More than 100 Aspley State High School students have spent months rehearsing after school, at lunch and on a weekend to bring Shrek: The Musical to their local community, staging the beloved fairytale across three performances.
Based on the hit animated film, the show follows grumpy ogre Shrek and his fast-talking sidekick Donkey on a mission to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, with the kind of big Broadway numbers, slapstick comedy and surprising heart that has made it a perennial favourite for school productions worldwide.
The musical runs from 30 July to 1 August at the Aspley State High School Performing Arts Hall.
A cast of students stepping up
Teacher and director Joshua Crossley said audiences could expect standout performances from students who had never sung on stage before. “We have students who have never sung on stage before who are now playing massive parts, including our Fiona,” he said. “The students and staff have been working so hard since February to create the best show possible.”
Year 12 student Ariella takes on the role of Princess Fiona, bringing what she describes as the character’s sassy and feisty energy to the stage. Fellow Year 12 student DJ plays Shrek himself, while Musical Captain Paige, also in Year 12, tackles Donkey with an eye on the comedy.
“I am really looking forward to being the comedic relief of the show and hopefully getting a few laughs,” Paige said.
Year 10 student Leon plays Pinocchio, navigating a demanding falsetto throughout. “Delivering lines in this constant high-pitched falsetto is both challenging and really fun, especially singing,” he said. Year 10 student Kayla takes on the role of Dragon, describing the role as a genuine stretch outside her comfort zone.
Younger students take the stage alongside seniors
The production draws on the full breadth of the school’s student body, from Year 7 to Year 12, as part of Aspley High’s biennial musical tradition. Year 7 student Vienna, a core dancer in the cast, said the ‘What’s Up Duloc’ routine was a personal highlight, while classmate Emma, who plays Elf, described the show as a chance to bring the community together.
Musical Captain Denah, who plays Ugly Duckling, said the show was genuinely funny and that the cast sounded incredible. “I hope the community will support the production because genuinely our performance is so funny and everyone sounds incredible,” she said.
A performance the cast can’t wait to share
DJ summed up the experience in practical terms of non-stop laughter and emotional moments, though full evening sessions are scheduled for up to three hours.. “It’s an hour and a half of rib-hurting laughter and emotionally relatable characters,” he said. “Most of all, it would mean the world to our performers; we’d adore having a giant audience to sing and act for.”
Aspley State High sits on Zillmere Road, 13 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, and its Performing Arts Hall serves as the venue for the three-night season.
Tickets start at $20 and are available via TryBooking.
Published 2-July-2026
