2023 UK tour of Shrek the Musical announces lead cast

Get ready to venture into a big, bright, and beautiful world as the UK and Ireland tour of Shrek the Musical reveals its lead cast! Shrek the Musical is a theatrical production based on the popular children’s book by William Steig and the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film of the same name. The musical follows the story of a grouchy ogre named Shrek who embarks on a quest to save a princess named Fiona. Along the way, he meets a talkative Donkey and battles a ruthless ruler, Lord Farquaad. The story is filled with humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments, and features memorable songs by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori.

Bringing to life the beloved characters from William Steig’s children’s book and the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, this production features a stellar creative team led by co-directors Sam Holmes and Nick Winston.

Antony Lawrence, known for his performances in The Lion King tour and Matilda the Musical, will take on the role of the curmudgeonly yet lovable ogre, Shrek. Joining him is the multi-talented Joanne Clifton, star of Strictly Come Dancing, Windfall, and The Addams Family, as the fiery and independent princess, Fiona.

The cast also includes Brandon Lee Sears, who has graced the stage in Dreamgirls, Be More Chill, and Come From Away, as the wise-cracking Donkey. James Gillan, of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie fame, will portray the diminutive but power-hungry Lord Farquaad.

Under the guidance of the accomplished creative team, which includes Philip Witcomb as set and costume designer, Ben Cracknell as lighting designer, Jim Arnold as casting director, and Ben Harrison as sound designer, this production promises to be a must-see theatrical event.

The tour will kick off in Plymouth Theatre Royal on 21 July 2023 before making its way to Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Southend, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Oxford, Wimbledon, Dartford, Northampton, Leicester, Bradford, Woking, Eastbourne, Cardiff, York, Blackpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Coventry, Sunderland, Liverpool, Southampton, Milton Keynes, Hull, Cheltenham, Nottingham, Norwich, Belfast, Birmingham, and Derry.

If you can’t wait to catch a glimpse of the cast, be sure to tune into the Big Night of Musicals next week, which will be broadcast on BBC One later this year. Don’t miss this chance to join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Lord Farquaad on their journey of self-discovery, friendship, and true love. Book your tickets now for a truly enchanting experience!