Amanda Holden Cast as 'Fiona' in West End SHREK

UK Daily Mail reports that Amanda Holden, a judge for 'Britain's Got Talent,' has been cast as 'Princess Fiona' in the West End production of SHREK. A contract has yet to be signed, though the casting has been finalized. Rehearsals for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane musical are expected to begin in the spring, with previews beginning in May. Holden previously worked with Rob Ashford on THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE.

Reported to be a "front runer" for 'Shrek' himself is Nigel Lindsay, who may be best known as 'Nathan Detroit' in Michael Grandage's GUYS AND DOLLS. Nigel Harman, who played 'Sky Masterson' in GUYS AND DOLLS, is in talks to play Lord Farquaad. Richard Blackwood has been cast as 'Donkey.'

SHREK THE MUSICAL features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize® winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change), and will be directed by Tony Award® nominee Jason Moore (Avenue Q) and Rob Ashford (Promises, Promises). SHREK THE MUSICAL has set and costume designs by Tony Award® winner Tim Hatley, lighting design by Olivier Award winner Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Peter Hylenski; choreography by Josh Prince, music direction by Tim Weil, and orchestrations by Danny Troob & John Clancy.

Many changes are expected for the West End installment of the show. According to Bamigboye "There's a new opening, new songs, improved illusions, a newly styled dragon and Shrek, I'm told, has a bigger heart." Ashford has allegedly restaged several numbers, as well.

SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek!, as well as the Dreamworks Animation film Shrek, the first chapter of the Shrek movie series.

SHREK THE MUSICAL tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren't only found in fairy tales.

SHREK THE MUSICAL was initiated when Sam Mendes, a big fan of the first Shrek film, suggested the idea of creating a musical to Dreamworks Animation's Jeffrey Katzenberg around the time the second film was in production. The musical is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (Bill Damaschke, President of DreamWorks Theatricals and Co-President of Production for Dreamworks Animation) and Neal Street Productions, Ltd. (principals Sam Mendes and Caro Newling).

The chart-topping original Broadway cast album for SHREK THE MUSICAL is available on Decca Broadway.

For more information, visit www.ShrekTheMusical.com.