Shrek musical opens despite West End fire

Whilst the Aldwych Theatre's performance of Dirty Dancing was cancelled due to the blaze that hit Marconi House on Tuesday night, the opening performance of Shrek in the neighbouring Theatre Royal Drury Lane went ahead as planned.

With a first-night audience that included comedians Michael McIntyre andFrank Skinner, actress Dame Judy Denchand chat show host Graham Norton, the show began later than scheduled to do road-closures as a result of the fire, but that was the only hiccup in an otherwise highly-acclaimed performance. Unlike the Broadway version that received a lukewarm reception from critics and was shelved after a year, the West End musical has enjoyed positive reviews from all sides of the critical spectrum. The Independent remarked that it was "directed with great charm and elating zip" and had "delightfully uncynical freshness of spirit." The Times were impressed that the "show's magic lies in wit, character and story rather than technology."

StarringNigel Lindsay as Shrek, Amanda Holden asPrincess Fiona,Richard Blackwood as Donkey andNigel Harman as the "hysterically funny" Lord Farquaad, Shrek the Musical is sure to delight members of the whole family.

Shrek the Musical tickets are now available to buy online.