A flock of fairytale characters have taken over Arts Centre Melbourne for Shrek The Musical! There are prattling pigs, silly soldiers, a wicked witch, a funny fairy and a daring donkey.
You’ll see mixed-up mice, an ugly duckling, boisterous bears, a wandering wolf and a talking gingerbread man. But behold the hideous, ugly beast too, as he’ll use a booming voice that comes from both ends to scare you into hiding!
Shrek is a musical with happiness and hilarity around every corner, and it is an entertaining gift for families to enjoy.
Like an outing for ice cream on a hot summer day, this production is sweet and crunchy and has just the right amount of sprinkles! With fabulous puppetry that will make your eyes pop out, whiz bang props and laugh-out-loud moments for the kids and grown-ups to enjoy, you will let your “freak flag fly” as you learn to be happy in your own skin and proud to be who you are.
As you travel into these deep and mysterious woods, you will come across sliding trees, part of a castle, a room high in a tower, a shaky bridge over lava, and many well-designed projections and highly creative uses of set pieces. They include moving curtains, smoking skunks and other cleverly designed elements. The masterful puppetry of the dragon is an absolute highlight.
As the giant storybook unfolds, we meet our gorgeous green hero, who has been abandoned by his parents and told to find his own way, as: “every dream comes true, but not for you!”
Living out a lonely but peaceful existence in the swamplands, Shrek suddenly finds himself surrounded by angry mythical folk who have all been banished from their homes in Duloc by the minute, yet incredibly power-hungry Lord Farquaad.
They have set up camp all around his residence, and they are crazy, chaotic and noisy. Determined to get his home back for himself, our loveable ogre makes a deal with Farquaad. He will rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower so that Farquaad can marry her and remove the other folk from his land.
Along his quest, Shrek befriends a chatterbox Donkey, flees from a dragon, saves the princess and learns that perhaps being an ogre is not necessarily a bad thing. Having spent most of his life focused on the negative, Princess Fiona shines some light on his life, and Shrek gains insight into the positive. This changes his story, allowing a celebration of friendship, love and embracing “just how you were hatched.”
Shrek, played by Nick Wilkinson, embodies the “I don’t care what anybody thinks” attitude with presence. As Princess Fiona, Kate Allnut’s vocals are rich and full of warmth. Iosia Tofilau as Donkey really rules the roost! He is charismatic, spunky and hilarious in all the right places, giving heart to the musical.
Olly Humphries as Lord Farquaad is also an absolute delight; his every appearance is gold. You will wait to see what he will do every time he gets to parade across the stage.
Jocelyn Scott, as the Dragon, truly sets the Playhouse aflame with her phenomenal voice. Jack Duff as Pinocchio plays the part with perfect characterisation. The whole cast tells the story with gusto, life and punch.
The costumes are delicately designed. They allow the performers to truly embody their characters, bringing the beloved animations to life on the stage. Each outfit has been thoughtfully chosen and crafted, giving a sense of play and fun.
Stand out moments in this production include: the comedic terror in the soldiers when they meet Shrek and Donkey, Lord Farquaad questioning the Gingerbread Man, all three differently aged Fiona’s singing together, the growing of Pinocchio’s nose, the moving background featuring nursery rhyme puppets when Shrek and Donkey are travelling, the morning bird exploding, the trio’s outstanding harmonised vocals before the interval, and of course the giant moving dragon!
Every element, from the clever puppetry and imaginative set design to the energetic performances and stunning vocals, works in harmony to create a magical experience for audiences of all ages. Shrek The Musical is a joyful, laugh-out-loud celebration of friendship, self-acceptance, and the power of embracing who you truly are.
Shrek The Musical runs in Melbourne until 10 January and Sydney from 21 -24 January 2026. See full dates below.
Tickets are on sale now!
Website: www.shrekmusical.com.au
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/shrekmusicalaustralia/
Images supplied.
2026 Australian Tour Dates:
Melbourne 6 – 10 January, Arts Centre Melbourne
Frankston 12 – 14 January, Arts Centre
Bendigo 16 – 17 January, Ulumbarra Theatre
Sydney 21 – 24 January, Coliseum Theatre
