Shrek The Musical - new cast members announced.

New cast members have been announced for Shrek The Musical, from 29 Feb 2012.

Dean Chisnall will play Shrek and Neil McDermott will play Lord Farquaad, in the musical at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Dean Chisnall currently understudies Nigel Lindsay in the role of Shrek. His West End theatre credits include, Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre, La Cage aux Folles at The Playhouse, Never Forget at the Savoy and on tour, Evita directed by Michael Grandage at the Adelphi, and The Woman in White directed by Trevor Nunn at the Palace. An original cast member, Dean has played Farquaad's henchman, Theolonius, and Papa Ogre in the stage musical alongside cover for Shrek.

Neil McDermott became a household name playing bad boy Ryan Malloy in BBC1's EastEnders. His West End theatre credits include Follies at London Palladium and The Sound of Music at London Palladium.

The current cast includes Nigel Lindsay (Shrek), Richard Blackwood (Donkey), Nigel Harman (Lord Farquaad) and Kimberley Walsh (Princess Fiona).

Shrek The Musical opened at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 14 June 2011, following previews from 6 May , to mixed notices from the popular press: "Likeable mixture of wit and humanity" (Telegraph); "Lacks memorable tunes" (Guardian); "Energetically amusing" (Daily Mail).

It has book & lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori. Based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek! and the feature film Shrek.

It is directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, designs & costumes by Tim Hatley, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, choreography by Josh Prince, sound by Peter Hylenski. Produced by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions.

Tells the story, of the swamp-dwelling ogre who, in a faraway kingdom, 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 - not a handsome prince - fights a fearsome dragon, rescues the feisty Princess Fiona and learns that real friendship and true love aren't only found in fairy tales.

Originally published on

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