York Stage have a busy summer ahead as rehearsals start for, what is set to be their biggest show ever, Shrek the Musical which comes to the city for the first time this September when it premieres at the Grand Opera House York, September 12-21st.
Based on the story and characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairytales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy.
Join Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!
Direction and Choreography for this production comes from West End talent and Yorkshireman Damien Poole. Damien has ten years’ experience and a string of West End credits under his belt as performer and dance captain. He also worked on Shrek the Musical for two years when it first transferred from Broadway to the West End which makes him perfectly equipped to create this new production for York Stage.
Taking on the iconic roles from the film made famous by the likes of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy are a Stellar cast of York Stage favourites. Jacqueline Bell, who wowed audiences as one of the Diva’s in Priscilla, plays Princess Fiona. Chris Knight who was last seen on stage in York in 2017 as the hilarious narrator Lonny in Rock of Ages, plays Donkey with as much sass and energy as he did in his last role. Joe Wawrzyniak is back in baddie mode following his roles in Sister Act and Ghost as he takes to his knees as the evil and vertically challenged Lord Farquaad. Vocal powerhouse and York Stage veteran of ten years Emily Ramsden provides the voice of our amazing twelve foot dragon. York Stage favourites Alicia Roberts and Sam Rippon lead the fairy tale characters as Gingey and Pinocchio respectively. Leading the company York Stage Artistic Director, Nik Briggs returns to the stage, after a five year run of Directing, to play the titular role of Shrek.
Grand Opera House York
Thursday 12 – Saturday 21 September 2019
Tickets from £13
Box Office: 0844 871 3024
Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/york
