If there's one film that can unite a family, it's Shrek. The musical is undeniably iconic; under what other circumstances would you fall in love with a huge ogre?
And fans can get excited, as Bristol will be welcoming the green giant himself, along with his much-loved crew. The Kingdom of Far Far Away will in fact get pretty close - as Bristol Hippodrome will be welcoming the musical in 2023.
Producers Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale have announced a brand new production of the award-winning Broadway and West End hit show. Shrek the Musical will tour the UK and Ireland from July 2023.
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The bright and beautiful fairytale world of Shrek will be reimagined by a new creative team for the major tour. All the classic characters from the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film will be back to paint the town green, accompanied by the iconic songs and story from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s original musical.
Having played Lord Farquaad in the previous UK tour, Sam Holmes (Club Tropicana the Musical) returns to the swamp to co-direct. He is joined by acclaimed director and choreographer Nick Winston, whose recent credits include Bonnie and Clyde (Arts Theatre) and Beauty and the Beast (as associate director and choreographer for the UK tour) and upcoming projects include a new world tour of We Will Rock You and a remounted UK tour of Rock of Ages.
Set and costume design will be by Philip Witcomb whose previous productions include Bonnie & Clyde In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Jack & The Beanstalk (Everyman Theatre Cheltenham), Atlantis (Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen), Mame (Hope Mill Theatre and UK Tour), The Beauty Queen of Leenane and Stones In His Pockets (The Minack Theatre).
Shrek the Musical opens at Plymouth Theatre Royal on July 21, 2023 and then tours to Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Southend, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Oxford, Wimbledon, Cardiff and more. Bristol is expecting to welcome Shrek and co. from August 22–27, 2023.
Mark Goucher said: "I am delighted to be bringing this re-imagined production of the beloved ‘Shrek the Musical’ to audiences across the UK and Ireland. The story of Shrek is known and loved across the world and this show is an incredibly joyous, fun and uplifting evening at the theatre that will be enjoyed by all ages."
The animated film Shrek celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. Shrek the Musical was first performed on Broadway in 2008, receiving eight Tony nominations, and the award for Best Costume Design. The original West End production was nominated for four Olivier awards, including Best New Musical, at the 2012 Olivier awards. Nigel Harman received the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Lord Farquaad.
And you can witness all the magic from the front row, or the balcony - whichever suits you. The casting and ticket information is to be announced soon.
