BBC1 Drama 'Our Zoo'

I'm sure by now you've seen the TV adverts for the exciting new BBC1 drama 'Our Zoo' which hits our screens this coming Wednesday, 3rd September at 9pm.

What you may not realise is that this fantastic new show will feature our very own Faye Brookes.

She does actually appear in the trailer but only the very observant will have spotted her in one of the final scenes, dressed in a camel coat and a beret.

Faye will join an all star cast and have a recurring role in the show playing Frances Arber, better known as Frankie.

Just in case you've been living under a rock and have no idea what I'm talking about, here is a brief synopsis:

OUR ZOO is based on the inspiring real story of the Mottershead family who established Chester Zoo in the 1930s. With incredible single mindedness, George Mottershead drove himself and his family to realise his ambition to transform a ramshackle house, on the outskirts of Chester, into a unique zoo that would change the way animals are kept for forever.

The drama follows George’s inspiring and challenging journey as he moves his wife, two young daughters and parents - along with a monkey and a parrot - into a draughty old stately home. With a derelict plot of land, mounting debts, no resources or manpower and a concerted campaign from the local villagers to halt George's plans entirely. It’s a race against time for the Mottersheads to build and open their zoo before the harsh winter sets in or the bailiffs arrive.

The link below will take you to a 31 PAGE PDF report detailing every part of the show, from the story and cast, to the history of Chester zoo.

'OUR ZOO' PDF REPORT

Towards the bottom of that report it gives the cast for each individual episode and it appears Faye's character 'Frankie' first appears in episode 2. The good news is, her part in the show grows with the story and as you'll see she's in every subsequent episode.

I'm hoping to ask Faye some questions about what it was like filming her first major TV role very soon so watch this space.

For now, check out the trailer below and don't forget to tune in to BBC1 on Wednesday 3rd September (FAYE'S BIRTHDAY) at 9pm. You'd be mad to miss it, looks to me like it's going to be one of the best shows of 2014.

New Shrek TV Advert

Want to see a video featuring the beautiful Faye Brookes?

Well, you're in luck. The Shrek team have released their TV advert for their run at Nottingham's Theatre Royal and it now features Faye and the amazing tour cast.

Faye's Radio Bristol Interview

As mentioned this morning, Faye today visited the radio Bristol studios for an interview with Laura Rawlings.

Fans were able to tweet their questions for Faye and I was lucky enough to have mine asked on the show.

She talks about her career so far, the amazing Shrek tour, her blossoming relationship with Gareth Gates and her role in the brand new BBC1 drama 'Our Zoo'.

Here is the interview in full:

Faye on Radio Bristol

Make sure you tune in to BBC Radio Bristol this afternoon at 3:40pm. As you can see from the tweet below, Faye will be joining Laura Rawlings to chat about the Shrek tour.

You can even tweet the radio station with any questions you'd like them to ask.

BBC Radio Bristol ‏@bbcrb 7m

Actress @Faye_Brookes joins @laurarawlings at 3.40pm to talk @ShrekUKTour at @BristolHipp. Tune in. Any questions for her?

I'm not sure how at this stage but I'm hoping to find a way to record the interview and post it on the blog. I'll let you know how I get on.

Practically Perfect Mums Shrek Review

I thought it was about time I featured another 5* Shrek review on the blog but rather than a critic, this one has been written by the people that really matter. The fans.

I found this review on a website called 'Practically Perfect Mums'. It has been written by Jane Batt, who went to see the show with her 5 year old son.

They absolutely loved the show and were particularly impressed by a certain princess Fiona:

'Faye Brookes is my hero in this show though. I find her absolutely hilarious as the endearingly bonkers ‘bi-polar’, warts and all damsel in distress ‘Princess Fiona’.

I couldn't have put it better myself.

