‘I HAVE a billion followers on Twitter!’

Those are the words of pint-sized villain Lord Farquaad whose larger-than-life ego provides laughs galore in Shrek The Musical.

Currently on show at the majestic Wales Millennium Centre, this family friendly hoot will delight audiences young and old.

Based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animations feature film, the show was originally directed in the West End, with multi award-winning set and costume design.

It follows unlikely hero Shrek, a swamp-dwelling ogre played by Steffan Harri, and his loyal steed Donkey, a moving, grooving sidekick brought to life by Marcus Ayton, as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona, played by Amelia Lily, from a fire-breathing, love-sick dragon.

With cameos from fairytale favourites like Peter Pan and Pinocchio, it is a perfect mixture of music, dance and performance comedy.

Featuring brilliant special effects and production values, there are plenty of stars, but none shine brighter than Samuel Holmes in his role as the diminutive dictator Farquaad.

It is hard to pick a favourite moment, but his part in a makeshift weights session had the crowd roaring.

My five-year-old was enthralled throughout, and by the end of the show half the audience was on its feet whooping and hollering in delight.

Shrek the Musical is on until Sunday.

Visit www.wmc.org.uk or call 02920 636464.

Robert Owen