Curtain down on Shrek The Musical

Shrek is to close on February 24

Hit stage show Shrek The Musical is to end its West End run early next year after nearly two years.

However, producers of the show - which has starred Amanda Holden, Kimberley Walsh and Carley Stenson - say it will go on a UK tour in 2014.

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane will go on to be the home of Sam Mendes's production of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, which had originally been due to open at the London Palladium.

Shrek is to close on February 24 with the DreamWorks production team turning its attention to Madagascar Live! and an arena tour of How To Train Your Dragon.

Producer Bill Damaschke said: "It is not without sadness that we have decided to leave next year."

The show has been staged since May 2011 and was nominated for four Olivier Awards, with Nigel Harman taking the prize for best supporting actor in a musical for his role as Lord Farquaad.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory - based on the Roald Dahl book - will open for previews on May 18.