Here is the review in full and the verdict from a couple of young Shrekies:

SHREK THE MUSICAL

We’d never taken our five year to an evening theatre performance before and I wasn’t convinced he’d cope with the late night, but when the much acclaimed ‘Shrek the Musical’ arrived at The Bristol Hippodrome during the summer holiday (and at the slightly earlier than usual showtime of 7pm), it seemed the perfect opportunity. SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek! and the Academy Award winning DreamWorks Animations feature film. It’s a charming and funny love story featuring social outcasts, living in a fabled world, peopled by fairytale misfits. The show begins with the backstory of how Shrek is forced to leave his ‘loving’ parents at the tender age of seven, to go and live in a swamp – cleverly illustrated by means of characters emerging from the pages of a humungous fairytale story book. From start to finish there’s a vibrancy about the show. Clever lighting, numerous costume changes and bold scenery all help make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a brightly coloured cartoon world! The casting is top notch too. Dean Chisnall sings and plays the beloved swamp-dwelling ogre ‘Shrek’ superbly (the role he previously played in the West End). Gerard Carey is the laugh-a-minute pint-sized villain ‘Lord Farquaad’, sporting malleable little fake legs and displaying superb comic timing. In one scene his diamante bandana offers the perfect accompaniment to his camp persona. And would it sound very odd if I were to suggest that Shrek’s wisecracking sidekick ‘Donkey’ Idriss Kargbo is strangely alluring?! Faye Brookes is my hero in this show though. I find her absolutely hilarious as the endearingly bonkers ‘bi-polar’, warts and all damsel in distress ‘Princess Fiona’.  The lavatorial humour has no doubt been written specifically for the target audience of my 10, 8 and 5 year old boys, although there are a few adult-only one liners too, so everyone’s catered for.

I’ve mentioned before how certain aspects of shows can go over the kids’ heads but I realise that this can work both ways. My eight year old was intrigued by how the ginger bread man could move his mouth, while firmly attached to a baking tin. It’s easy to forget how this kind of puppetry, so obvious to us, is still magical for kids.  Having said that, he also asked me what our biscuity friend was made of, so maybe some of my adult cynicism has already rubbed off on him as he clearly realises he’s unlikely to be made of confectionary!

And then there’s the dragon. What can I say? She’s spectacular and quite mesmerising, elegantly filling virtually the whole stage with her flapping wings, snaking tail and sultry eyes! It’s easy to ignore the clever, black-clad puppeteers operating her and enjoy her majestic movements.

THE VERDICTS

This is a thoroughly professional show with loads of action, a raft of well known fairytale characters and plenty of wind breaking and belching to keep the children amused.

The eight year old said he liked all of the show.

“My favourite character was Shrek and the best part was the funny song with Princess Fiona and Shrek. I also thought the tiny man, Lord Farquaad was really funny!”

And we needn’t have been worried about the five year old as he was almost constantly glued to the action,  except when whispering absolutely crucial questions like:-

“Where are his ears?’

“Did you bring anything to eat?”

“Is the interval when we go home?”

“Mummy, did Shrek just say ‘ass’?!!”

The following day, my youngest offered up this review”-

“I was tired staying up so late but it was a good show. Shrek was my favourite character”

I asked him why Shrek was his favourite and he looks at me as if I’m a bit simple

“Because he was the main person!”

'Please Make My Day'

I’m hoping Faye might have time in her very busy schedule to meet for a cup of tea while she’s in my home city of Bristol.

I would love the opportunity to chat to her in more detail about her career so far, Shrek, the Ice Bucket Challenge, her latest TV role and her hopes for the future.

I’m currently going a bit bipolar, anxiously waiting for her response to an email I sent her on Friday.

So much so that I've rewritten one of my favourite songs from Shrek the Muscial. This is my version of ‘I know It’s Today’

There’s a fan

In his bedroom

Oh my gosh, that's just like me

Poor old Andy

Needs a haircut

But he can’t leave his PC

Skip ahead, skip ahead.

He’s waiting for an email, from a superstar

She’s a very gifted bowler, but doesn’t drive a car?

But I hope, she’ll agree

Because she’d make this fan so happy

I believe it would be the best day of his whole year

I’ll take her out, for a tea

And some cake cause it’s her Birthday

It won't be long now, hopefully

Day number 3

Please make my day, oooo

Please make my day, oooo

Please make my day, oooo

Please make my day, oooo

ICE BUCKET CHALLENEGE!!

