SHREK The Musical begins its first British run outside London this week when it opens at Leeds Grand Theatre direct from Drury Lane.

Based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek! and the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animations film, the musical is on tour with actor Nigel Harman on directorial duty.

Harman, the one-time EastEnders soap villain, starred as Lord Farquaad in the West End production of Shrek, going on to win the 2012 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

"I'm delighted to be returning to Shrek as its director," he says.

"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 is running at the Leeds Grand until August 17. Tickets are on sale on 0844 848 2700 or at leedsgrandtheatre.com