Newsflash! The farting green ogre who lives in a swamp in the Land of Duloc is actually a primary school teacher from Surrey! But then, as Shrek the Musical shows us, “Fairytales aren’t always what they seem.”

And challenging expectations is something Reece Fitzgerald absolutely loves about playing the unlikely hero of BATS’ latest show, based on the hugely popular animated film.

“Shrek shows us that being you - being unique - is OK and can be celebrated, rather than always conforming to society’s expectations” says Reece.

“Lots of children I teach have got tickets to come and see Shrek. Hopefully it will inspire them. If their teacher can go off and do something completely different, they can too!”

“Knowing what their teacher does in his spare time also means I’m spared an awkward explanation, if I neglect to remove any green makeup before coming to class the next morning!”

Shrek’s arch rival is the thoroughly evil Lord Farquaad, played by software engineer Ben Kennedy, for whom the role marks a radical departure from the string of pantomime dames he’s played recently in the Alton area.

“I’ve always wanted to be a baddie!” says Ben. “I think Farquaad has been festering underneath my personality for a long time! If I get booed by the audience at the end of the show that would be wonderful!”

Farquaad’s physical shortcomings provide much of the comedy - but it’s no laughing matter for Ben’s knees!

“I spend the whole show on them! Fortunately I had a vast array of knee pads in my garage from when I did extreme sports as a teenager. During rehearsals I’ve been wearing them out, pair by pair! It’s taking a lot of endurance!”

Both Reece and Ben are newcomers to BATS, something Reece found “nerve racking but exciting.” It was the chance to perform in Shrek that enticed them.

“It’s a show that captured my heart years ago,” says Reece. “I love the music and I saw the most recent tour of the show twice.”

“It’s a musical that’s works on different levels,” adds Ben. “The kids will love all the jokes and fairy tale characters. There’s adult humour too. Plus it gets pretty deep in places. But above all it’s a great feelgood family show!”

You can see Reece and Ben in Shrek the Musical from 10 - 19 November at the Haymarket. Buy tickets online.