Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop is definitely one of those Musicals that you either love or hate, there’s no in between. I am pleased to say that I do love it…. for me its become a classic up there with any R&H or Sondheim – okay maybe I’m going a tad too far but having been in it three or four times myself, you perhaps get that I like the show?

I have to say; the set and its fixtures and fittings along with the props were probably the best that I have ever seen on this production and the AudreyII plant just got better and better as the show went on.

Mark Cooper led the show as geeky florist Seymour and did a sterling job. His awkward confidence grew as fast as AudreyII as did his relationship with Audrey 1 played by Beth Matthews. Beth acted and sang her way through the show with tons of musicality and some great comic timing. ‘Somewhere that’s Green’ was a particular highlight.

The Voice of AudreyII, provided by Simon Hoffman was clear and soulful and delivered brilliantly. The manipulation of the plant was equally as good as the principal line up with tons of energy from Andrew Bours.

Simon Matthews brought his professional flare to the role of Orin the Dentist, Audrey’s abusive and sadistic boyfriend. He was confident, arrogant and hilariously over the top..

The trio of singing street urchins, Krystie Hammil as Chiffon, Jayne Holford as Crystal and Sasha Tadman as Ronnett all blasted out their numbers in fine voice but was a shame they weren’t all singing the same words or moving in unison. They were just a tad under-rehearsed but still fun to watch.

The rest of the chorus made the most of what little work they had in the production even if the company numbers lacked a bit of energy and fresh choreography.

I really enjoyed this production. Musical Comedy is difficult to perfect but Trinity did a sterling job with a very strong line up of principals.

It was a delight to go backstage and meet the cast at the end of the show but even more of a privilege to present Edna and Mavis with their Loooooong Service Awards – Congratulations!

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