Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors

Exeter Little Theatre Company

Monday 11th September and Thursday 14th September 2023

Barnfield Theatre, Exeter

Book and Lyrics - Howard Ashman 

Music – Alan Menken

Directed by Daniel McLoughlin

Musical Director – Alfie Pugh

Choreography – Isobel Court

Little Shop of Horrors is an infamous musical and best known through the film version of 1986. Any show which involves a man-eating plant is a challenge but there are not enough superlatives for the production I witnessed not just once but twice. 

The stage was set perfectly as the inside of Mr Mushnik’s flower shop, lit in purples, pinks and blues and with a flown in neon sign stating Little Shop of Horrors. The set had a number of entrances and exits showing the street, Audrey’s apartment door up a set of steps, a door to the workshop and the front door of the flower shop, allowing the audience to see who was entering. Cleverly designed throughout the show with a shop counter and rear flat that was removed to accommodate Audrey II as it grew.  A very professional set for a smaller theatre. 

And it began, with the beautiful harmonies and perfectly merging prologue by Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette. This trio worked seamlessly together, all with stunning voices and perfectly co-ordinated choreography, every word could be heard as they narrated the storyline and the characters throughout. Superb performances and managing a number of quick-changes throughout. Well done. 

We meet Mr Mushnik portrayed by an actor of experience and quality, with an eastern European -New York twang, the audience warmed to him immediately. Creating a character who worked with great aptitude with his fellow actors this was a delight to watch especially in the song ‘Mushnik and Son’ with Seymour.  With regard to the actor playing Seymour, what a performance this young man gave the audience. A unique, naïve quality to the performance brought us the Seymour we know and love. His ability to hold the audiences gaze throughout, with a strong melodic voice and incredible dance ability was sublime. Totally believable and with excellent comic timing especially in the dentist chair, this was worthy of a professional stage. As too was the actor playing Audrey. This was a performance of quality, providing us with the essence of Audrey, the dumb but warm-hearted blonde, preyed upon by a bullying, gas-lighting boyfriend, Orin Scrivello. With a stunning voice, perfectly gauged timing especially in “Somewhere that’s green” and incredible stage presence, she produced one of the best performances I have seen on any stage. Congratulations.

Orin Scrivello, The Dentist, what a piece of work and accurately portrayed by this actor. His interaction with Audrey, and the ability to frighten anyone with one LOUD word was genius. Ripping heads off teddy bears, sniffing inordinate amounts of laughing gas produced an incredible comedic achievement. Again, a strong voice, great accent and his quick-changes in act 2 were worked well. 

With excellent cameo roles and a talented ensemble, attention to detail was what this show produced in abundance. The bag lady with a stunning voice, the first customer in the shop with his 100 red roses, the radio interviewer with a superb accent, shutting down her interviewee prematurely and Patrick Martin, the cocky producer. The ensemble, each had their own character or back story, the drunken pervert, the flasher, the struggling house wife and all produced great numbers such as Skid Row, choreographed intelligently and skilfully. 

The show was costumed in the era of the 50’s/60’s. Audrey’s tight skirt and off the shoulder blouses, the trio in their glitter and checks, the suits and dresses of the ensemble, Seymour’s knitted tank tops, all exactly right for this piece.

Puppeteering is not my forte but it was for those clever puppeteers of Audrey II. As the plant grew the difficulty increased but the co-ordination between them and the actor playing Audrey II was impeccable. The voice of Audrey II… there are few words really other than it was as magnificent as the final plant. With melodic, warm, deep tones and clear diction with a New York accent, I felt transported back to the 1986 film. A magical performance of note.

The sound made by a five-piece band conducted by Alfie Pugh was just right for the size of the theatre and the show itself and the sound they made was awesome. Well done to the sound guys who kept those levels and the mic’s up at all times.  The lighting was handled skilfully and ingenious especially in “Feed Me”, changing the mood of the scene. 

My congratulations to Isobel Court who choreographed the show tastefully. The trio with their ‘Supremes like’ moves and attitude, Skid Row with its constant movement across the stage, Seymour’s athleticism jumping off the counter and a brilliantly timed telephone scene added so much to the actor’s performances.  

Attention to detail, as I mentioned, changes a show from good to excellent in my opinion and for a first-time director of a musical to produce such a cracking show is rare. Daniel McLoughlin should be very proud of his achievement with Little Shop of Horrors which was obvious to everyone watching. The theatre full audiences who paid to see it provided the company a standing ovation at the end (of every show, I believe) which was all the proof needed.

Little Shop of Horrors was a triumph in every way for Exeter Little Theatre Company and without doubt was one of the best productions I have seen this year.  I am delighted for the society, the cast, the crew and everyone involved. Huge congratulations for an enjoyable and memorable production and a huge success.  

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda South West Representative (East and Mid Devon)

 

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