MARCUS Ayton has spent the last six months fighting off the advances of an amorous dragon, and he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

As Donkey in Shrek the Musical which is currently at Blackpool Opera House, he admits he’s having the time of his life.

Based on the hit movie about an ogre who finds love, Donkey is the green giant’s comedy sidekick.

“I’m the fun character,” said Marcus. “It’s Shrek’s story but he needs that person who allows the audience to laugh. I get some of the best one-liners and from the start of the show I don’t stop talking.”

In the movie, Donkey is voiced by Eddie Murphy, and Marcus has been determined from the outset not to based his version of Donkey on the American comedian.

“This is a live theatre show not a movie,” he said. “It would be wrong for me to come on and explode on to the stage and be at 100 miles an hour from the start.

“I have to go on slowly and build it so that you see the different layers that make up Donkey’s character. Besides, if I did everything full on from the start I’d be a puddle on the floor and you’d have to carry me off on a stretcher!”

As Donkey, Marcus has to cope with a costume which includes hooves.

“I think from the first day of rehearsal the production team were like ‘here are your hooves, this is what you are going to have to work with’.” he said.

“The difficult bit is how you hold your arms. Normally you would have your arms down at your sides but you can’t have the hooves hanging like hands, that would too human. I think I’ve got the hang of it now.”

As well as the hooves, Marcus has had to cope with the furry Donkey costume and several dance routines.

“It is very hot in there,” he said. “I’m not totally covered up like Shrek but only my face is clear. Once I’m zipped into it, that’s it. I can’t go to the loo in a hurry that’s for sure!”

Being back in Blackpool sees Marcus returning to the North West - he spent three years at UCLAN in Preston where he studied for a BA in musical theatre.

“It certainly has a special place in my heart,” he said.

Shrek the Musical which stars Steffan Harri as the ogre and Amelia Lily as Princess Fiona won’t end it’s UK tour until January.

“It is great to know that you have got a role that lasts for so long,” said Marcus, who has also toured in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. “But being away from home and friends and family can be hard although we do get the odd break from the tour.”

Donkey is a great favourite of youngsters in the audience.

“You get a great reaction from kids in the audience,” he said, “but then Donkey is childlike in a way. He doesn’t stop to think, he just says what’s in his head.”

The spectacular show includes a 15-foot dragon who is infatuated with Donkey.

“Even now it takes me by surprise as to how big she is,” said Marcus.

Shrek the Musical, Blackpool Opera House, until Sunday, May 27. Details from 0844 865 1111 or www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk