CENTRE STAGE
One of the most popular family stage musicals is heading to Wales – and there’s a Welshman playing the title role of Shrek. We ask Steffan Harri a few questions about stepping into the large shoes of the lovable green ogre
Q AI’m absolutely over the moon to be playing Shrek in Cardiff. I missed the opportunity to perform in Wales on the previous tour because I only did it for a year so I was really gutted but this time I’m back and to be playing the lead role makes it so sweet.
I’m very proud of where I’m from, we have a big heritage when it comes to our singing and acting culture and the Wales Millennium Centre is such a fantastic theatre – we’re so lucky to have it in our capital so it really is a privilege to be bringing the show back.
Q AShrek has so many layers to his character and there are so many comedy moments too. I do enjoy his one liners and his dad jokes.
I Think I Got You Beat (or which we call ‘the fart song’) is a lot of fun to perform every night.
One of my favourite parts of the show is jumping on to stage at the beginning and seeing the faces of the children who are so excited, it’s really great to see.
Q AIt’s totally different to any other role I’ve played, this one takes over your life completely.
When you’re filming for TV you have a camera in your face, and you don’t have to project your voice in any way.
With Shrek you have a long make-up session every day, you have to consider the costume, the accent, it does take over completely and I have to be very strict with myself.
I hardly come off the stage so it’s two-anda-half hours of non-stop action but it’s such a gift of a role and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.
Q AIt’s the perfect family musical, it’s not only great for kids but for the adults too. It works brilliantly on so many levels. It’s so colourful, the costumes and set are just incredible; we’ve even got a 14ft dragon that looks just like the one in the film.
The audience reaction every night is brilliant and at the heart of the show is such an important message that resonates with everybody; to be true to yourself, that it’s okay to just be yourself and to celebrate all our differences. The musical also expands on the film, looking more in depth at the characters and their backstory which is really interesting. You can expect the most fantastic night for the whole family.
Q AI usually wake up in the morning and start drinking water straight away as it’s so demanding and the costume weighs 48lb.
During the show I drink 8 litres of water, hydrating before and during every performance.
I start warming my voice up early on in the day before make-up and I have to make sure I’m physically able to do the show.
I keep very fit, I like to run, cycle, and I do a lot of cardio, and I have regular physio too.