Today Faye took part in the now infamous ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE.

It's a fantastic initiative to raise awareness for Motor Neuron Disease in conjunction with the MND Association.

As you can see Faye - who was nominated by Michael Vinsen - went above and beyond the call of duty being soaked by not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4 but 5 BUCKETS of icy water.

I hate to see Faye suffering but it's all for a very good cause and having endured the freezing waterfall she at least got to make a few nominations of her own. Inger Barber, Rebecca Treanor, Gareth Gates & Nigel Harmen.

Please ensure her pain was not in vain and DONATE to this very worthy cause.

‏@ShrekUKTour 6h

Donations to the @mndassoc can be made at http://justgiving.com/IceBucket4MND  or Text ICED55 £5 to 70070 #IceBucketChallenge 

My Bristol Shrek Adventure - Part 1

Yesterday I made my way to the Bristol Hippodrome for the first of three Shrek shows I'm booked to see over the next 3 weeks.

Obviously I was hoping to catch up with Faye afterwards and having seen the forecast I went prepared with my brolly. Which fitted nicely into the gift bag carrying Faye's birthday chocolates.

I sailed into Bristol - not literally - and was in my seat with 20 minutes to spare.

You already know pretty everything there is to know about this Shrek-tacular show from the reviews I've featured on the blog but what they don't say is that it's getting even better.

It was fantastic when I saw it in Leeds but now - 4 weeks on - they've taken it to a whole new level.

The cast have really settled into their roles and the subtle changes they've made to their performance work perfectly. The numerous funny scenes are now even more hilarious.

Faye - who was sensational in Leeds - was simply breathtaking last night. An absolutely mind blowing performance. Her portrayal of Princess Fiona is simply out of this world.

Not only is she an exceptional actress but she is also blessed with truly incredible vocals. I could happily listen to her sing all day. The most beautiful voice I've ever heard, period.

After the show I headed to the stage door to meet the lady herself and surprisingly there was no sign of the heavy rain they'd forecast.

I didn't have to wait too long before she came out, still trying to clean her skin of the green ogre paint she has on in the final scene of the show.

The chocolates I gave her were originally meant for my trip to Leeds but it was SO hot back then I was worried they'd melt. I therefore arranged for good luck flowers instead, meaning the chocolates turned into an early Birthday present.

Faye's Birthday is actually September 3rd but princesses start their celebrations well in advance.

@Faye_Brookes  ·  Aug 17

“@mialincoln89: @Faye_Brookes is it your birthday Hun?? Xx” 

EVERY DAY UNTIL THE 3rd x

We talked a bit about the show and how they've somehow managed to improve on perfection since Leeds. She's loving being part of such a spectacular musical.

They are doing 8 shows a week though which is understandibly tiring and they sometimes need a bit of physio to help with aches and pains. A lot of work and effort goes into the incredible show we see on stage.

She also said how much she enjoys being in Bristol, which was nice to hear given it's my home City.

Faye had booked a taxi to take her to her temporary home in Clifton so I couldn't keep her chatting for too long but I'm hoping to have the opportunity to see her a at least couple more times before the show heads to Nottingham.

No sooner had we said our goodbyes and her taxi was about to pull off I realised my brolly was still in the gift bag with her chocolates. Luckily I just managed to catch them. Had I not I expect Faye would have thought a well used umbrella was a rather stange Birthday present.

I'm already looking forward to my next Hippodrome trip on Sunday 31st. CAN'T WAIT

Princess Fiona at Bristol's Toys R Us!!

The youngsters of Bristol are in for a treat because the Shrek Tour have arranged another Story Time with Princess Fiona.

The Princess will be at Bristol's Cribbs Causeway 'Toys R Us' store at 4 pm on Wednesday 20th August for this very special event.

Not only will your little ones be entertained with an enchanting story about a big green ogre but they'll also have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the beautiful princess and win a family ticket to see Shrek the Muscial live.

