Shrek to ‘take ogre’ at the Royal!

The musical version of the immensely popular DreamWorks animation Shrek is embarking on a tour of the UK including two weeks at the Theatre Royal Nottingham.

Coming direct from London, where it was seen live on stage by nearly a million people, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane production of Shrek The Musical will star Dean Chisnall as the beloved swamp-dwelling ogre ‘Shrek’, the role he previously played in the West End.

Faye Brookes will appear as damsel in distress Princess Fiona, with Idriss Kargbo as Shrek’s wisecracking sidekick Donkey and Gerard Carey as pint-sized villain Lord Farquaad.

The tour will be directed by Nigel Harman, who starred as Lord Farquaad in the West End production, winning him the 2012 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Nigel, best known for playing Dennis Rickman in Eastenders, says he wants to bring out the fun element in the Shrek story, making a show that can be enjoyed by all - from those aged eight to 80.

He said: “I am delighted to be returning to Shrek The Musical as its director.

“This show is very special to me with its dizzying blend of great characters, a hilarious script and sublime music. This production is visually stunning, and the story has the magic ingredient of moving at great pace while still being surprisingly intimate.

“In short, there was no way I was going to say no to the challenge of realising the production for the UK & Ireland. I really can’t wait to take this show on the road.”

The tour kicks off in Leeds this week and will call at the Theatre Royal from Wednesday 10th to Sunday 28th September.

Also featuring in the cast are Bronté Barbé, Nikki Bentley, Jennifer Caldwell, Candace Furbert, Steffan Harri, Will Haswell, James Lacey, Mia Lincoln, Neil Moors, Jenny O’Leary, Georgina Parkinson, Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton, Ryan Reid, Leo Roberts, Jacqui Sanchez, Oliver Tester and Kerry Winter.

The musical features new songs as well as the cult Shrek anthem ‘I’m A Believer’, as audiences join the unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing, love-sick dragon.

Add a gang of fairytale misfits - including a biscuit with attitude - and you have the biggest, brightest musical comedy around.

Tickets cost between £19 and £45, with concessions and family tickets available.

Visit www.trch.co.uk for more information or call the box office on 0115 9895555.

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