Buckie High kids sparkle as stunning Shrek Jnr show wows audiences
A TOUCH of Hollywood came to Buckie Community High School (BCHS) during the last week of term when Shrek Jnr the Musical took to the stage.
It marked a welcome return of stage productions to the school after an absence of a few years.
Two performances of the iconic tale - based on the Dreamworks animated film and book by William Steig - saw months of hard work by a total of around 60 students on and off-stage come to fruition.
Taking the title role of the grumpy ogre Shrek was Sam McLean, with Fiona Leslie portraying the feisty Princess Fiona and Marley Esson playing Donkey.
On hand to cast a critical eye over the shows was the school’s very own reviewer, known to us only as LK.
He was left suitably impressed by what he saw, noting that the shows imparted an important message as well as first class entertainment for all ages.
He said: “We’ve all read fairy tales and enjoyed the triumph of good over evil but fairy tales always come with a message.
“So what was the message from an ogre and a wise-cracking donkey in Buckie Community High School’s production of Shrek Jr?
“Shrek discovers his swamp has been invaded by a group of fairytale misfits driven out by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions to find a queen. He sets off, encountering Donkey on the way, to confront Farquaad and is handed the task of rescuing Princess Fiona, living in a tower protected by a fiery dragon, and in return he will get his swamp back. But fairytales always have twists along the way and, at the end, Shrek is the one who wins the hand of Fiona.
“Sam McLean gave us a good portrayal of the indignant Shrek won over by Princess Fiona played by Zoe Leslie. Zoe’s performance clearly demonstrated Fiona’s feisty character and I particularly enjoyed their duet where they competed to show who could produce the loudest digestive sounds. Well done to both actors and sound crew for getting these timings spot on!
“Everyone enjoyed Marley Esson in the role of Donkey whose rapport with the audience and excellent comic timing meant the sarcastic comments were thoroughly appreciated. Another sterling performance was given by Cullen Ferguson as Lord Farquaad who squeezed every bit of ridiculousness out of the character and was rightly greeted with laughter from the moment of his entrance despite having to spend the entire performance on his knees!
“Shrek Jr has lots of opportunities for cameo performances and all the supporting characters gave their all to help provide an entertaining evening and keep the show rolling along without a dull moment.
“A huge staff team, led by Amanda Craib as director, and Josie Raffan (musical director) are to be congratulated on the considerable efforts they put in to allow enable their pupils to shine. It was also nice to see pupils being included in all aspects of the backstage crew as well as the band. Not everyone wants to be in the limelight of the stage but nevertheless wants to be involved and that is what drama should enable – opportunities for everyone to shine in the way they want.
“Oh, and the message? Acceptance, everyone should be accepted for who they are and the talents they bring, not judged on appearance or prejudice. Congratulations Buckie High, and to all involved, who helped demonstrate this message.”
