The Jewish Theatre Company celebrates 50 years with a swampy smash hit

Get ready for the swamp as The Jewish Theatre Company (JTC) brings the magical world of Shrek the Musical to Middleton Arena from March 18th to 23rd.

This spectacular production marks the 50th anniversary of JTC, making it a celebration of community, creativity, and theatrical excellence.

We sat down with the show’s director, Robert Margolis, and its leading stars, Dean Simons (Shrek), Aimee Horwich (Princess Fiona), and Michael Bowers (Donkey), to get an inside look at what audiences can expect from this ogre-sized adventure.

Shrek the Musical

For director Robert Margolis, this production is more than just another musical—it’s a testament to the strength and inclusivity of community theatre.

“This particular group of people—we are a true community theatre company. We serve our own community, and because it’s our 50th anniversary show, I wanted to suggest something that would include a wide range of ages and levels of experience,” Robert explained.

“We’ve gone as young as eight or nine for some of the cast. What amateur and community theatre does is bring people together who wouldn’t normally mix—people from different social backgrounds and age groups. It gives them an opportunity to collaborate and work together to produce something enjoyable and fun.”

The production has also become a family affair, with three generations of performers sharing the stage. “We have a grandmother, a mother, and a grandson all involved in this show. That’s the kind of legacy that JTC has built over the last 50 years.”

Choosing Shrek

So why Shrek the Musical? As Robert explains, the show’s universal appeal made it the perfect choice for such a milestone production.

“It’s a show that lends itself to a wide range of people, ages, and experience levels,” he says. “I saw it on Broadway when it first came out, and I loved it. It’s also not widely known in amateur circles, which makes it a fresh and exciting choice for us.”

As for his own journey, Robert has been with JTC for four decades. “I was three when I started!” he laughs. “Some people call me a ‘veteran director,’ but I prefer ‘longstanding director.’”

Meet the Cast

Bringing the beloved green ogre to life is Dean Simons, who is embracing the challenge of playing such an iconic character.

“Even people who don’t usually watch musicals know Shrek,” said Dean. “Audiences come in already familiar with the story, so they expect a certain level of fun. Hopefully, we’ll give them just as much entertainment as the film did.”

But stepping into the big green shoes isn’t easy. “I’ve just finished playing the Beast in Beauty and the Beast with another society, so I’ve gone from that to Shrek,” Dean laughs. “A Beast, and now an ogre—I must be typecast!”

The show’s physical transformation is also a challenge. “There’s a quick change sequence that takes about 30 seconds, and I’m probably most nervous about that! The makeup team has their work cut out.”

Alongside Dean is Aimee Horwich as the feisty Princess Fiona, a role she’s thrilled to play. “It’s actually a very funny show—I don’t think I’ve ever been in something quite this hilarious,” she says. “It’s hard not to break character and laugh sometimes because everyone is so talented.”

Aimee’s connection to JTC runs deep, making this role even more special. “My late grandpa was one of the founding members, my mum is involved, and now my little girl is rehearsing too. It’s a family tradition. And the talent in this show is genuinely West End-level.”

Donkey’s big moment

No Shrek story is complete without Donkey, and Michael Bowers is taking on the challenge of making the role his own.

“It’s funny doing a show that you’re already so familiar with because most of the lines in the musical are lifted directly from the movie,” he says. “It’s already there in your subconscious.”

Michael admits that balancing staying true to Eddie Murphy’s legendary portrayal while bringing his own spin to the role has been tricky. “It’s hard not to emulate what you already know—you have to find your own version. But as rehearsals have gone on, I’ve figured out my own way of doing things.”

And as for his singing? “I wasn’t familiar with the musical at all before I auditioned, but the music is great. I have two solo numbers, and they’re a lot of fun,” he says. “Aimee told you about my Barry White moment, didn’t she?”

A production worth seeing

With grand costumes, incredible sets, and a full orchestra, Shrek the Musical promises to be a spectacle. “We have massive puppets, huge scenery, amazing projections—it’s a huge production,” says Dean.

For anyone considering stepping into the world of theatre, the cast has one message: just go for it. “A couple of my friends have mentioned wanting to try it, but they don’t see themselves as performers,” Dean says. “I always tell them to just come along and give it a go. If it’s not for them, that’s fine, but they might love it!”

Aimee agrees. “I was nervous to come back—I hadn’t done a show for five or six years, and I wasn’t even sure I should audition. Then I landed the role of Fiona, and suddenly I was all in! It’s been amazing getting back into that routine, learning the music, and just having fun.”

Michael echoes the sentiment. “JTC was the first society I ever performed with when I was 13 or 14. It’s a great way of bringing the local Jewish community together and just having fun. Rob, our director, has done probably 75 to 80 percent of the shows here, and he always delivers.”

Tickets for Shrek the Musical at Middleton Arena

With just weeks to go until opening night, excitement is building. Shrek the Musical runs at Middleton Arena from March 18th to 23rd, 2025, and tickets are on sale now.

You can get them by clicking here

So whether you’re a longtime theatre lover or new to the scene, this is one show you won’t want to miss.

Grab your tickets, head to the swamp, and prepare for an unforgettable theatrical experience!