The Island Savoyards are back for October half-term and are bringing to life everyone’s favourite smelly ogre!

They will be performing Shrek the Musical at Shanklin Theatre - in an Island first.

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek...." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.

Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek.

The Island Savoyards are delighted to welcome back some familiar faces in lead roles for this production, along with cast members making their debut with the society.

Luke Cumberpatch and Emily Scotcher will play Shrek and Princess Fiona, while Ches Checkley joins the cast as the “noble steed” Donkey. Daniel Farmer returns in his fifth consecutive Savoyards show, as Lord Farquaad.

The production’s other principal cast include Holly Gardiner as Dragon, Alfie Luke as Pinocchio and Ellie Warne as Gingy.

Audiences can expect a large ensemble cast, consisting of fairy-tale creatures including the Big Bad Wolf, the Three Little Pigs, Fairy Godmother, Wicked Witch, the Three Bears, Peter Pan and a chorus of tap-dancing rats.

There will also be a large live orchestra.

The show is directed by Sarah Scotcher in her debut for the company, with Andrew Woodford as musical director, and choreography by Jake Alabaster, with the expertise of Maurice Kachuk as tap choreographer.

Performances are at 7.30pm on October 25, 26, 27 and 28, and at 2.30pm on October 28 and 29.

Tickets are available from the theatre box office in person, by calling 01983 868000 or online.

You could win tickets by keeping an eye on the County Press's Facebook page in the coming days!