Irritable ogre Shrek and his band of festive fairytale companions left their enchanted world at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane last night to help publicise the work of homeless charity Centrepoint.
The magical musical stars joined comedian Tim Vine and magician Drummond Money-Coutts to help entertain 850 workers – and a smattering of celebrities including Downton Abbey’s Sophie McShera and Allen Leech – who spent the night in Broadgate’s Exchange Square to help raise awareness of homelessness among young people.
The London event was one of nine being held nationwide with the hope of shining a spotlight on the issues surrounding youth homelessness and raising £500,000. Centrepoint, which was founded in 1969, supports around 1,000 16-25 year olds annually, offering both shelter and assistance gaining essential life skills.
Shrek The Musical’s stars performed their own version of Brenda Lee’s classic seasonal hit Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, and have even recorded a video, which you can watch at the top of the page. If the performance, from stars including Dean Chisnall, Carley Stenson, Richard Blackwood and Neil McDermott, moves you to donate, you can do so by texting OGRE12 £(and the amount you wish to give) to 70070 or visit justgiving.com/Sleep-Out-2012
Shrek The Musical is based on the hit Dreamworks film about a grumpy ogre who, to save his home, embarks on a quest that sees him learning far more than he bargained for. The stage adaptation opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in May 2011, receiving four Olivier Award nominations. The production will end its run in London’s West End on 24 February 2013, making way for another family musical, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.