Behind the scenes at Shrek the Musical

I have been so busy the past few months I haven't had the time to keep the blog up to date. In May I was asked to take some backstage photos at Shrek the Musical in London.

Stefan Musch, the Head of Wigs, helping put on Amanda Holden's tiara in her dressing room

Amanda's dressing room is very princessy - with plenty of pink and a sign on the door that says, 'The Tower'

I had access to most of the theatre. As a theatre photographer I'm used to seeing the front of the stage, but it was fascinating to go behind the scenes. This image was taken from above. The ensemble change and apply their make-up in the Wardrobe Village, which is the area at the bottom of the photograph. When this photo was taken most of the cast were on stage, but there are moments when the space is completely full and the actors have to perform a very fast turnaround.

Nigel Harman, who plays Lord Farquaad, having his eyebrows painted on by the make-up artist

Please click on the thumbnails to see larger images of the cast getting ready

Shrek himself, played by Nigel Lindsay, having his green eye make-up finished

The rats putting on their noses - Jonathan Stewart, Stuart Matthew Price, Jon-Scott Clark and Ste Clough

Ashley E Hale applying her rat nose

Click on the thumbnails to see larger images

Dean Chisnall becoming Pig

These photos have been featured in the Daily Mail and Evening Standard amongst others. I'm lucky in that I have a great job that takes me to many interesting places, but this afternoon was especially fun. The numbers of people backstage making a large musical like Shrek run smoothly is amazing, and it was fascinating to see how quickly they work.