Review: The Palace Theatre Summer Youth Project – Shrek By Nina Jervis-Green

August 7, 2026

Thanks to Nina Jervis-Green from www.ninathewriter.com for this review.

The Summer Youth Project (SYP) is made up of young people aged 9-19, who ‘take over’ the Palace Theatre for two weeks every summer to create and perform a well-loved musical.

Even though this has been happening for 18 years now, I’d never seen the SYP in action before. So, I’ll admit that when I was asked to review this year’s performance of Shrek, I expected to be charmed but not wowed… a bit like being in the audience for a school production (though hopefully better than my own shaky attempts at child-acting back in the 90s).

Happily, my expectations were blown right out of the water. This is easily one of the best shows I’ve seen this year (look back over my reviews, I’ve seen a few!). Perfectly cast, superbly performed, and ably supported by a hard-working backstage team of young people. Yes, they do everything themselves, and it’s genuinely amazing.

The show, produced by the Palace Theatre’s Emma Wagstaff and directed by Chelsea O’Connoll, is the Broadway musical version of the much-loved Dreamworks Animation film from 2001, with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It’s the perfect choice for a youth performance, with plenty of zany characters, witty dialogue, fun songs, and an uplifting story.

Shrek is a curmudgeonly green ogre who lives alone in a swamp, which is just the way he likes it. But the dastardly Lord Farquaad has banished all fairytale creatures from his land, and they descend on Shrek’s swamp for refuge. Something has to give!

In exchange for getting his swamp back, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, whom Farquaad wants to marry, from a terrifying dragon-guarded castle. He’s aided in the quest by his new best-friend, an ultra-exuberant talking donkey. But will they succeed?

Without exception the cast are incredible, and it’s easy to believe you’re watching future West End stars. Oliver Bearman is a charming and charismatic Shrek, while Donkey is played to cheeky perfection by Charlie Wright. Freddie Strange’s brilliantly campy portrayal of Lord Farquaad was a comedy highlight, while Iris-Lilly Oldham absolutely nailed Princess Fiona’s endearing goofiness throughout.

Alongside the fantastic scenery and on-point costumes, there’s some spectacular puppetry work on display here. I wasn’t sure how the fire-breathing dragon was going to be dealt with on stage, but it couldn’t have been better: a fearsome puppet (deftly manoeuvred by Quinn Byrne, Khira Robinson, and Stef Iftimie) voiced and acted by Mia Cater, in a powerhouse performance that made everyone pause for breath. Willow Watts also did a fabulous job as the madcap voice of Gingy (ably puppeteered by Hannah Lambert).

Some of the show’s best moments came from the ensemble performances, particularly in the closing number ‘This is Our Story’. Each fairytale character is played so well, and with so much distinctive detail, that it’s a joy to watch them performing together (I only wish I could name them all individually!).

There aren’t enough superlatives to cover the passion, dedication, skill – and the huge amount of heart – you’ll discover in this so-called ‘amateur’ performance. Not only did I feel enormously privileged to see it, but by rights it should sell out every night, so get your tickets now!