Unfortunately Faye will not be there on this occasion but I'd still highly recommend it. Your kids will love it.

Welcome to Bristol Faye!!

'I know It's Today. . . .' that Faye and the fabulous Shrek Tour kick off their 3 week stay in my home City of Bristol.

Just look at the celebrations in the picture above.

That photo was actually taken at last years harbour festival but I know everyone is equally excited about the arrival of the big green ogre and his beautiful princess.

For the next 20 days Bristol is going to be the 'Big Bright Beautiful. . . .' place to be.

A Beautifully Talented Princess

Northern Soul recently caught up with Shrek director Nigel Harman to discuss the multi million pound tour production of this fantastic musical.

NIGEL HARMAN INTERVIEW

His quote about Faye is SO true. The show are lucky to have her.

"Faye is a star now, but in few years everybody will be talking about her.”

With just three days left at Leeds Grand Theatre I thought I'd post a few snippets from reviews all saying that Faye is the perfect Princess Fiona.


LEEDS-LIST.COM  
Fiona, played by Faye Brookes, is also spectacular, not just vocally, but in her whole performance – she’s so expressive, so full of personality that you can’t help but warm to her. 

She also proved, half way through the performance, that the show must go on, when a wardrobe malfunction left her without her skirt (don’t worry, she had sparkly hot pants from the previous number) – if we hadn’t seen the skirt hastily thrown off stage, we wouldn’t have known she was underdressed – she gave no sign.

THE STAGE.CO.UK
It may be the tour’s early stages, but there is already a convincing chemistry between Chisnall’s Shrek and Faye Brookes’ Princess Fiona. Brookes adds a quirky feistiness to the part and proves her worth in the song and dance departments too. She also impresses when coolly dealing with a costume malfunction at the top of Act II.

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
Faye Brookes' performance as Princess Fiona had added sass in comparison to the Fiona of the film, but it worked perfectly - as her did her naturally comedic style.

NORTHERN SOUL
Faye Brookes is suitably vulnerable and bratty as the demanding Princess rescued from a tower only to fall in love with an ogre, and she led the line wonderfully in an utterly bonkers Busby Berkeley-inspired tap routine during the mighty Morning Person which closes acts two. She also proved she is equal vocally to an on-fire Chisnall in a powerful Who I’d Be at the end of act one.

POCKET SIZE
He bounces wonderfully with fine-voiced Faye Brookes’ multi-tiered and effortless Princess Fiona. 

ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS
Faye Brookes delivers a beautifully lilting performance as Princess Fiona, showcasing impressive vocals throughout.

YORKSHIRE MAGAZINE
Faye Brookes as Princess Fiona expertly walks the finest line of all, somewhere between dreamy princess in the tower and bridezilla (she also seamlessly deals with a costume malfunction during a song and dance routine in Act II).

MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW
Faye Brookes is a delightfully feisty Princess Fiona, with the soul of a sassy showgirl underneath her constricting princess costume.

THE PRESS
Faye Brookes, cast as an American as she was in Legally Blonde, again excels as a character discovering the real her as the story progresses. 

PUBLIC REVIEWS
Faye Brookes is a spirited, but kind Fiona.

THEATRE BLOGGER
Faye Brookes who plays Princess Fiona is one of the most accomplished young leading ladies I've seen and is superb throughout.

CONFESSIONS OF A THEATRE GIRL
Faye Brookes plays Princess Fiona with a feisty charm that suits the character well.

The Princess Diary - Leeds

In each new venue of the Shrek tour Faye will be introducing the talented girls playing the younger version of Princess Fiona in the show.

In Leeds we have Daisy (11), Mabel (10), Isabella (11) and Bridget (7)

Internet Browser Font Issues

It has come to my attention that the text font on the blog looks very different depending on what internet browser you are using.

As I personally use 'Mozilla Firefox' that was the browser on which the blog was created and therefore looks best.

I'm not really sure why it appears so differently depending on your browser. I will contunue to look into this but I can't currently see a way around this minor issue.

