Rosie White, Sienna Dell, Jasmine Theron, Ava Govender, Chloe Marot and Shrek: Lyle Buxton
Image: Val Adamson
The Young Performers Project (YPP) is set to kick off its 2025 season with the highly anticipated Shrek the Musical, that will run at the brand-new Milkwood Theatre in Durban North from Friday April 25 to Sunday May 4.
This production will mark the first non-school production to be staged at the eagerly awaited 290-seater theatre, located at Danville School.
YPP, a renowned youth initiative founded in 2001, has become a staple in nurturing young “triple-threat” performers in musical theatre. The group has earned recognition for its commitment to developing aspiring talent through its annual performances, featuring professional production teams and youthful casts.
Shrek the Musical, based on the beloved DreamWorks film, brings the whimsical and heart-warming story of an unlikely hero to the stage. The show’s comedic charm and timeless appeal make it a perfect choice for audiences of all ages. Lyle Buxton, who originally played the title role a decade ago, will reprise his performance as Shrek in the 2025 production.
The creative team behind this production is led by director and set designer Lisa Bobbert, with Evashnee Pillay handling choreography, Des Govender overseeing music direction, Anthony Govender responsible for sound design, and Kathy and Dominic Singery managing costumes, set, and prop construction.
The cast of Shrek features 35 performers, including senior primary and high school students, as well as post-matric pupils from the International School of Performing Arts (I.S.P.A.). In addition to Lyle Buxton as the adult Shrek, the cast includes James Armstrong (I.S.P.A.) as Donkey, Chloe Marot (St Mary’s DSG) as the adult Fiona, and Damien Butt (I.S.P.A.) as Lord Farquaad. The production’s innovative approach sees three actresses portraying Fiona at different stages of her life, and two actors playing Shrek in his younger and adult forms. The cast was selected through an open audition process held annually in October.
The storyline of Shrek follows the journey of a grumpy but lovable ogre who enjoys a solitary life in his swamp, until a group of displaced fairytale creatures is banished to his land by the evil Lord Farquaad. Shrek embarks on a mission to confront Farquaad and reclaim his peaceful life, along the way rescuing the talkative and opinionated Donkey. The duo is then tasked with rescuing Princess Fiona, setting the stage for hilarious adventures and surprising friendships.
For over two decades, YPP has staged annual productions with professional teams and youthful casts, providing invaluable experience for young performers in a professional theatre setting. Des Govender, YPP’s leader, reflects on the programme’s goals: “YPP is a structured programme designed to nurture performing arts talent from senior primary school level to post-matric and beyond.
After staging Elf the Musical over the festive season at the Durban ICC, we are thrilled to open the year with Shrek. It’s a feel-good story loved by all, and we’re proud to be the first outside production at the new Milkwood Theatre. We’re excited to support this new venue and contribute to its vibrant opening.”
Tickets for Shrek the Musical will be available soon, and the production promises to be a fantastic way to experience the magic of theatre, performed by the next generation of talent.