Shrek The Musical - Amanda Holden is Princess Fiona
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
AMANDA Holden will play Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical, the stage adaptation of the original 2001 Shrek film, which opens at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on June 7, 2011.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge will star alongside comic actor Richard Blackwood, as Donkey. Casting for the title role has yet to be confirmed.
In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre shows up to rescue a feisty princes. Throw in a donkey who won’t be quiet, a bad guy with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and a dozen or so other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero – Shrek.
Amanda Holden last appeared on stage in the West End in 2003 in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftesbury Theatre). For her performance as the titular Millie, she received an Olivier nomination. As Princess Fiona, she will be reunited with director Rob Ashford who choreographed Thoroughly Modern Millie, and composer of both shows Jeanine Tesori.
As well as Britain’s Got Talent, Holden’s television credits include Kiss Me Kate (as Mel), The Grimleys (Geraldine Titley), Hearts and Bones (Louise Slaney), Mad About Alce (Alice), Cutting It (Mia Bevan) and Wild at Heart (Sarah Trevanion).
Richard Blackwood‘s stage credits include Roy Williams’ Angel House and The Unexpected Guest (national tours), The Brothers (Hackney Empire) and most recently, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Novello Theatre) alongside James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad.
As well as his own show for Channel 4, Blackwood’s television credits include Britannia High, Dani’s House, Shoot The Messenger and Little Miss Jocelyn. He is also a regular at the Comedy Store in the West End and presents his own radio programme on Choice FM.
Tickets for Shrek The Musical go on sale to the general public on October 1, 2010.
Read more about Shrek The Musical
Oliver! continues at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until January 8, 2011.