You can of course view the blog on 'Internet Explorer' and 'Google Chrome' but for the best results I suggest you use 'Mozilla Firefox'. The text font when using 'Internet Explorer' appears particularly small and therefore more difficult to read.

The Stage.co.uk Shrek Review

It's been Princess Fiona week on the Shrek tour which means for one week only Faye's wages are increased 10-fold and the other cast mambers have to bow or curtsey when she enters the room.

Anyone fall for that? No, I didn't think so but it has actually been Princess Fiona week as you can see from the tweet below. That much at least is true.

@ShrekUKTour  ·  Aug 7

This week's FAIRYTALE CHARACTER OF THE WEEK is PRINCESS FIONA Played by @Faye_Brookes #FairytaleThursday #swamplife

Moving on, I thought it was about time I featured another of the countless positve reviews of Shrek the Muscials first UK tour.

I must have read over twenty now and they ALL love the show and Faye's sensational performance as Princess Fiona.

This next review is from The Stage.co.uk and was written by Lisa Martland.

THE STAGE SHREK TOUR REVIEW

BY LISA MARTLAND (31ST JULY 2014)

Shrek the Musical is the latest in a line of large-scale West End productions (The Lion King and Wicked are others) to tour the UK and Ireland, and on the evidence of this opening in Leeds, it has a pretty good chance of equalling the success of those shows that have preceded it.

The staging owes much to the 2011 Theatre Royal Drury Lane production, but London’s original Lord Farquaad, Nigel Harman - who won an Olivier award for his performance - has stepped in to take a fresh look for this touring version.

The result is a fast-paced, tightly directed romp that exaggerates the farcical elements of the alternative fairy tale, but doesn’t undermine the sweetness of its message (that what makes us special makes us strong).

David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s score isn’t the strongest in the world, and yet it constantly delivers, boosted by Harman’s attention to detail and Josh Prince’s clever choreography. The updates (mention of William and Kate’s castle, for example) and musical theatre in-jokes are fun to spot too, with Lord Farquaad’s nod to Wicked’s Defying Gravity a favourite.

Brilliantly embodying both the fun and charm of the piece is Dean Chisnall in the title role, appearing just as at home burping and farting as he does delivering a tender reprise of Big Bright Beautiful World.

It may be the tour’s early stages, but there is already a convincing chemistry between Chisnall’s Shrek and Faye Brookes’ Princess Fiona. Brookes adds a quirky feistiness to the part and proves her worth in the song and dance departments too. She also impresses when coolly dealing with a costume malfunction at the top of Act II.

Gerard Carey is nothing less than excellent as the vertically challenged Farquaad, who delivers his big numbers with aplomb and relishes every second of silly campery.

It was only five years ago that Idriss Kargbo, who plays Donkey, won a Stage/Sylvia Young scholarship when he was 13 years old. The maturity of his performance is therefore particularly impressive, and though he seemed a tad tentative at the beginning of press night, his growing confidence was evident as he strut his stuff in numbers such as Make a Move.

Within a fine ensemble of actors playing a multitude of roles, Nikki Bentley, Candace Furbert and Will Haswell also stand out.

Thanks to Tim Hatley’s vibrant set, dragon and costume design, accompanied by Hugh Vanstone and Matt Daw’s lighting, fans of the Shrek movies will not be disappointed. In fact, there is plenty to satisfy both young and old, not least some of the bawdy humour that, one hopes, will go over the little ones’ heads.

VERDICT: Big, bold and brassy touring version of the DreamWorks favourite is likely to please all ages.

Don't Mess With The Princess!!

I have already featured this picture as part of the 'Story Time With Princess Fiona' report but I thought it deserved it's own post.

It's one of my favourite ever pictures. I love Faye's 'Don't mess with the Princess' look. It just makes me smile every time I see it.

@Faye_Brookes 33m

“@GasAttacK: I love this picture of Princess Fiona @Faye_Brookes @ShrekUKTour 

 "Don't mess with me look!" #scary #toughcookie

You may have noticed I've added it as a permanent feature in the Shrek section on the right sidebar of the blog.

