Theater Mode Large Font Save Program

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig

Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire

Music by Jeanine Tesori

Originally produced on Broadway

by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with

Music Theatre International (Europe)

All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe

www.mtishows.co.uk

"I'm A Believer" by Neil Diamond

"I'm A Believer" (Neil Diamond) (c) 1966 Stonebridge Music, Foray Music. All rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (SESAC), on behalf of Stonebridge Music, and by Foray Music (SESAC). All rights reserved.

Used by permission. Shrek The Musical Theatre for Young Audiences Version premiered at The Coterie, Kansas City, MO; Jeff Church Producing Artistic Director, Anthony Edwards Music Director.

 


CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

Welcome everyone to the New Venture Players production of the fabulous Shrek! A 'true' story based on the everyday love of an ogre for a princess in a swamp.
So, what has everyone been up to for the last 3 years?? That's right, unbelievably it's 3 years since we performed here at the Dolman as an adult society. A lot has changed, but I think you'll find we're not short of our famous drive, enthusiasm and ability to put a smile on your face.
Gordon has thrown his tired old bones into this production with unbelievable enthusiasm. It has been infectious as usual and certainly had an impact on our newer members!
Cathy has done a fantastic job with the numerous complex numbers in the show creating what I'm sure you'll agree is a foot tapper of a show. This is bearing in mind that she was sat 12 inches further away from the piano than normal due to her impending bundle of joy (correct at the time of writing!).
Our wonderful Ben has once again delivered an amazing array of dance routines which will dazzle you and warm your hearts.
An undertaking on this scale would not be possible without the time patience, effort, diligence and smiles of our fantastic members.
Everyone you see front of house, and those you don't see backstage and behind the scenes are invaluable smiling ambassadors for our joyous Ventures Family. Spectacles like this would not be possible without them and we are incredibly grateful.
Finally a huge Thank You must go to Dave Edwards. He is the unassuming figure at the back of all our rehearsals and shows. However, he is the glue that holds things together. From the finances to the tap on the shoulder to remind you that you've overlooked something. Thanks Dave.
Enough from me, it's time for you to sit back and be transported to a magical swamp. Say hello to the people of Duloc! 

Huw Brettell (Co-Chairman)


Song List

Act One

  • I Know It's Today
  • Overture/Big Bright Beautiful World
  • Story of My Life
  • The Goodbye Song
  • Don't Let Me Go
  • What's Up, Duloc?
  • I Know It's Today
  • Travel Song
  • Forever
  • This is How a Dream Comes True
  • Who I'd Be

Act Two

  • Entr'acte
  • Morning Person
  • I Think I Got You Beat
  • The Ballad Of Farquaad
  • Make A Move
  • When Words Fail
  • Morning Person (Reprise)
  • Build a Wall
  • Freak Flag
  • Wedding Procession
  • This is Our Story (Big Bright Beautiful World Reprise)
  • Finale
  • Bows/ I'm A Believer


