Shrek the Musical at Manchester Opera House in 2023 - how to get tickets

Manchester has had its fair share of nostalgic stage shows, from the successful run of Bedknobs and Broomsticks, to Sister Act, and the upcoming musical based on the 90s movie, Mrs Doubtfire.

Following on from these, we will now have another blast from the past, as Manchester Opera House has announced that its time to paint the town green, for the reimagined, beloved musical based on Oscar winning animation - Shrek.

The bright and amusing fairy-tale world of Shrek will be reimagined by a new creative team for this major tour.

All the classic characters from the animated film will be back, accompanied by the iconic songs and story from David Lindsay-Abaire, and Jeanine Tesori’s original musical.

From Animation to the Stage

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the original DreamWorks animated film, Shrek. The first performance of Shrek the Musical on Broadway was in 2008, and it received eight nominations, and the award for Best Costume Design.

The West-End production of Shrek the Musical was nominated for four Olivier awards, including Best New Musical, at the 2012 Olivier awards.

The original cast in the West-End included Nigel Lindsey headlining as Shrek, Richard Blackwood as his sidekick Donkey, Amanda Holden as Princess Fiona, and Nigel Harman as Lord Farquaad.

Nigel Harman’s performance was praised and he went on to receive the Olivier award, for Best Supporting Actor.

Who is the creative team behind the musical?

The Producers of ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ have joined forces with directors Sam Holmes and Nick Winston, and designer, Philip Witcomb to re-imagine the classic story, for a new audience.

Director, Sam Holmes (Club Tropicana the Musical) previously played Lord Farquaad in the 2017 UK and Ireland tour, and now he will return to the swamp to co-direct.

He is joined by acclaimed director and choreographer Nick Winston, whose recent credits include Bonnie and Clyde (Arts Theatre) and Beauty and the Beast (as associate director and choreographer for the UK tour).

Phillip Witcomb is the set and costume designer for this tour, his previous productions include Bonnie & Clyde In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Jack & The Beanstalk (Everyman Theatre Cheltenham), and Atlantis (Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen).

Producer, Mark Goucher (Hairspray) said: “I am delighted to be bringing this re-imagined production of the beloved ‘Shrek the Musical’ to audiences across the UK and Ireland.

“The story of Shrek is known and loved across the world and this show is an incredibly joyous, fun and uplifting evening at the theatre that will be enjoyed by all ages.”

When can you see Shrek the Musical in Manchester?

Shrek: The Musical tour will kick off in July 2023, and will start its Manchester leg on Tuesday, 1 August, and run through until Saturday, 12 August.

How to get tickets to Shrek the Musical, in Manchester

Tickets are on sale now, and start from £13 - Book here.