Amelia Lily is set to play the part of Princess Fiona in the upcoming production of Shrek the Musical at the Regent Theatre from Wed 2 May - Sun 13 May.

What do you hope to bring to the role of Princess Fiona?

So many incredible females have taken on the role and have put their own stamp on it and I’d love to do the same. I’m quite young, only being 23, so I definitely want to bring a young essence to the part and just have fun with it.

What do you think the musical offers that the film doesn’t?

You really feel like you’re a part of the stage production. The beauty of Shrek is that it’s suitable for anyone of any age but when you go and watch something live, you feel more involved and, as an audience member, it’s so important to feel like you’re a part of the show.

You’ve been on tour as both a musical theatre performer and as a solo artist, what do you most and least enjoy about touring?

My least favourite part is travelling! Travelling tires you out and when you’re doing eight shows a week, the last thing you want to be is tired. Saying that, I find touring really exciting because you get to see all these different places around the country.

If you could play any other character in the show, who would you want to play?

It would have to be Donkey. When I was younger, he was always my favourite in the film, with Eddie Murphy bringing so much humour to the character. I’ve been quoting his scenes since I was a little girl so it would definitely have to be him. I’ve known Marcus for years who’s playing Donkey on the tour, I’ll have to ask him one day if he wants to swap roles one evening!

How does it feel to be joining the tour of Shrek the Musical?

Shrek is such an upbeat and energetic show and I’m really looking forward to it because it’s so iconic. Shrek is famous all around the world and to step into a role like Princess Fiona is just amazing. It’s a dream come true for me and I think I’m going to have such a laugh on stage.

Was a stage career something you ever envisaged after your success on the X Factor?

Before I entered the X Factor, I was looking to go to drama school so a stage career was always on the cards. The fact that the X Factor happened was a blessing in disguise as it got my foot in the door and gave me so many opportunities. Now, to be able to go down the route that I always planned has just been incredible. This is my fourth musical and I’m very grateful I was able to do both music and musical theatre.

How would you describe the show to someone who hasn’t seen Shrek on stage before?

If you want to go to the theatre and leave with a smile on your face and have a blast all the way through, then this is the show for you. You don’t even have to be a Shrek fan - it’s an amazing piece of theatre, and I’ve never heard a soundtrack like it. It’s one of my favourite musical theatre soundtracks and it appeals to all ages.

What’s your favourite moment or song in the show and why?

The first time I heard ‘I Think I Got You Beat’ I couldn’t stop laughing because Princess Fiona and Shrek have a burping and farting competition. I was in hysterics and, to be quite honest, I don’t know how I’m going to do that without laughing on stage, so that’s definitely one of my favourite songs. I love the whole soundtrack and I think it’s very rare to love every song equally.

Why should everyone come and see Shrek the Musical?

We’ve got an incredible cast and I feel so lucky to be working with them and the director, Nigel Harman. It’s a great company with so much talent and so much joy as well. This is such a big show and for me, it’s a dream come true. I can’t wait to get on the road and have the best time.

Do you have any other projects in the pipeline?

Shrek is taking up most of my time from now until the end of the year. No doubt I’ll start a Christmas panto at the end of the year but this is definitely my main priority right now.

What drew you to the part of Princess Fiona?

What I love about Princess Fiona is that she is not your average princess. She wears the iconic green dress but still has this tomboy element to her character which I relate to. I remember watching Shrek for the first time and loving her unpredictable nature. Shrek is not your average fairytale yet it’s set in this fairytale land with lots of famous fairytale characters. I would definitely say I’m like Fiona in many ways and I can’t wait to wear a princess frock every night AND burp on stage!