I'm not sure who is on the phone. Maybe it's Lord Farquaad asking for a second chance?

Judging by the Princesses reaction, I don't fancy his chances.

Press Night Pictures!!

Check out these absolutely stunning pictures of Faye at the Shrek press night last Wednesday.

As you can see, the first picture below is a lovely shot of Faye with her proud boyfriend Gareth Gates.

@Gareth_Gates  ·  Jul 24

Last night I watched my @Faye_Brookes as Princess Fiona in @ShrekUKTour WOW... She was incredible. Well done baby x

Never has a princess looked so beautiful. That dress is simply gorgeous.

Backstage With Princess Fiona!!

After another dazzling performance on stage, Faye gave a couple of lucky little princesses a backstage tour at the Leeds Grand theatre last week.

They loved the show so much it inspired them to write the wonderful little poem below about their Shrektacular day in Duloc and the swamp.

Yesterday, we went to see SHREK,
It was SO grrrreat, flipping ek.

The singing was ACE the dancing was too,
WONDERFUL settings and costumes too.

After the show we went back stage,
With Princess Fiona, who'd stepped down off the page.

The Dragon was sitting pretty there in the wings,
With lots of props and MAGICAL things.

SOOOO much of everything goes into a show,
Which we THOROUGHLY enjoyed, but I think you know.

THANK YOU to all, the Cast and Crew,
We thought you were GREAT.
A round of APPLAUSE... for EACH of YOU

As you can see from the picture above the poem, they even made friends with the Dragon; who never misses a photo opportunity.

This last picture gives you a sneak peak of Faye's dressing room at the Leeds Grand Theatre.

Lots of lovely flowers and cards wishing her good luck in her fantastic new role, along with some essential princess snacks like maltesers and M&M's :)

Leeds Love Shrek!!

Story Time With Princess Fiona

On Friday 1st August, Princess Fiona was released from her Tower and made a trip to Toys 'R' Us in Leeds for a very special Storytelling Session with some other little Princesses.

Settle in Girls, it's story time.

Princess Fiona has the girls hooked on the story.

Fiona tells the story of Shrek and his noble steed....

....Setting forth to rescue the Princess....

....And they lived horribly ever after. The End.

By Royal Decree, Princess Fiona bestows her first gift as she crowns her first Ogress.

Of course there was time for some autographs....

....And a Photo Opportunity with some of the girls.

Who had the loudest Roar?

Plus a chance for her to work a shift on the tills....

And answer a few calls...

Wakey Wakey Princess Fiona!!

As I mentioned in my previous post Faye visited Toy's 'R' Us in Leeds yesterday for a special meet and greet event, 'Story time with Princess Fiona'.

As you can see from the above picture the beautiful Princess clearly has all the young Shrekies fully engrossed in the story and the whole day was a massive success.

@ShrekUKTour 18h

Our Fairytale Story at @ToysRUs in Leeds with Princess Fiona @Faye_Brookes was a massive success! #princessdiary pic.twitter.com/07Qn4pF5jL

However, this exciting adventure was very tiring for the Princess and she was later seen fast asleep with her lovely new MK handbag; a gorgeous gift from her Prince Charming Gareth Gates.

No need to worry though, she's always been a 'morning person' and will be wide awake again after her usual 6 cups of coffee ;)

Leeds-List.com Shrek Review

Firstly, don't forget that Faye will be at Toys 'R' Us in Leeds today from 4pm for 'Story time with Princess Fiona'. You'll also get the opportunity to have your picture taken with the most beautiful Princess in all the land.

This is a very special event and one I'd have loved to been able to attend because I know Faye will be a Shrek-tacular storyteller.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now as I'm sure you're aware, Wednesday 30th July was the Shrek the Musical UK Tour press night at the Leeds Grand Theatre and countless glowing reviews of the show have already appeared online.

Needless to say they all loved Faye's performance as Princess Fiona and comment not just on her incredible vocals, superb expressive acting and step perfect dancing but also how she dealt seamlessly with a costume malfunction at the start of act 2.

I'm not going to feature every Shrek review as many are very similar but I will be adding a few to the blog over the coming days and weeks.

