Little Shop of Horrors

This was not my first visit to Marsden and it was most certainly a lot easier than my previous experience, as then I found myself in a dance workshop for Chicago, but after this trip it will definitely not be my last.

Over recent years the group have produced a mixture of popular musicals and plays and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was their first production back after the pandemic.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a horror comedy with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The story follows a young florist who raises a strange and interesting plant that has a taste for human blood. The musical is loosely based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy starring a young Jack Nicholson. The music in this version is in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and Motown.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ premiered in 1982 and it seemed quite fitting to find out that this was Director Robbie Pogson’s 40th year in amateur theatre.
The show opens with ‘The Urchins’ Ronnette (Rachel Clegg), Chiffon (Sarah Thompson) Crystal (Keeley Denton) and Chantel (Anna Deery) setting the tone for the whole show. The quartet appear numerous times during the show and were excellent. The singing displayed some tight harmonies and precise dancing.

The grumpy and failing flower shop owner Mushnik was played with confidence by Daren Wild. His character gestures and energy especially in the number ‘Mushnik and Son’ was brilliant and had the audience laughing all the way. Working is his shop are the two misfits Seymour played by Steven Cheeseman and Audrey played by
Annabelle Taylor. Both Steven and Annabelle were perfectly cast and played their parts convincingly. Steven as soon as he made his first entrance was every bit the
loveable dork that you would expect from this character and he sang and acted with supreme confidence. Annabelle gave us a very believable and endearing character. As iconic as the squeaky voice of Ellen Greene is in the movie version, I preferred being able to hear the dialogue and Annabelle showed the troubled and delicate side of her character without fault.

Orin Scrivello DDS, the dentist with a penchant for the sadistic is an excellent part to play and the opportunity to make the most of it was taken to the max by Chris Slater. His rendition of ‘Dentist’ was really well done and you could see he was having fun.

So if we are honest and you say you are off to see ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ then everyone will probably think of the plant, Audrey II. This did not disappoint. Once Audrey II had gone from being a carried plant to something more substantial, puppeteer James Walshe was in control. He ensured that all the movements wereperfectly in sync with the vocal performer. No easy feat.
Chris Comber provided the voice of Audrey II and was the perfect final touch to this character. His singing was first rate and had the Motown sound that is synonymous with the role.
The remaining cameo roles were brilliantly portrayed by Tiffany Clarke, Claire Fielding and Pippa Bamford and they all enhanced what was a very well-cast show.
The set was incredibly well considered. The internals of the flower shop were well constructed and the use of doors to exit the shop before re-entering from the wings made the scene changes slick and effective. The plants were top drawer and the audience were amazed at the size of the final Audrey II. I thought the use of a projector in the opening was a really nice touch and gave a fresh feel. Props, make up and costumes were all bang on and never looked out of place. One of the costume highlights was the Urchins and the connection to denim as a theme. This was genius and the final dresses were very elegant.

Carolynne Crowder as Choreographer gave the audience a treat with very precise and well drilled routines. Mushnik and Son was hilarious but a particular highlight was at in the final scenes as the Urchins displayed some very precise arm movements, very reminiscing of the Thousand Hand Bodhisattva.

Richard Lord, Musical Director brought something that can be lacking at times and that was balance. The small yet perfectly formed band were absolutely together at all times and never over powered the cast. This could be a disaster in smaller venues but Richard always had control. A lovely sound to enhance the great singing.

Robbie Pogson directed ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ with great skill and vision. It is interesting to note that Little Shop opened off Broadway some 40 years ago and this is also Robbie’s 40th year in Amateur Theatre. You could see that the years have not just been spent performing but he has absorbed skills that led to this production
being what it was. This was a quality piece of theatre carried out within a limited space. The staging never looked cluttered and everything was right in its place. I was really impressed with the final scene for Audrey and Seymour. This can be a throw away moment but Robbie managed to make this quite touching and heartfelt.

CS Technical provided some very clever and effective lighting. I have had the pleasure of seeing this company working up close and whenever I see the name on a programme I can sit back knowing the lighting and sound will be of high quality.

To the unsung heroes of the production, Stage Manager and all the Front of House staff, can I just say that you were all a valuable cog in this very brilliant production and you should all be equally proud.

Thank you to all at Marsden PCAODS for the very warm welcome you gave my wife and I. I look forward to your next production and it’s great to see the talent District 8 has to offer.

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