Shrek the Musical ‘takes ogre’ Manchester’s Palace Theatre next year for a month-long Christmas run.
It’s part of a national tour of the spin-off from the cinema hit that sees it on the road from next July.
It’s already been seen live on stage by nearly a million people, and will be directed by Nigel Harman who starred as Lord Farquaad in the West End production, winning him the 2012 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical.
He says: “I am delighted to be returning to Shrek as its director. This show is very special to me with its dizzying blend of great characters, a hilarious script and sublime music.
"This production is visually stunning, and the story has the magic ingredient of moving at great pace while still being surprisingly intimate. In short, there was no way I was going to say no to the challenge of realising the production for the UK and Ireland.
"I really can't wait to take this show on the road!"
Shrek the Musical opened on Broadway in 2008 before touring to nearly 150 cities in the USA and Canada. Productions have also played around the world.
Casting announced in due course.