Todd McKenney and Marcia Hines are thrilled Shrek the Musical extended

The easing of coronavirus restrictions in Brisbane has heralded a double announcement for Shrek the Musical’s current season.

Theatre veterans Todd McKenney and Marcia Hines are thrilled that they are set to perform for full houses again at QPAC.

Even better, the hit show they are starring in, Shrek the Musical, has been extended for a week due to popular demand, and will now run in the Lyric Theatre at QPAC until February 14.

QPAC chief executive John Kotzas said that was cause for double celebration for audiences, QPAC and the arts industry as a whole.

“Shrek has been so well received, and after having to unfortunately cancel some of the performances earlier in the season due to COVID restrictions, we’re so pleased to be able to extend the season by an extra week until February 14 to allow as many people as possible to see this heartwarming musical,” Kotzas said.

“After cancelled performances, and then operating at 50 per cent capacity for the last 10 days, it means so much to the cast of Shrek the Musical to be able to perform to full houses, and to us as we welcome our wider community back to QPAC.”

Tickets for the extra week of Shrek the Musical are on sale to the general public from 3pm tomorrow.

Ben Mingay stars as the green ogre in Shrek the Musical at QPAC. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Audiences have been loving the show, which stars Ben Mingay as Shrek the loveable green ogre, and musical theatre star Lucy Durack as his love interest Princess Fiona.

Todd McKenney, 55 plays the stunted tyrant Lord Farquaad and former Queen of Pop Marcia Hines, 67, is the voice of the show’s Dragon, and comes on stage in person at the end of each performance to lead the cast in singing I’m a Believer.

Lord Farquaad rides a horse at one stage, which he names according to his fancy, and he has been calling it Palaszczuk in Brisbane.

“I love my noble steed and Queenslanders love their Premier,” he says.

Look out ...Marcia Hines and Todd McKenney are scooter-crazy, so don’t be surprised if you see them roaring along the boardwalk outside QPAC where they are starring in Shrek the Musical. Picture: Liam Kidston

McKenney and Hines are besties and are having the time of their life in Brisbane, riding around town in their downtime on e-scooters.

“We love the scooters,” Hines said, although she confessed it wasn’t much fun when they got caught in a summer storm.

McKenney says playing to 50 per cent capacity crowds in Brisbane due to restrictions hadn’t been so bad, because local audiences were appreciative.

“Even at 50 per cent capacity they are so enthusiastic,” McKenney said.

“Luckily we’re now going back to full houses.

“People want to get back to the theatre and Brisbane is giving us the best reaction so far.”

Todd McKenney on his knees as Lord Farquaad in Shrek The Musical. (AAP Image/David Crosling)

McKenney has a tough role playing the pint-sized Lord Farquaad, required to walk around on his knees on stage.

“It kills me, but hearing the laughter makes it all worthwhile,” he said.

Hines says the show is a tonic for the pandemic era.

“I think the show is joyous and right now we need that.

“The world needs joy.”

Those disappointed when the show was postponed due to the recent lockdown will be happy to hear about the extra week of shows, and the cast is elated if a little busy, with nine shows this week including two on Friday.

A QPAC spokesman said masks would not be mandatory, although patrons may choose to wear them.