Advertisement

Coming 2023 From YVP


Meet the Company


Mark Cooper (Shrek)
Mark has been a member of New Venture Players for eight years and during that time, has been fortunate enough to have played such roles as King Arthur in Spamalot, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street. This year he is looking forward to being painted green and sharing the stage with a variety of magical fairytale creatures. He would like to thank the production team for all their support and the rest of the talented cast for making rehearsals so much fun. He hopes that you enjoy the show and leave his swamp full of festive cheer.
Megan Postle (Princess Fiona)
Megan graduated from London College of Music in 2019. She has always been a part of the theatre, being a member of Young Venture Players since the age of 5. She was a member, performer and choreographer, for the society until she went of to College at 19. Megan has been fortunate enough to fly to Toronto to work with Sony records. Megan has also been lucky enough to train in Miami for four summers with Vocal and Acting coach Jeanette Hopkins under the guidance of Bill O’Dowd. She would like to thank the both of them for everything they have done for her over the last eight years. She is thrilled to be back with her Ventures family for Shrek! Enjoy the show!
@MeganPostle
@megpostle
George Rees (Donkey )
George is 20 years old and has been doing shows with Ventures for 8 years, he has played multiple parts over the years and has enjoyed every single one. As his first lead part with the adults this is a very special show for him. Playing Donkey has been thrilling from start to finish as the high energy role has been enjoyable to play as it hasn't been too dissimilar from his own personality. He hopes that everyone enjoys the show and has a wonderful Christmas
reesg2511
Liam Edmunds (Farquaad)
Liam has been with Ventures since 2019 and is excited to get back into performing as it is one passion that he hold very close to his heart. He hopes to put on a good show for everyone and that everyone enjoys it and most importantly that everyone has a fun experience.
Niamh Cooper (Teenage Fiona )
Niamh is 16 years old, and currently studying her A levels at Bassaleg school. She has been a member of the Ventures society for 10 years, having performed in many shows. Some of her favorites include Joseph, The Little Mermaid, and A Christmas Carol. She has also been fortunate enough to perform 3 times with the society in Disneyland Paris. Niamh would like to thank all of the members of the cast and production team for making rehearsals so much fun. She is delighted to be sharing the stage with her dad, and so many close friends. Niamh hopes you all enjoy the show and leave the theatre swamped in joy. XX
Laura Di Rienzo (Dragon)
Laura has been a member of Ventures for 5 years and has enjoyed playing various roles including Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol, Beryl in Made in Dagenham and Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan. Laura began performing at the dolman theatre more than thirty years ago and also works as a professional actor. She is excited to be back on stage and thinks this is a fantastic show to come back with! She hopes you have as much fun watching as we have all had putting the show together.
Ariane Champs (Young Fiona)
Ariane has been part of the Ventures family for 3 years, and is really excited to be joining the adults on stage in this laugh out loud production of Shrek. Ariane would like to say a huge thank you to all the cast for welcoming her to the adult group and especially to her fellow Fiona’s for all the fun in rehearsals, oh and not forgetting the production and stage crews too. Ariane hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does. Happy Christmas!
Abbie Jackson (Mama Ogre, Duloc Villager, Blind Mouse)
Shrek marks Abbie's third show with the New Venture Players having been part of previous NVP productions of Made in Dagenham and A Christmas Carol. Abbie has been part of a number of musicals across South Wales as well as performing as a professional vocalist at weddings and corporate events. In additon to performing, Abbie is also a children's musical theatre singing teacher and is the musical director for a local pantomime society. Abbie is excited to be performing with the New Venture Players this festive season.
Ewan Davies (Captain of the Guardsman )
Ewan is looking forward to his 9th show with Venture Players and is excited to break out into the panto style on stage for the first time. Ewan would like to thank Ben, Cathy and Gordon for helping him along his acting journey.
Joseph Cross (Peter Pan / Guard / Knight )
Joseph is 14yrs old and attends St Josephs RC High School. He has been a part of the Venture Player family since he was 7yrs old, performing in many shows with MVP & YVP over the years! He is delighted to be a part of Shrek for his first show with NVP. He has thoroughly enjoyed rehearsals and would like to thank everyone involved! Break a leg all and best wishes to the whole cast and crew! 😊
Elliott Champs (Young Shrek )
Elliott has been a member of Young Venture Players for 3 years. He has performed in ‘The Addams Family’ and ‘Disney’s Moana’. Elliott joins his mum, brother and sister on stage tonight in his first NVP production. He is really looking forward to putting on this family friendly show and hopes you have a fantastic time, enjoy!
Matteo Di Rienzo (Guard)
Matteo has been a member of YVP for 6 years and Shrek is his first production with NVP. He has learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of performing with the adult society. At school, he is in year 10 and just starting GCSE’s. He loves music and hopes you enjoy the feel good numbers in the show. He wishes you all a very Merry Christmas!
Luc Champs (Big Bad Wolf )
Luc has been with Ventures for 5 years and this is his 4th show with Ventures . He is looking forward to his first show with the adult group and doing a show with his siblings and mum . He has enjoyed the rehearsal process and would like to thank all of the production team. An extra thanks to Ben for sticking with him even though he has two left feet! He hopes you enjoy the show and have a very merry Christmas.
Rachael Philip (Pinocchio)
Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, Rachael has travelled across the UK to complete their studies; graduating from the University of Derby with a BA (Hons) in Creative Expressive Therapies (music). He moved to Newport last year to train as a Music Therapist under the university of South Wales, and from there discovered New Venture Players. This will be Rachael’s first show as part of Ventures, with prior musical theatre experience as cast and Musical Director within the University of Derby’s Musical Theatre society. Rachael is excited to be performing as Pinocchio. Pinocchio is such a fun character to play, and has helped them build up their confidence in playing comedy roles.
