Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors is a stage musical based upon a very low budget 1960’s ‘B’ movie. The musical works (well) when the cast deliver their libretto in a tongue in cheek, over the top, manner and in Caprian’s version of this lovely musical it was performed to perfection.

The story revolves around a ‘skid row’ community neighbourhood and flower shop whose shop assistant Seymour (Andrew Howe) starts cultivating a plant of unknown provenance which grows at an amazing rate on human blood. Meanwhile fellow shop assistant Audrey (Lindsay Kelleghar) is having a hard time of things whilst dating an abusive dentist, Orin (Steven Nichol).

Providing continuity and effectively ‘narration’ are three dropout ‘teenagers’ Chiffon, Ronette and Crystal (Lisa Hopper, Andrea Riley and Lisa Barnes respectively). All three provided fine harmonies and kept up their ‘edgy’ characterisations throughout. Their costumes were appropriate to the ‘gungy’ nature of the 1950’s and it was nice to see them get an opportunity to wear something sparkly during the second act.

With a small cast some cast members played one or more smaller roles but they did so with aplomb. Ian Mordue (as Bernestein and Skip Snip); Kelley Edmondson (as Mrs Luce) and Patrick Martin (as James Fairchild) – each brought a sense of alternative ‘character’ to their small but vital roles.

Andrew Howe as Seymour brought a sense of naivety but sense of determined ‘purpose’ to the role and his acting and singing were exemplary, no more so than in the duet with Lindsay Kellegher as Audrey, ‘Suddenly Seymour’, which was the ‘spark’ that ignited their fledgling relationship. Lindsay never faltered in her character as the ‘put upon’ young lady in an abusive relationship and her plaintive number ‘Somewhere that’s Green’ was a fitting prelude to her final demise at the hand (or should I say, ‘leaves’ of the ‘plant’.

Steven Nichol as Orin the masochistic dentist with a nasty streak was a master class in how to act nastily whilst laughing throughout. His final scene when he laughs his way to his death through overdosing on Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) was truly superb, and hilarious; as was his solo ‘Be a Dentist’ (with his final rejoinder – ‘AND SPIT’). His overdose was in a timely manner to feed the ‘plant’.

I have had the privilege of working on a production with Peter Brack (Mr Mushnik) in the past and there is no finer actor for comedy character roles. This role didn’t disabuse me of that assertion. Peter ‘owned’ the role as the overbearing flower shop owner who, in fear of losing his prize asset, adopts Seymour. Mr Mushnik’s ultimate demise at the behest of the ‘plant’ wanting ‘fresh meat’ was funny in a macabre way.

An ensemble of Emma McRoberts, Izzy Simpson, Leanne Wrightson, Rachael Carr, Rebecca Bainbridge, Rubee Mellon and Stacey Duggan each played their roles (and dancing) to enhance the production.

Making up the ‘cast’ was a stage prop which over the course of the production grew from tiny pot plant to massive plant that dominated the stage. ‘Audrey II’ (named by Seymour as a homage to the original Audrey). Audrey II had a life and actions of its own and was operated expertly by Graeme Kinniburgh whilst sung in fine voice in an assertive manner by Gareth Lilley (and it was nice to see them both get the applause they deserved at the ‘walk downs’.)

Regards staging the set (and plant) dominated the stage and left not a lot of space to move but the choreography as designed by Rebecca and Rachael was still enjoyable and adapted to the space beautifully. Sound & Lighting was expertly controlled and ‘crisp’ cues by Terry Cain.

Well done to Joan Oldfield for her direction and all that managed to get this production to stage – it certainly was worth it.

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