REVIEW - Shrek's Adventure!

FIVE STARS

THE popular film Shrek has delighted audiences across the world and spawned several sequels. It is now an imersive storytelling attraction too thanks to the new Shrek's Adventure that has sprung up on the South Bank.

And for someone who is a bit cynical about such attractions, it is quite something - and I mean that in a positive way.

The attraction, which has just opened, plunges visitors into the Kingdom Of Far Far Away where they meet Shrek, Donkey and all the other characters from the films and it is all brought vividly to life.

It combines live action, a really brilliant 4D bus ride to get to the Kingdom as well as plenty of fantastic special effects and lots of interaction for kids and their adult companions.

Everyone who goes on the tour is invited to play their part in the adventure as a story unfolds before them with lots of twists and turns along the way.

It starts with a ride in a bus - which is absolutely great. Piloted by Donkey, we flew through the air, circled over London, dodged witches on broomsticks, saw flying pandas and plenty of other creatures before we inadvertently crashed in the forest.

From there we had to make our way through the trees to find Shrek. Along the way we went through a series of rooms with their own adventures - the best being the room of mirrors which was truly stunning - it was designed as a maze and everywhere we went we were confronted with mirrors and no idea which way to go. It was a bit scary but lots of fun and really imaginative.

Elsewhere there were crystal balls, a swampy toilet, the Muffin Man's House, Princess Fiona, Pinocchio, bubbling cauldrons, magic spells and wizardry plus lots of jokes, laughter and mystery and intrigue as we went through the 90 minute adventure.

It was brilliantly put together, incredibly atmospheric and really brought the story to life.

And after the adventure there is a chance to meet some of the characters from other films such as Kung Fu Panda, the Penguins of Madagascar and the dragon from the film How To Train Your Dragon in what is known as the Arrivals Hall.

It was enchanting, fun, engaging and my kids, aged six and 10 absolutely loved it.

Shrek’s Adventure! London is at County Hall on the South Bank next to the London Aquarium and the London Dungeon. Tickets cost from £18.72. Visit www.shreksadventure.com for full listings, times and prices.