Oodles of ogre-shaped fun is promised to Mayflower Theatre audiences as Shrek the Musical arrives in Southampton next week.
Join Shrek and his trusty sidekick Donkey as they set out on a quest to defeat the fearsome dragon and rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona.
The show, which runs from Tuesday (February 20) to Sunday February 25, is set to a toe-tapping soundtrack featuring I’m A Believer, Big Bright Beautiful World and I Know It’s Today.
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The cast includes Strictly come Dancing star Joanne Clifton as Princess Fiona.
She told the Daily Echo she was a huge fan of the original Shrek movie, then the show.
Joanne said: "I just loved it! And then I went to see the musical on one of the previous tours and loved that. I wanted it so much that I went into the audition and I didn't let anybody speak!
"If ever there was a princess in any film or fable, the one I would relate to most is Princess Fiona. Without sounding too full of myself, I am a world champion ballroom dancer, meaning long dresses with feathers, looking all elegant like a princess. But here's the thing: I'm from Grimsby, I find trumping really funny. This is why I relate to Princess Fiona!"
It's a dream role for Antony Lawrence, who plays Shrek following successful stints in The Lion King, Mary Poppins Matilda the Musical and We Will Rock You.
He said: "Shrek the Musical was the very first show I saw on Broadway. We went to New York for my sister’s 18th birthday and because we loved Shrek so much as a film we went to see the musical.
"I remember being so excited when it was coming over to London. I was at drama school at the time and remember thinking, gosh, I’d love to play this role. Shrek’s song ‘Who I’d Be’ is one I’ve used at so many auditions. It’s so clichéd to say that it’s a dream role but it really is."
Olivier-Award nominated James Gillan takes to the stage as the evil Lord Farquaad. His previous credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Wicked.
Tickets are on sale now from mayflower.org.uk or 023 8071 1811.
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