SHREK Celebrates 1 Year on West End with Family Fete Tonight, May 6

Award winning SHREK THE MUSICAL® celebrates its first year in the West End today, May 6, 2012.

Produced by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions, SHREK THE MUSICAL® has staged more than 400 performances and been seen by more than 600,000 people at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane since its first preview performance on May 6, 2011.

To mark the first anniversary, SHREK THE MUSICAL® opens its doors to the public for a FREE, ogre-sized, family fete at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane today, May 6, 2012. There will be party games, competitions, sweet treats, storytelling, theatre tours and opportunities to meet the cast from 11am to 2pm. More details of the day’s activities are available on the website: www.ShrekTheMusical.co.uk.

It will be another busy summer for SHREK THE MUSICAL®, with the production participating in various events around the country from May until August.

On May 16, 2012, a performance of SHREK THE MUSICAL® for children with special needs and their families will be held at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Presented by Mousetrap Theatre Projects, supported by ICAP and DreamWorks Theatricals, this is a 'relaxed performance' for children with sensory and communication needs who require a more relaxed environment. Mousetrap Theatre Projects, a theatre education charity, is working closely with a range of organisations and special schools to reach families directly, and the response has been phenomenal with all seats being taken up far in advance of the event.

Throughout the months of May and June, the fairytale will be brought to life by Princess Fiona, who is visiting local children to read well loved stories. Princess Fiona will be giving exclusive readings at the Tricycle Theatre on May 19, 2012 and Discover Storytelling Centre on June 16, 2012. SHREK THE MUSICAL® is also thrilled to participate in Hay Festival’s programme for children and families, Hay Fever. Princess Fiona will read fairytales with children in the grounds of Hay Castle on Friday 8 June 2012. Tickets can be booked in advance at www.hayfestival.org.

Following its hugely popular festival debut last year, SHREK THE MUSICAL® will return to the UK’s favourite family festival, Camp Bestival in 2012. The ultimate festi-holiday for all the family, Camp Bestival is set in the majestic surroundings of Lulworth Castle in Dorset. Taking to the stage alongside the likes of the Happy Mondays, Hot Chip and Chic Ft Nile Rodgers, Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey will stage an exclusive sing-a-long performance at Camp Bestival on July 28, 2012. For more information visit www.campbestival.net.

SHREK THE MUSICAL® is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek! and the Oscar®-winning Dreamworks Animation feature film Shrek, the first chapter in the series of irreverent fairytales.

SHREK THE MUSICAL® currently stars Dean Chisnall as Shrek, Richard Blackwood as Donkey, Neil McDermott as Lord Farquaad and Kimberley Walsh as Princess Fiona.

SHREK THE MUSICAL® tells the story of the swamp-dwelling ogre who embarks on a life-changing adventure in order to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey who won’t shut up, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues the feisty Princess Fiona and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales. With all-new songs, and an old favourite in I’m a Believer, this spectacular stage musical brings to life the original film’s cast of dysfunctional characters and the accompanying subversive fun.

The Anglo-American creative team is led by directors Jason Moore and Rob Ashford and includes David Lindsay-Abaire (Book and Lyrics), Jeanine Tesori (Music), Tim Hatley (Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design), Hugh Vanstone (Lighting Design), Peter Hylenski (Sound Design), and Josh Prince (Choreography).

SHREK THE MUSICAL® played on Broadway from December 2008 to January 2010 and was nominated for eight Tony Awards®, winning Tim Hatley the Tony for Best Costume Design of a Musical. A production opened in Chicago on July 25, 2010 and toured 60 cities in the United States.

SHREK THE MUSICAL® began previews at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on May 6, 2011 and officially opened on June 14, 2011. It was nominated for four Olivier Awards in 2012, winning Nigel Harman the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical for the role of Lord Farquaad.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski