Shrek The Musical tickets go on sale early

TALK about wishing your life away. That’s the name of the game in the world of musical theatre right now with tickets for big shows going on sale earlier and earlier.

Dean Chisnall and Faye Brookes in Shrek. Pic: Comp

The latest West End and Broadway hit to follow that trend is Shrek The Musical, which has just gone on sale at the Playhouse, despite the fact that the big green ogre won’t actually lumber onto the Greenside Place stage until October next year.

One man who is over the moon at the news that the show is to come to the Capital is its director, Nigel Harman, best known as Dennis Rickman in EastEnders, as well as for his appearances as visiting valet Mr Green in Downton Abbey.

Harman is no stranger to Shrek either, having played Lord Farquaad in the West End production, winning the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical in the process.

“I am delighted to be returning to Shrek The Musical as its director when the show comes to Edinburgh next year,” he says.

“This show is very special to me with its dizzying blend of great characters, a hilarious script and sublime music.”

He adds, “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.”

The touring production, which went on sale yesterday, will star Dean Chisnall as the beloved, swamp-dwelling ogre Shrek, the role he previously played in the West End; Faye Brookes as damsel in distress Princess Fiona, Idriss Kargbo as Shrek’s wisecracking sidekick Donkey and Gerard Carey as pint-sized villain Lord Farquaad.

With demand for tickets expected to be high - on the West End Shrek has already been seen by nearly a million people - the secret is to book early to ensure a good seat for the Playhouse run.

Producer Caro Newling says, “We are very excited to be bringing Shrek The Musical to the Playhouse.

“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 the Edinburgh will take Shrek to their hearts.”

Shrek The Musical, Playhouse, Greenside Place, 21 October-8 November 2015, various times, £15-£45, 0844-71 7627