Maxine Hiscock (Witch)
Maxine is delighted to be back on stage after 3 years with the Ventures. This is her fifth Ventures show and she can't wait to get up to her witchy shenanigans!! Enjoy the show, enjoy the magic, have fun x
Anna Champs (Mama Bear)
After several years as an audience member, Anna finally took the plunge and joined NVP in January this year. Shrek will be her first foray into live theatre. Weekly rehearsals have seen Anna make some fabulous new friends and learn lots of new skills. She would like to say a huge thank you to the production team and the backstage crew for all their hard work and patience, and of course to you, the audience for joining us ! Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Christmas . Enjoy the show!
Elysia Dimitrakis (Blind Mice, White Rabbit and Duloc Dancer)
Elysia absolutely loves this Musical that we have put on. The whole cast and crew are amazing and so talented. Elysia has been performing since she was three years old in her first production of The Wizard of Oz. Elysia has completed a four year Musical Theatre course at Crosskeys Coleg Gwent College. Elysia’s dream is to carry on performing on stage as Musical Theatre is her passion.
Taryn Meyrick (Fairy Godmother)
Taryn has been performing with Ventures for the last ten years . She is currently studying a musical theatre diploma in Bristol Institute of Performing Arts. Taryn is very excited to be back on the stage with New Venture Players playing the fairy godmother . She wishes all the cast and crew good luck for show week! She's hopes the audience enjoys the show!
Emma Purcell (Little Pig )
Emma is really excited to be a part of Shrek with her Ventures family. She is mostly looking forward to both of her children watching her. This is her 4th year with Ventures, and can't wait for many more with them.
Seren Lewis (Little Pig )
Seren joined YVP at the age of eight and performed in numerous shows such as Les Miserables and Children of Eden. After a little break she is super excited to be back on the stage doing what she loves with a wonderful cast. She would like to say a huge thank you to Gordon,Cathy and Ben for everything they do. She hopes you all enjoy the show!
Abigail Rabbitt (Little Pig)
Abigail has thoroughly enjoyed all of her shows with the Venture Players including Dazzle, Honk and Les Mis - since she was 10 years old. It has been so much fun to rehearse this show and would like to thank all involved. She wishes everyone on and off stage all the best for show week and cannot wait for the next 😊
Tilly Ellis (Humpty Dumpty and Duloc Dancer )
Tilly is very excited to be joining New Venture Players as Humpty Dumpty in Shrek the Musical! Tilly performed in her local youth group during secondary school, with roles including Sarah in Guys & Dolls, Berta in Acorn Antiques and Sarah in Our House. After nearly 10 years since her last show, she is thrilled to be making a return to musical theatre and hopes to keep performing for years to come. Hope you enjoy the show!
Holly Ford (Three Blind Mice, Mad Hatter, Duloc Dancer)
Holly has loved her first show with NVP! She currently studies A Level Drama, English and Psychology at Coleg Gwent and hopes to study literature further in the future. Holly has been playing the piano for 12 years and has recently achieved ABRSM Grade 6 qualification. Holly would like to thank the cast for so much fun during Shrek rehearsals and for welcoming her into the NVP family. She would also like to thank the whole creative team for all their hard work that has gone into this amazing show!
Mia Rose Goddard (Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy)
Mia has been a member of New Ventures since 2011, and has been lucky enough to play some spectacular roles, including Cinderella (Into the Woods), Christine Colgate (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Mary Phagan (Parade), Lucy the Slut (Avenue Q), Chief Weasel (Wind in the Willows) and The Ghost of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol). Mia works in the Animation industry, and has worked on Joanna Quinn’s short film’ Affairs of the Art’, ‘My Father’s Dragon’ by Cartoon Saloon (available on Netflix!) and a few other secret projects which will be released next year. Mia is so excited to be finally back on stage for the first time since 2018, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
@miarosegoddard
Hazel Guppy (Baby Bear)
Shrek is Hazel's first show with Ventures but she has been performing on stage with other groups for the past 5 years. Her previous roles include Morticia in The Addams Family Musical, Gabriella Montez in High School Musical and various pantomime principle roles. She has really enjoyed being a part of the ensemble and had loads of fun learning the songs and dances; despite being a musical, it feels like a pantomime! Enjoy the show everyone.
_hazelaine
Paige Canning (Ugly Duckling )
Paige has loved working with the NVP family in her first ever musical theatre performance. Paige joined NVP earlier this year after starting new job at the Grange University Hospital and has really enjoyed her weekly Wednesday dose of crazy while singing and dancing with her new found friends has helped her through the challenges of being a healthcare provider. Her favourite part of the rehearsal process has been seeing all the cast work together and support each other in being show ready. Paige would recommend joining a society to anyone looking for a new hobby or distraction from day to day stresses and would like to thank all the team at NVP for being one amazing crazy family! Enjoy the show!!
Chloé Blud (Rat Tapper)
Chloe is a primary school teacher and busy mum of 2 young children called Alfie and Mabel. She has been performing on the Dolman stage since the age of 5 in various dancing and musical theatre shows. This is Chloe’s first performance as part of of the New Venture Players and she would like to thank everyone for being so supportive and welcoming her to the Ventures family!
Sinead Spokes (Rat Tapper)
Sinead has been with NVP for 6 years. She has missed being on stage and is looking forward to getting back to it after a long break (thanks covid!) She would like to wish the rest of the cast the best of luck! Hope you enjoy the show!
Bethany Poole (Rat Tapper)
Bethany is looking forward to getting back on stage after lockdown . Bethany can’t wait to you to all see Shrek and hopes you all enjoy it Bethany has been in New Venture Players for many years on and off stage .
Josie Ash (Queen Lilian / Rat Tapper)
Josie has been a member of NVP for a number of years. She had a break while she attended University but is so glad to be back sharing the stage with Ventures. Shrek has been such a fun musical to rehearse and perform in! Josie has loved every minute and She hopes you enjoy the show!

Advertisement

Coming Soon