Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors a musical presented by Orrell Musical and Dramatic Society at St John Rigby College, Gathurst Road, Orrell on Thursday, 30th March 2023.

Little Shop of Horrors is a mouth-watering sci-fi horror musical with a 1960s pop/rock score penned by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman containing several well-known tunes, including the title song, ‘Skid Row (Downtown)’, ‘Somewhere That's Green’, and ‘Suddenly, Seymour’.  Seymour Krelborn is a meek and dejected assistant working at Mushnik’s Floral Shop, who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names ‘Audrey II’ after his ‘crush’ at the shop. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant has an unquenchable thirst for HUMAN BLOOD. As ‘Audrey II’ grows bigger and meaner, the carnivorous plant promises limitless fame and fortune to Seymour, as long as he continues providing a fresh supply of blood. Just when it’s too late, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s extra-terrestrial origins and its true drive for world-domination! St John Rigby College was a ‘new venue’ for Orrell Musical and Dramatic Society and as with any new venue there comes new challenges, particularly performing on the floor instead of on a stage… but having now seen the production I can honestly say that those challenges were met head on and overcome with great results!

PRODUCTION TEAM… Laura Priestley (Director) a regular member/performer with Orrell was directing her very first production!  Thrown in at the deep end, with not only a debut show, but with unfamiliar surroundings to come to terms with as well. I had the privilege and pleasure to meet and speak with Laura, before, during and after the production… there were still a few nerves jangling … but you really had nothing to worry about… the cast did you proud … great show, well done Laura, be proud!  Assisting Laura with the direction we had Andrew Southern who was also playing the role of Mr Mushnik.  The experienced and ever so talented Linda Scott (Musical Director) and her band were tucked away behind the set, out of sight! Out of sight maybe… but what wasn’t out of sight was the musical accompaniment throughout which was impressive.  In charge of the choreography, we had Natasha Ralston and Steph Shaw… simple yet effective choreography was used well throughout… good job girls… well done everyone!

THE CAST… as soon as the lights came up, it was obvious that this well-rehearsed cast of twenty-five were ready and just waiting to give us their all!  I’m not one to sit on the fence …so can I start by identifying MY ‘Show stealer’ ... Chloe Haley gave us the outstanding performance as ‘Audrey’ the ditzy, bleached-blond shop assistant who’s in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend, but who has a secret admirer in her fellow shop assistant ... ‘Seymour’.  This was Chloe’s first show with Orrell and what a performance it was!  Strong, confident, assured… Chloe is blessed with great stage presence and an amazing singing voice. The two songs she sang… ‘Somewhere that’s Green’ and its reprise in Act 2 and ‘Suddenly Seymour’ which she sang with ‘Seymour’ were ‘highlights’ for me… the reprise of ‘Somewhere that’s Green’ gave me goose bumps… well done young lady, amazing performance!  Steven Ascroft, took on the role of ‘Seymour Krelborn’ the sweet, downtrodden, menial labourer from Mushnik’s who has a ‘soft spot for Audrey!   Steven created a totally believable character, stage presence aplenty and was a perfect fit for this role… as previously stated his rendition with ‘Audrey’ of ‘Suddenly Seymour’ was a highlight for me… well done Steven good job sir!  Nathan Benson took on the role of the ‘sadistic dentist’ … ‘Orin Scrivello DDS’, the abusive boyfriend of Audrey, who’s fondness for his own ‘nitrous oxide’ proves to be his downfall resulting in him becoming ‘Audrey II’s ’first meal’!  Nathan created an ’over the top character’ which this role demands… intense and scary at times, you would never want him anywhere near your teeth for sure!  Another with great stage presence… well done Nathan good job sir!   ‘The Ronnettes’… ‘Ronnette’, ‘Chiffon’ and ‘Crystal’ were played by Corrina Connor, Sarah Farley and Victoria Aldren respectively. They opened the show with the title song ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and were ever present, commenting on the action through song and interacting with all the characters.  All three maintained their characters throughout, even when not front and centre.  We did have a few ‘wobbles’ with the some of the harmonies… but I do think that was down to a few nerves knocking around… but it really was all there ladies, for sure… well done, congrats!   Who could forget Hannah Wallwork and David Simm both of whom did an amazing job as puppeteer and the voice of Audrey II. Although perhaps not the most ‘glamorous of roles’ they are ‘key’ to the success of this show!  Loved the rendition of ‘Feed Me’ with Seymour… well done you two…you nailed it!  Andrew Southern took on the role of the ‘Mr Mushnik’ the owner of the failing Mushnik Flower Shop on Skid Row, prone to cursing in Yiddish, a man who hardly ever smiles but often yells… good job Andrew!  Ray Sims played ‘Patrick Martin’, Liz Schofield played ‘Bernstein’, who offers Seymour his own TV gardening show. Emily Reeder played ‘Mrs Luce’ representing Life Magazine; Neil Sutcliffe played ‘Skip Snip’.  The Ensemble included… Carol Clayton, Steve Webster, Steph Shaw, John Kennedy, Wendy Forshaw, Carol Waring, Jean Budworth, Mildred Sims, Lily McGunigle, Natasha Ralston and Rachel McGunigle and Elaine Eccles/ (who also played customers one and two respectively).

Set/Staging/Tech … Andrew Clayton (Stage Manager) along with his team were then people tasked to oversee everything stage wise.  A simple single set was used throughout, although simple, it offered the cast every opportunity to perform and to show off their talents.  Sound and Lighting was again, simple yet effective under the watchful eye of David Wall, Joanna Sweet and team… well done folks, great job!  Props… there were lots of props used, all of a good standard and appropriate for the production all of which helped enhance the production… congrats to Hannah Wallwork and the cast! Wardrobe… we had some fabulous costumes on show, again adding to and enhancing the production… i/c of the wardrobe we had Elaine Eccles… well done Elaine!

From the response and the enthusiastic ovation from a capacity audience here at St John Rigby College that greeted the finale of this production, I think I can safety stay that this was a production thoroughly enjoyed
by all those present that evening! Congratulations to one and all, especially Laura directing her first musical…
be ever so proud, each and all!

Thank you so much for inviting Susan and I we really did enjoy the production.  Before I close, can I also just say a huge congratulations to the society on their award at the recent NODA District 6 Award Dinner for Best Concert… really was well deserved!  Hope you enjoyed the rest of the run and I hope to see you all soon… well done everybody!

Stay Safe/Keep well
“Stronger Together”

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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