTIC show.

See my quick-fire question and answer review below:

IMAGE CREDIT: http://www.kidzcoolit.com

The fart and burp off between Shrek and Fiona.

Favourite character?
I really like Fiona because she is a strong woman with lots of opinions. She isn't afraid to stand up for herself and learns to love the way she looks.

Best song?
It has to be 'I'm a believer'. I had a dance and sing on my seat when they ended with this famous song.

The bit from the film version that WASN'T in the musical?
I love the Robin Hood forest fight, and that wasn't in the show. But the musical can't be exactly like the film because this was an 'adaptation', which basically means changing some things along the way.

The bit from the film version that WAS in the musical?
You have got to love the line, 'Ogres are like onions.' 'They smell? They make people cry?' 'No, they have layers.' I am glad they kept that in.

Which fairytale characters appear?
Lots from the film like the three little pigs, pinocchio, the gingerbread man and the three blind mice. Watch out for the tap dancing rats too!

Is there a dragon?
Yes! A massive dragon actually flies on stage and sings. It's magical, and a little scary when it roars... but luckily it doesn't actually breathe fire. Phew!

Best bit for your mum or dad?
Tell them to keep an eye out for Lord Farquaad. They will find him very entertaining.

How would I rate the show between 1-10?
11! Because there aren't many family musicals out there and I think there should be more. I want to encourage more young people to visit the theatre, because it is an unforgettable experience. This show will get you laughing your head off as you watch fairytale characters come to life on stage.

*Scottish accent* 'This is the part where you run away... and buy tickets'

Thirdly, I had never seen ANY Monty Python before. I've heard a few Spamalot tunes as an avid musical theatre fan, but no actual clips starring the orginal actors. So, this is a short review from a Monty Novice.

N.B. This is not an extract from the play. It is an original piece that I wrote. 

*Say in a Southern American drawl*

The Bourbon Room, 1987.  

This is the crazy yet genius combination of theatre in the cinema. It's been all the rage for a while now and I finally got my first taste of it, and with an award winning production like War Horse, I was pretty excited.

Image Credit: www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Does your partners out of tune humming piss you off? Or their inhumanly loud chewing? Maybe the constant snoring is unbearable? Well forget couples counselling, what you need is to commit the perfect murder!

I actually won tickets to see this play in a Twitter competition! So firstly, thank you to Victoria Theatre, Halifax for picking me.

Pleasantries over, lets get on to a quick review of Teechers by John Godber.



Firstly, yes it is called 'Teechers' with a double 'e'. My spelling and grammar might not be perfect but that is definitely a word I've used enough to spell correctly.

Carrying on...

John Godber is a Yorkshire playwright. Big up to the North! He has written many masterpieces, one of the most famous is probably 'Bouncers'. A play that looks at contemporary and realistic issues. And 'Teechers' is no different.

This play really brought home how much teachers can impact, whether negatively or positively, on their students lives, especially in deprived schools. Coming from such a background myself, it hit the first emotional note but, carrying on...

Basically, three school children use the medium of drama to describe their final year of high school, particularly their relationship with their new drama teacher who believes in treating all children equally and igniting passion in learning. Again, as my job is as a member of a learning team, this hit the second emotional note....

And why not a hat trick as I also related to the students endearing and mostly childish friendships. High school is a jungle. A pretty terrifying one. Anything can go wrong, and to be honest it probably will but you have to fight through it (not physically, unless you come from a particularly rough school) But you WILL come out the other end. Maybe not in the best shape but alive never the less. It's the next steps in life that I think start to define you. Woah, sorry about that life rant!!

Anyway, a quick note on the actors themselves. There are only three. They play about five million parts each which is impressive. They all seamlessly melted into every character and it really showed the scope of their abilities as performers. From a sensible teacher, grumpy caretaker to mouthy teenager and many many more.

A fun show to watch, which everyone can relate to whether that's a character, some of the teachers or even the surroundings; those grubby lockers, drowning parka jackets or the 80s soundtrack to the show.

A nice nostalgic night out with strong performances from young upcoming actors.

I am a little late to the party, OK two months late but lets lock that tardiness into a box and focus on the wonder that is the Slava Snow Show.


This is an unforgettable experience, I won't call it a show as you do not sit back and simply watch actors on stage, you physically and emotionally experience this event.

This shows involves clowns but not your typical "intense stare, psychopath smile, knife holding" ones. These clowns are endearing, warming and without a doubt hilarious. You follow two different styles of clowns who are trained to perfection. It is amazing how a small movement of a body part could decide whether you laugh hysterically or indeed sigh with sympathy.

You are taken on a magical journey. A journey that ultimately makes no sense. If you want a gritty drama involving characters with motives, then leave the venue immediately. However, if you want two hours of wonder that erases work and family problems for a while, then this is your lucky day.

Adults suddenly revert into 5 year old children, indeed I was giggling as much as the toddler behind me! Where else can you watch a boat sailing through clouds, play with 10 foot inflatable balls and feel snowstorms inside a theatre! I feel sorry for any adult who wouldn't enjoy this event, as you would be missing a very innocent part of your soul. (harsh but true)

Magical, beautiful and honestly unforgettable.

I hope it returns this winter, where I plan on buying front row seats.