We talk to actor and director Nigel Harman ahead of Shrek the Musical's arrival in Hampshire

And directing this huge show is none other than one of the production’s West End stars Nigel Harman.

Nigel won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical and the Theatregoers’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical performing the role of Lord Farquaad, and so Shrek is a project he knows very well indeed.

Multitalented Nigel, who is known for a dazzling variety of work including film, radio and television – including EastEnders (‘Mini Den’ Dennis Rickman) and Downton Abbey (boo hiss baddie Mr Green) - in addition to his theatrical successes, is looking forward to bringing Shrek to the Mayflower Theatre.

Ahead of its arrival, we grabbed busy Mr Harman for a quick chat.

“The Mayflower is a unique, wonderful venue,” he comments, “and the energy in the theatre is brilliant. Excitingly, we have a new cast and a new leading lady.”

What happens as the show is set to move into a new venue? “We pack it up into massive lorries on the Sunday after the run finishes, which happens rather quickly and that then travels overnight – it’s like moving a small country, and the crew are phenomenal.

“On the Monday, the cast turns up and we do a soundcheck and put the children into the show. Suddenly I sit there and we’re ready to go. And you think to yourself, ‘how did this happen?’!

“All of the preparation with the actors is very much done before we go out on the road and then, throughout the tour, I come in every now and again.”

The West End star of the show Dean Chisnall will play Shrek at Southampton, joined by Idriss Kargbo as Donkey and Gerard Carey as Lord Farquaad, whilst Bronté Barbé debuts as Princess Fiona.

Does Nigel's previous experience mean that Gerard benefits from some extra direction?

“Actually it’s the opposite,” Nigel explains. “Gerard is phenomenal in the role and absolutely unique. The last thing I want to do is to try to encourage him in a certain way.

“It does help on the whole as I know the show so well. It’s quite something to do a big show but it’s another thing to do a big show on your knees (Lord Farquaad is a pint-sized villian)!

Nigel as Lord Farquaad in the 2012 West End production 

“It was definitely physically very difficult but it was brilliant. You work so hard, but you get the rewards of knowing you’re in great work.”

And it must have been wonderful to add a comedic string to his bow?

“That was a surprise for a lot of people – and for me. It sort of opened up another avenue.”

Audiences will be able to see the end result of Nigel and the team’s hard labours in the Mayflower from Tuesday, July 8.

And his participation in the tour is all thanks to Neal Street Productions’ Caro Newling and an encounter at a party.

Nigel recalls: “Caro knew that I was venturing down the directing path. At the closing party for the second year of the West End production, she said, ‘Do you want to direct the tour?’

“I met another head producer and they interviewed me. And here I am, a year and a half or so later...”

Shrek The Musical runs from July 8 – 26.

Tickets are available from the box office on 02380 711811 or online at mayflower.org.uk.