More than 20 years on from when it first premiered, Shrek remains a major cultural reference, so it’s less a question of why there is a Shrek-themed burlesque show at the Fringe and more of a question of how it took this long. When sat in the audience, the camp dances and hilariously cringe-worthy gags simply make you glad that it’s finally here.
Swamplesque is, put simply, a good time. Shrek, Fiona, Lord Farquaad, and the rest take to the stage with the energy and sheer talent needed to make sure that this doesn’t flop. The costuming is impeccably done so that you don’t need any cues to identify the figures, but the performers masterfully embody exaggerated versions of the originals to great effect.
It’s more than just pirouettes and strip teases too, with full commitment to embracing the long and beloved legacy of Shrek. Swamplesque goes beyond the canon lore, making reference to the infamous “Shrek is love, Shrek is life” video to huge laughs from the audience. It’s a show that’s simultaneously poking fun and showering adoration on Shrek as a franchise and a fandom.
There’s no groundbreaking message, there’s no moral of the story: it’s just good old-fashioned burlesque fun. It embraces the heart of burlesque, showcasing all sizes and shapes of bodies. Every performer is having so much fun on stage that you can’t help but clap, laugh, and cackle along, with a pace fast enough to mean an hour has passed before you know it, leaving you wanting more.
The choice of Shrek might seem random, but the feel-good, all-encompassing message of the original movie flies free again in Swamplesque. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or not, you’re sure to have a raucously silly time.
