In anticipation of The Cambridge Theatre Company’s upcoming production of Shrek: The Musical, the Buzz team interviewed the star of the show Scott Riley who plays Shrek.

Find out what he has to say about himself, his career and his role in this fantastic production.

Q: Why did you want to be involved in this production?

A: Shrek is an iconic film and when the opportunity to bring the titular character to life on stage arrived, I couldn’t say no. Plus The Cambride Theatre Company always put on the biggest and brightest shows, so it’s a perfect combination.

Q: What do you love about your character? 

A: Shrek is like an onion – once you remove his Ogre layer, you get to meet a variety of layers, such as the funny, more caring and vulnerable side to him.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?

A: This an all singing all dancing role, combined with Shrek’s prosthetics and large padded costume, it’s one of the biggest challenges on stage I’ve had to face.

Q: Whats you favourite Shrek Movie?

A: The original Shrek movie, which the musical production follows very closely.

Q: Without giving anything away, what’s your favourite line of dialogue? 

A: “Aaah Geez, I’m like a crackpot magnet”

Q: If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be? 

A: Donkey

Q: Besides this one, what’s your favourite stage show? 

A: Fiddler on the Roof

Q: When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing? 

A: Eat and drink to keep the energy levels up

Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your career? 

A: My father. He’s a vocal comedy impressionist. I grew up watching his audiences crying with laughter, giving standing ovations and queuing for autographs.