A STAGE musical adaptation of a hugely popular film animation will be performed at Bradford's Alhambra Theatre.

Shrek the Musical, produced by Theatre Royal Drury Lane, has already been seen live in London by nearly a million people.

Now, the unforgettable green beast and his accompanying cast of fairy tale characters is preparing to tour the UK and Ireland.

The show will be at the Alhambra from September 9 to September 26 next year and tickets have already gone on sale.

It will be directed by Nigel Harman, who starred as the villainous Lord Farquaad in the West End production, winning him the 2012 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a musical.

A spokesman for the producers said: "We are very excited to be bringing Shrek The Musical to the Alhambra Theatre in September 2015 as part of our tour of the best venues across the UK and Ireland.

"Many years of fun with some of the best talents working in theatre today have gone into its making, and it has thrilled audiences all over the world with its boundless enthusiasm and fun.

"We know the people of Bradford will take Shrek to their hearts."

The director of the tour, Nigel Harman, added: "I'm delighted to be returning to Shrek as its director.

"This show is very special to me, with its dizzying blend of great characters, a hilarious script and sublime music.

"This production is visually stunning, and the story has the magic ingredient of moving at great pace while still being surprisingly intimate.

"In short, there was no way I was going to say no to the challenge of realising the production for the UK and Ireland."

Shrek the Musical first opened on Broadway in 2008, before touring nearly 150 cities in the USA and Canada.

Casting information has still to be announced. Ticket prices range from £46.50 to £19.50. Call the box office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk to book.