He's big and he's green - Shrek the Musical is set to come to Kent.

But if you're excited by the news, you may want to contain your excitement slightly, as the tour is not coming to Canterbury until 2018.

The larger than life production features 100 much-loved fairytale characters, a 14ft dragon and new songs, as well as the cult Shrek anthem I'm a Believer.

Director Nigel Harman, who made his directorial debut with the show's first UK and Ireland tour, will return as director.

He said: "I had so much fun directing the original UK and Ireland tour that I jumped at the chance to work on it again. Shrek the Musical has created pivotal moments in my career - first winning an Olivier and then my directorial debut. it's certainly become one of the classic family musicals of all time and I'm really proud to be part of it."

Based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek! and the Oscar-winning DreamWorld Animations film, the show features the unlikely hero and his loyal steed donkey on their quest to rescue the beautiful, but temperamental, Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing, love-sick dragon.

The tour comes to the Marlowe Theatre from Wednesday, July 11 to Sunday, July 22, 2018.

Presented by Neal Street Productions, priority booking for the show opens on Wednesday, April 5, with general booking opening on Monday, April 24.

For details visit marlowetheatre.com