one4review | On 12, Aug 2026

If watching ‘Shrek’, in a thong, doing the splits doesn’t make you smile then nothing will. Watching him high kick and pirouette across the stage raises the spirits just the same. The fabulous cast of characters, legally not based on the famous Shrek films, are a delight to watch in this Burlesque setting for all the normal reasons and a few additional ones. Body positivity is a big one here, no pun intended, characters are all shapes and sizes and the show all the better because of it.

For fans of the ‘original show’ the thematic heresy and artistic licensing will have you wetting your knickers. Each and every portrayal of the main characters from the ‘films’ has been adapted with both love and a comedic eye, the costumes are both ridiculous and bang on, the routines eye watering in more ways than one. The athleticism that the cast are endowed with is both surprising and entertaining beyond what I was expecting.

To say the crowd loved the show is a vast underselling of what was going on, I would say the audience were enchanted, cries from all corners of society were heard in support of everything going on on that stage. Not really family friendly, but I would certainly be happy recommending the show to all adult friends and family, I genuinely think everyone under this banner will enjoy wholeheartedly.

In a way it’s sad to think that this will be Swamplesques last year at the Fringe (so make sure you see it if you haven’t already), but in the same breath we really look forward to it’s successor Swamplesque II coming next year with baited breath. Well done team, you’ve smashed it.

*****
Reviewed by Mike
Assembly Hall – Main Hall
Until 30 August (not 17 or 24)
20.50 (1 hour 10 mins)