Forty members of Soham’s Viva Youth Theatre group will bring the fairytale adventure of Shrek the Musical to life on stage in Ely next month.
Having been in rehearsal since October 2019, the cast of young actors take the much-loved story to The Maltings from March 3 to 7.
The role of Shrek will be played by Dylan Cardwell who first joined Viva in 2011 to play an ensemble role in West Side Story at Ely Cathedral when he was 11-years-old.
He said: "It is definitely a challenge figuring out little mannerisms since he is an ogre- which isn't something I thought I'd ever play before this show! I do really enjoy singing Shrek's songs.'
The show is produced and directed by Viva's founder Daniel Schumann, who said: "The cast have also been busy raising funds to support the show and it's many features.
"From volunteering in the Viva charity shop to holding bake sales at rehearsals - everyone has worked tirelessly to ensure the performance is as professional and iconic as possible."
James Wood, volunteer stage manager, said: "This show is absolutely bonkers - it's not every day one has to co-ordinate so many elements and illusions, but it's all fantastic fun."
Aaron Lord, who plays Donkey, said he is "slightly apprehensive about swapping hands for hooves" but believes "it will be a fun challenge for me and the audience to experience".
The cast will be joined by a 12-piece orchestra under the musical direction of Richard Hayward (East of England Musical Theatre Orchestra).
Audience members will also be invited to have their photos taken with Shrek and his friends in a specially set up area of the foyer after the show each night.
The show, written by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, will be the first time that Shrek is performed in the area as the licence has only recently been made available to local groups following its run on Broadway and London's West End.
Shows start at 7.30pm and there is a 3pm matinee on Saturday 7 March. Refreshments will be available in the interval.
- Viva also have two upcoming audition events: auditions for Aladdin Jr are this Sunday (February 16) at the Performing Arts Centre, Soham Village College; this production is for children aged six to 12 and will be performed in May 2020 at Fordham Victoria Hall.
- Viva are also looking for more ensemble members for their big production of Andrew Lloyds Webber's epic musical Jesus Christ Superstar which will take place at St Andrew's Church, Soham this summer. Having largely cast the show before Christmas, the creative team are now looking for some more people to join their ensemble. Go along to Lodeside Hall, Soham Village College, on Sunday February 23 at 11am.
Tickets are available via www.ticketsource.co.uk/viva-arts or 01353 722228.
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