I'll start with this lovely piece written by Ali Turner for Leeds-List.com:

Review: Shrek the Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre

BY ALI TURNER (31ST JULY 2014)

By this point, everyone with kids (and to be honest, everyone with access to a television) has seen Shrek. It’s the box office hit that keeps giving, with film after film adorning our screens – but how does the fairytale translate on the stage?

It’s hard to imagine the DreamWorks animation on the stage – the film’s characters (and the actors who lent them their voices) are so iconic that even a small change seems unimaginable – it’s like seeing your favourite book made into a film. But the stage version doesn’t make a small change – it makes a big one.

Of course, it still has all your favourite characters. There’s Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey – and while they take a bit of getting used to in their new form, you’ll be every bit as besotted with them as the originals by the end of the show.

It’s the same story too. Shrek’s swamp is overrun with fairytale creatures and thus he sets off on a quest to rid himself of them, first by having a stern talk with Lord Farquaad, and then by rescuing the imprisoned princess. But like the ogre and the onion he compares himself to, Shrek the Musical has layers – and they go way beyond those of the animation.

Here, we learn how Shrek found himself alone in a swamp and how Fiona ended up locked up in a tower. But it’s Lord Farquaad’s lineage that really seals the deal, leaving the audience in hysterics, with applause before “The Ballad of Farquaad” is even through.

And that’s not the only time that Shrek the Musical veers off course. Some of the best scenes are those that you don’t see coming – a Riverdance-style ditty with suited and booted rats, a fairy tale uprising that encourages characters (and viewers) to embrace their individuality and a comical sing-off that ends in a burping competition.

These unexpected twists come with all new songs, which make up the bulk of the musical. In fact, the only song that you’ll really recognise from the film is “I’m a Believer” – which they save until last, by which point, the entire audience was on their feet for a well deserved standing ovation.

Admittedly, it took a while to get going. The grumpy ogre of the beginning is harder to love than the playful character he becomes once Donkey and Fiona are on the scene. And the lighthearted, adult focused jokes which make shows like this enjoyable for the parents as well as the kids, are a little light on the ground in the early stages. Once they get going though, you get a cross dressing wolf, a bipolar princess and a Lord who gives the name ‘Maximus’ new meaning.

Speaking of Farquaad, the pint-sized Lord is played by Gerard Carey, and inevitably becomes the highlight of the show. His legs, which of course aren’t his own (he spends the entire show on his knees with a pair of fake legs in tight gold leggings), are impossible to look away from, and absolute comedy gold.

Fiona, played by Faye Brookes, is also spectacular, not just vocally, but in her whole performance – she’s so expressive, so full of personality that you can’t help but warm to her.

She also proved, half way through the performance, that the show must go on, when a wardrobe malfunction left her without her skirt (don’t worry, she had sparkly hot pants from the previous number) – if we hadn’t seen the skirt hastily thrown off stage, we wouldn’t have known she was underdressed – she gave no sign.

Dean Chisnall makes an excellent Shrek – it’s hard to imagine what he must go through in that costume, it’s an active role and he has to suffer for it, but the finished product is impressive, a true ogre. It does, however, limit him somewhat, and you may find yourself more taken by Idriss Kargbo, who plays Donkey. Despite his costume, he’s surprising limber – he even does the splits in one particularly flamboyant number.

It’s the dragon though, that comes through as the unexpected star. With the voice of Candace Furbert and an incredible life-size puppet of the dragon controlled by no less than four people, it’s impressive to say the least – and the adults were as mesmerised as the kids.

Despite being a West End Production that’s no doubt accustomed to a larger stage, Shrek the Musical felt right at home in Leeds Grand Theatre. It had the same wow-factor that you’d expect from a London theatre – with bright colourful sets that brought the fairytale to life, and captured Fiona’s curse perfectly – ‘By night one way, by day another.’

They made the most of the space too, but we’ll leave you to find out what that means, because the beauty of Shrek the Musical lies in the surprises it holds – and we’re not giving anything away that would spoil that.