THIS fantastic family production has finally landed in Hampshire at the Mayflower Theatre.

Shrek The Musical is a few hours of perfectly silly summer fun and it has already attracted theatregoers of all ages to the Southampton venue.

Where else could you witness two characters bond over flatulence? Shrek (Dean Chisnall) and Fiona (Bronte Barber) do just that during I Think I Got You Beat and judging by the laughs of the little people present on the night I attended, it’ll continue to go down a storm!

All of everyone’s favourite characters from the book and especially the 2001 film have been beautifully captured and brought to life on stage.

Two of its favourite musical moments, the Welcome to Duloc song and the concluding swamp performance of I’m A Believer, are included, too.

Gingy the gingerbread person (performed by Nikki Bentley) – whose terrifically expressive face is captured perfectly - is a fan favourite, as are Donkey (an energetic Idriss Kargbo), Dragon (Candace Furbert giving a spectacular voice to an immense puppet) and Pinocchio (Will Haswell).

Basingstoke Gazette:

There are also clever nods to other successful shows dotted throughout the running time which musical lovers will have fun spotting.

Visually, Shrek The Musical is just spot-on, from Fiona’s dress to the hooded henchman who assists Lord Farquaad (Gerard Carey, performing in the main on his knees).

And speaking of the latter, it’s no disrespect to anyone else to state that Carey absolutely steals the show with his camp panto villain.

Basingstoke Gazette:

As he manipulates the character’s physique to maximum effect and swings his cape around the stage, especially during standout number The Ballad of Farquaad, it’s impossible to resist the glorious comic result.

*See Shrek The Musical at the Mayflower until July 26. Tickets are available from the box office on 02380 711811 or online at mayflower.org.uk.