The lavish and fun multi-million dollar musical comedy SHREK THE MUSICAL is coming to Australia, opening at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star from 1 January 2020, followed by seasons at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne from 16 February and at the Lyric Theatre, Brisbane from 9 May.

 

The fairy-tale cast is led by Ben Mingay as Shrek, Lucy Durack as Princess Fiona, Todd McKenney as Lord Farquaad (in Sydney and Melbourne until 30 March), Nat Jobe as Donkey and Marcia Hines as the Dragon (Sydney and Brisbane seasons, plus Melbourne season from 18 March onwards).

 

Taking on a multitude of roles within the fairy-tale realm are Ross Chisari (as Little Pig), Annie Chiswell (Ugly Duckling), Benjamin Colley (Pied Piper), Andy Conaghan (Wolf), Denise Devlin (Mama Bear), Mackenzie Dunn (Swing), Blake Erickson (Papa Bear), Manon Gunderson-Briggs (Gingy), Hollie James (Swing), Rubin Matters (Peter Pan), Sarah Murr (Fairy Godmother), Joshua Robson (Little Pig), Monique Sallé (Red Riding Hood), Tom Sharah (Little Pig), Leigh Sleightholme (Swing), Suzanne Steele (Wicked Witch), Rhys Velasquez (Swing), Caleb Vines (Pinocchio) and Sascha Wykes (Baby Bear).

 

The role of Young Princess Fiona will be shared in Sydney by Audrey Brodie (12 years old, of Liverpool), Amelia Heaven (10, Grey’s Point) , Mia Honeysett (8, West Pennant Hills), Amelie Rose (10, Allambie Heights) and Holly Simon (12, Rodd Point).

 

“I’m thrilled with the superb cast we have assembled for SHREK THE MUSICAL, led by Ben, Lucy, Todd, Nat and Marcia,” said John Frost. “I fell in love with the show when I saw it on Broadway and was bowled over by the way audiences responded to the social issues it covers, themes like friendship, acceptance, discrimination, inclusiveness and ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. It’s a genuine Broadway smash hit and so funny as well as touching, appealing to everyone from 5 to 105. I know Australia is going to fall in love with SHREK THE MUSICAL as much as I did.”

 

With music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film Shrek and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek!. When it was launched, the film Shrek was the first Academy Award winner for the Best Animated Feature, was the #1 highest grossing animated film and the #3 highest grossing film. Still today, three of the Shrek films are in the Top 20 Highest Grossing Animated Films of all time.

 

SHREK THE MUSICAL brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favourite ogre to life on the stage. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand … and his name is Shrek.

 

“ Joyous. The most fun you’ll ever have. A Monster hit” – The Daily Mirror

“ Deliciously funny. Spectacular” – Daily Telegraph (UK)

“ The big brilliant hit show. Tremendous” – Daily Express

 

Featuring a terrific score of 19 songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, the New York Times has proclaimed SHREK THE MUSICAL as “True Happiness!”. The show has been lauded by critics and audiences alike, receiving 8 Tony Award nominations, 12 Drama Desk nominations, 10 Outer Critics Circle nominations, 3 Drama League nominations and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Show Album.

 

SHREK THE MUSICAL is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone!