Shrek star returns to perform in his home city at TRP

A WEST End actor who grew up in Plymouth is ready to take to the stage which inspired him to embark on his career when Shrek The Musical opens its UK tour at Theatre Royal Plymouth this week.

-  ANDY PHILLIPS

Antony Lawrence went to Plymstock School and City College Plymouth before attending acting school, and has already played roles in theatre versions of Mary Poppins and The Lion King.

But playing the lead role in the new stage production of the DreamWorks animated film, which opens on Friday, is a new high for the Helston-born actor.

Antony said: “The great thing about doing Shrek, because it’s a well-known story, is that we already know the characters.

“There’s the double-edged sword of wanting to make the characters your own and the relationships your own, but at the same time there is an element of audience expectation.