Canberra's Free-Rain Theatre Company is staging a musical adaptation of the beloved modern fairytale of the same name and is looking for a Canberra man to play the cranky ogre made internationally famous by Mike Myers in 2001.

The animated movie Shrek was released by DreamWorks in 2001, and also featured the voices of Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy.

The Canberra Shrek will need "to have charisma" says Shrek the Musical director Ylaria Rogers, as well as the ability to nail a Scottish accent, and be known as a master farter and belcher.

"He's got to be loveable - when you first meet him you've got love him but honestly, he's a bit gross," Rogers said.

"We need someone who can belt out a tune - a high baritone who's not afraid to let it all out, Broadway style.

"And he's got to be able to move as well, there needs to be energetically something about Shrek, he can't be heavy, there's something about that big strong character that's got so much life to him."

While Rogers is confident they'll find a local Shrek - "we've had 50 expressions of interest so far, but we're looking for more" - it's actually the character of Donkey, Shrek's best friend, she thinks will be harder to cast.

Shrek the Musical includes all the famous Donkey quips: "In the morning I'm making waffles" and "You know Shrek, not everybody like onions. Cake! Everybody loves cake! Cakes have layers!" and it will take a unique comic to bring these to life, according to Rogers.

"[Donkey is] the classic comic but he just needs to match Shrek so well. Shrek has energy but as soon as Donkey appears, Shrek is this grounded rock and Donkey's the frantic energy," she said.

"Eddie Murphy just made that character so iconic in the movie, it'll take someone special to score that role for our show."

As for Shrek's love interest, Princess Fiona, Rogers is looking for the determination and fierceness of Beyonce. Actually, make that a tap dancing Beyonce.

"Fiona is the epitome of what we want our daughters to be - the woman who has heart and passion and flame, she doesn't need to be looked after," she said.

"She's not a princess, she's a total queen."

A cast of hilarious and rowdy Canberrans (with stunning vocal chords) is required to fill other lead roles, including Lord Farquaad (the tiny ruler of the kingdom of Duloc) and the eternally-panicked gingerbread man. Children are required to play fairy tale characters like Peter Pan and the three little pigs.

Shrek the Musical will be staged at The Q in Queanbeyan in the October 2018 school holidays.

To express an interest in playing Shrek, Fiona, Donkey or any other character, email your headshot and details of your performing experience to freeraintheatre@gmail.com. Auditions will be held mid-2018.