Little Shop of Horrors

The Festival Players have once again proven their reputation for quality productions with their latest rendition of "Little Shop of Horrors." As a first-time attendee to a Festival Players’ show and having previously performed as both Seymour and Audrey II in this musical, my expectations were very high. I was not disappointed. Under the expert direction and co-choreography of Kirsty Smith, this production was nothing short of professional excellence.

As the overture started,  we were introduced to the whole cast as various characters living on Skid Row. One by one, each started a seemingly randomised dance move which built into an ensemble routine. This was skilfully executed and throughout, the choreography was simple yet very effective. Well done to Kirsty for her part in this and also Charlotte Dargan (Co-choreographer).

The vocal performances were equally impressive. The Festival Players are fortunate to have a cast where every member boasts strong vocal abilities. Special mention goes to Musical Director William Davies and the band for their accomplished performance.

The street urchins Crystal (Karen Turner), Chiffon (Christine Poole), and Ronette (Elle Brown) were particularly impressive. Their voices blended so smoothly giving us the classic ‘Greek chorus’ sound you expect to hear in this show and their harmonies were perfect.

Samuele Tofano, as Mushnik, brought an appropriately comedic, over-the-top Jewish characterisation to the deadbeat shop owner, while Luke Thomas, as Orin, expertly balanced the maniacal and funny elements in his role as the dentist. Both were brilliant in these roles.

Deejay Latchuman voiced Audrey II with the commanding presence the role demands, despite occasional slips in the accent during spoken lines. Well done, Sir: I know how hard it is to sing this part, especially when you’re invisible to the audience.

The integration of 'Dancing Tendrils' added a unique visual element, though it occasionally distracted from key interactions, particularly in "Feed Me (Git It)." However, by the end of Act 2, especially during the finale "Don't Feed the Plants," this creative choice found its stride.

Becky Bloom shone as Audrey, emulating Ellen Greene's iconic performance with remarkable sensitivity and vocal prowess. Her rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green” was one of the highlights of the evening. Brava!

The set design, whilst opted up from the usual set for this show with its functional staircase and varied levels, left a bit to be desired in terms of detail. The split white and green wall and recurring backdrop for Skid Row felt understated compared to the show's overall polish. As a set detail aficionado, I wanted to see more detail to enhance this aspect. For example, the painted cartoon roller blind on the outside of the flower shop that didn’t exist on the inside of the shop left me a little bemused.

This brings me to Seymour. Jacob Nightingale was nothing short of phenomenal. As I said, I’ve played the role and still remember the script. Jacob blew me away. They were flawless. Also, as the parent of a neurodivergent teenager who aspires to be on the stage, I was impressed that they both mentioned their own neurodiversity in the programme and that they brought this lived experience to the stage.  Their characterisation was so natural, not forced in any way, that it made me re-evaluate what I thought I knew about Seymour’s character and understand Seymour in a different light.  Equally impressive was their vocals. I loved everything about Jacob’s performance!

Overall, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed "Little Shop of Horrors" and commend everyone involved for an outstanding production. This show is a testament to the talent and dedication of the Festival Players. Congratulations to all!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.