NEXT month Frome Musical Theatre Company brings Shrek the musical to the stage at the Frome Memorial Theatre.
Based on the story and characters from the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animation film, Shrek is the story of the swamp-dwelling ogre who, in a faraway kingdom embarks on a life-changing adventure in order to reclaim the deed to his land.
Ahead of the opening night, Jon O’Loughlin, who will be playing the title role of Shrek, has shared an insight into his favourite musical moments, and what he is looking forward to about the upcoming performance.
What is your favourite musical?
“Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda is like a god to me! I can’t wait to go back and see it again! My wife and I are also a little obsessed with Six and have just booked to see it for the third time at Hampton Court Palace!”
What are you looking forward to most about becoming Shrek?
“The challenge! I normally play comedy idiots or dames so to play a very sweet, layered character with a lot of heart is a different experience for me and it’s a LOT of singing!”
Do you like the movie? What’s your favourite part?
“I grew up on it so love it and have been introducing my kids to it, the best part has to be escaping the dragon, I remember being blown away by the animation.”
Do you have a favourite song in the show?
“’Who I’d be’ is my favourite to sing, it’s a really sweet song that builds into a proper belter.”
Favourite role you’ve ever played in a show?
“It’s got to be Edna Turnblad, the production of Hairspray at Frome was incredible, and the audience response was out of this world!”
Performances at the Memorial Theatre run from Tuesday 3rd to Sunday 9th May. Evening performances start at 7pm (Tuesday – Saturday) and matinees at 2pm (Saturday & Sunday). To book tickets for Shrek the musical, visit the website: www.frome memorialtheatre.org.uk; or call the box office on 01373 462795.
Picture: FMTC’s Davey Evans as Donkey, Jon O’Loughlin as Shrek, Nicole Wooldridge as Princess Fiona, and David Hynds as Lord Farquaad.
