And so begins the tale of an unlikely green hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey - alongside a wisecracking Donkey and the feisty Princess Fiona!

Throw in the short-tempered bad guy Lord Farquaad, a Gingerbread Man with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily there's one on hand - and his name is Shrek!

Based on the Oscar-winning Dreamworks Animation film, Shrek the Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure that brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, and proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) is pulling out all the stops to bring you this fabulously fun show for all the family, featuring the hit song "I'm A Believer" and a host of great new numbers. Brilliant costumes and magical staging bring the fairy tale world to life in a riot of colour and spectacle.

Leading the cast are Reece Fitzgerald as Shrek, Louise Travis as Princess Fiona, Richard Bond as Donkey and Ben Kennedy as Lord Farquaad.  It's great to welcome Reece and Ben to BATS for the first time.  Furthermore, Louise Travis will swap directing to make her performance debut with BATS - having auditioned to perform in Chicago, which was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

Behind the scenes the show is led by the all-female team of Sally Manning (Director and Co-Choreographer) Julie Dance (Musical Director) and Luannsa Goodman (Choreographer).

Featuring a company of over 30 talented local adults and children, Shrek comes to the Haymarket for 10 performances only from 10th-19th November.

There will be a special, closed charity performance on Sunday 13 November. Tickets are being shared amongst several local charity organisations, including Spotlight UK and Naomi House Children’s Hospice. Representatives from these organisations will allocate them to identified families so they can enjoy a free-of-charge night at the theatre, joining Shrek and his friends on their fun-filled journey.

BATS is extremely grateful to financial support received from the following, without whom the charity performance would not have been possible: Lavazza Professional UK, The MPC Ltd and devolved budgets from Hampshire County Councillors’ devolved budgets: Derek Mellor (HCC Member for Tadley and Baughurst), County Councillor Elaine Still (HCC Member for Loddon), County Councillor Stephen Reid (HCC Member for Basingstoke South West), County Councillor Jacky Tustain (HCC Member for Basingstoke North).

Performances on Thursday 10th and Wednesday 16th November are dedicated performances for Girl Guiding and Scouts.  Unsold tickets will be released for general sale on 15th October.

For performance times and ticket prices go to anvilarts.org.uk - visit the Anvil box office - or call 01256 844244. Group bookings - call 01256 366935.

Provided by BATS, October 2022.