Shrek the Malls intu Eldon Square Christmas Lights Switch On: Eldon Square

Beloved swamp-dwelling ogre, Shrek, will be VIP guest at the switch on of intu Eldon Squares Christmas Lights, ahead of his arrival at Newcastle's Theatre Royal in March 2015 as part of the first ever SHREK THE MUSICAL® tour of the UK and Ireland. Coming direct from London, where it was seen live on stage by nearly a million people, the UK and Ireland tour of SHREK THE MUSICAL^® stars Dean Chisnall as beloved swamp-dwelling ogre Shrek, the role he previously played in the West End, Faye Brookes as damsel in distress Princess Fiona, Idriss Kargbo as Shreks wisecracking sidekick Donkey and Gerard Carey as pint-sized villain Lord Farquaad. Shrek will be flicking the switch on a spectacular new scheme of Christmas lights at intu Eldon Square , featuring over 100,000 pea lights, and in excess of 25,000 baubles and ornaments; more than enough to illuminate Shreks Kingdom of Far Far Away and beyond! With twelve months of planning, design and creation, the new display has been developed around the theme of The Gift of Christmas and has evolved as a celebration of the joy of giving. Giant gift boxes will be displayed in locations throughout the centre, each providing a setting for a dazzling display of light and colour, heralding the festive season. Prior to the switch on children can take advantage of a Shrektastic arts and crafts workshop, featuring Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey mask making and face painting. Entertainment will start at 11.30 am with the Newcastle Temple Salvation Army Band, followed by hugely popular tribute show Re-Take That at 12.15 pm, before SHREK takes to the stage at 1pm for the lights switch on and Christmas sing-a-long, hosted by Steve Walls.  Over the course of the event, the Shrek The Musical team will also be handing out Shrek ears to all members of the audience, so they can really immerse themselves in the action!