Shrek packs his bags and heads north

THE larger-than-life production of far away lands, princesses, villains and talking donkeys that is Shrek the Musical is coming to Aberdeen's His Majesty's Theatre on its first tour of UK and Ireland.

The stage show producers have announced that the production, direct from London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane where it was seen by nearly a million people, will be directed by Nigel Harman.

Harman starred as Lord Farquaad in the West End production, winning the 2012 Laurence Olivier Award for best performance in a supporting role in a musical.

It will run at Aberdeen's HMT for three weeks from Wednesday, January 21, 2015 and tickets have already gone on sale to the general public online at www.boxofficeaberdeen.com, by phone on 01224 641122 and at Aberdeen Box Office at the Music Hall and His Majesty's Theatre.

Originally directed in the West End by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, the stage production is based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek! and the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animations feature film.

"Shrek is a joyous, funny, colourful show, and we feel privileged that His Majesty's Theatre is the first Scottish date on the UK and Ireland tour," said Aberdeen Performing Arts head of programming Ben Torrie.

"We can't wait to see it at HMT and we know Aberdeen audiences will love the spectacle of the stage show, which brings to life the fantastic characters created for the big screen."

Producers Carol Newling, Neal Street Productions, and Nick Salmon, Playful Productions said: "We are very excited to be bringing Shrek the Musical to His Majesty's Theatre in January 2015 as part of our tour of the best venues across the UK and Ireland.

"Many years of fun with some of the best talents working in theatre today have gone in to its making and as a result it has thrilled audiences all over the world with its boundless enthusiasm and fun – we know that the people of Aberdeen will take Shrek to their hearts, just as we did at Drury Lane!"

Director Nigel Harman said: "I am delighted to be returning to Shrek 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 and Ireland. I really can't wait to take this show on the road.

Shrek the Musical opened on Broadway in 2008 before touring to nearly 150 cities in the USA and Canada. Productions have played in Spain, Poland, France, Malaysia, China, Brazil, Italy, Denmark, The Netherlands, Estonia, Israel and Turkey.

Casting information will be announced in due course.