THERE was an unusual sight in Basingstoke earlier this week as an ogre came to town to meet youngsters during half term.

Three members of the cast of Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society's (BATS) Shrek the Musical were in the town centre on Monday, October 24, as part of the borough council's half-term activities.

Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona, otherwise known as Reece Fitzgerald, Louise Travis and Richard Bond, were dressed in their full costumes, make-up and prosthetics.

The characters stopped at various points to give children the opportunity to meet them and get their photo taken.

READ MORE: Theatre group to bring the story of Shrek to Basingstoke in exciting musical

The group will be performing Shrek the Musical from November 10 to 19 at The Haymarket.

Based on the Oscar-winning Dreamworks Animation film, Shrek the Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure that brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

BATS is pulling out all the stops to bring you this fabulously fun show for all the family, featuring the hit song I'm A Believer and a host of great new numbers. Brilliant costumes and magical staging bring the fairytale world to life in a riot of colour and spectacle.

There will be a special, closed charity performance on Sunday, November 13. Tickets are being shared amongst several local charity organisations, including Spotlight West.

For performance times and ticket prices go to anvilarts.org.uk.