Lyle stars in ‘Shrek the Musical’
Durban North resident and teacher to star in upcoming musical.
WE all know a thing or two about ogres: like onions, they have layers; they are sometimes accompanied by annoying talking animals; and live in a secluded swamp in a forest of fairytale creatures. But one thing we certainly didn’t know about them is that they can sing. Really really.
At least, that’s the case in the upcoming KickstArt production, ‘Shrek – the Musical’, starring Durban North’s Lyle Buxton as the loveable green ogre.
The 28-year-old, who is well known on the theater circuit, has played an array of diverse roles, from a giant to a pirate to a villain, and even an eponymous hero in Robin Hood.
“The idea to bring the Broadway musical to South Africa began last year. It was during ‘Annie’ rehearsals, and the director, Steven Stead, approached fellow stage actor, Rory Booth, and I and asked if I’d like to play the role of Shrek. I didn’t hesitate, and was thrilled when he proposed the idea. Rory was asked to play Donkey, which is also great. After the discussion I went home and watched the musical version.
“I’ve watched it for the umpteenth time, and I think it’s going to be a major hit on the stage. It’s original and just as hilarious as the animated version. It is based on the first movie. I’m so excited and am chomping at the bit to get started. It’s such an honour to be playing such an awesomely ‘layered’ character. I’ve also got a good relationship with Rory, which will lend to the love/hate relationship between Donkey and Shrek,” he said.
Buxton, who teaches drama at Northlands Primary School, was full of praise for production company, KickstArt.
“They’ve been fantastic. I auditioned for a role in ‘Peter Pan – the Musical’, and it was there that the bug bit. They’ve really allowed me to grow as an actor and play such diverse roles. I’ve been a giant on stilts, a hero, a villain, an incompetent criminal and now an ogre. It’s made me a more versatile actor,” he said.
Besides singing in the production, Buxton has also been hard at work mastering the lilting, softly-spoken Scottish accent Shrek employs.
“I love doing accents, and I’m fairly confident that I’ve nailed Shrek’s. I’m a perfectionist, and I want to stay as authentic to the character as possible.”
The show will run from 23 May to 28 June at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (Tuesday to Saturday starting at 7pm and Saturday and Sunday starting at 2.30pm). Tickets range in prices (No children under 6). Book through Computicket.
