Producers of the hit musical have announced that the loveable ogre and friends will be embarking on a nationwide tour once more from December.
The show will head once more to the stage from the 12th December at the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festive season before travelling to Manchester, Sunderland, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Northampton, Stoke and Blackpool, with further venues to be announced.
Nigel Harman will return to direct the musical, having made his directorial debut directing the first UK tour. While best known for television work such as appearances on Eastenders, Nigel Harman has also a strong background in theatre. He originated the role of Lord Farquaad in the West End production, winning the Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical. Other stage credits include Jamie Lloyd’s production of Three Days of Rain alongside James McAvoy, Privates on Parade at the Donmar Warehouse and A Chorus of Disapproval, directed by Trevor Nunn.
Talking about the announcement the director and actor said: “I had so much fun directing the original UK & Ireland Tour that I jumped at the chance to work on it again. Shrek the Musical has created pivotal moments in my career – firstly winning an Olivier and then my directorial debut. It’s certainly become one of the classic family musicals of all time and I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
The musical is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek! and the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animations feature film. It was originally directed in the West End by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, the production has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music byJeanine Tesori with multi award-winning set and costume design by Tim Hatley.
Join our unlikely hero Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing, love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got the biggest, brightest musical comedy around.
Casting for the new UK tour has yet to be confirmed.
Shrek the Musical will open at the Edinburgh Playhouse on the 12th December. To book tickets visit ATG Tickets.