WHEN you are green and live in a swamp it doesn't ogre well for romance.

Love isn't only true in fairy tales despite what The Monkees said in the hit I'm A Believer - a song associated with the 2001 film.

But more of that later. This is a love story to make Burton and Taylor green with envy.

Our hero is Shrek with his distinctive Scottish accent and dubious hygiene rituals.

He comes across an erratic but streetwise Donkey who, like his adopted friend, also manages to eventually find his 'other half.'

We are talking serious fairy stories here featuring some very strong morality threads in the process.

'Don't be too judgemental' is one and 'beauty lies within' is another.

Shrek has become a phenomenon since the original DreamWorks film.

The movie franchise is now a family favourite as is the stage version using new songs some of which have been updated for this production which is rightly heading to the West End.

Our hero has been instructed by the cowardly, egotistical royal idiot of Duloc into saving a princess from a tower so he can become king.

An adventure ensues featuring characters from nursery rhymes and children's stories.

Pinocchio, Peter Pan and the Gingerbread Man help out to make this a jolly adventure with 20 songs along the way.

Not all are memorable but they do carry the narrative along.

Children laugh at the costumes while adults enjoy the dialogue.

Imagine Monty Python's Spamalot meets Fungus The Bogeyman and you get the idea - a witty show with a cutting edge that works on many levels.

Shrek is played by stalwart musical star Anthony Lawrence, who gives his character real sensitivity.

And Brandon Lee Sears clearly relishes making an ass of himself as Donkey with some funky dancing thrown in.

Princess Fiona is courtesy of the ever-excellent Strictly star Joanne Clifton who shows perfect comic timing.

Her duet with Shrek on I Think I Got You Beat has some below-the-belt sound affects that are disgusting but very funny.

James Gillan is the deluded super camp Lord Farquaad along with his equally camp guards.

And Cherece Richard's uses her fiery vocals to maximum level as the pink Dragon's voice.

A major highlight is the wonderful set of Illuminated arches and a video projection screen. Full marks to the design and lighting team.

One minute there's a twinkling stars sky - the next a sunset.

We see a burning bridge and all manner of visual trickery.

Director and choreographer Nick Winston ensures the energetic pace is kept from start to finale when the 20 strong cast join together with a raucous version of I'm A Believer.

This is escapism at its best.

We all love a happy ending and Shrek The Musical is happily full of them.

Verdict: Four stars

A Big Shrek-fest.

The show is on until Saturday, February 17.

Tickets are from Atgtickets.com/liverpool