Little Shop of Horrors

Before starting my review of SOS’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, I just want to commend the entire crew and cast for even attempting to put on this show, on what was, the hottest day of the year. The temperature outside was 34 degrees so what the temperature was inside the Audrey plant costume can only be imagined. This could have been an excuse for the production to crash and burn but it certainly did not. We were treated to a fabulous fast paced show that totally took our minds off the stifling heat.

The set was a suitably drab flower shop interior with mostly dead flowers to set the scene for Mushnik’s flower shop. No clock was used in this production, but a lovely lot of haze set the grim atmosphere of Skid Row.

The Greek Chorus of Crystal, played by Kate Smith, Ronette, played by Gemma Ackred and Jess Pether as Chiffon appeared in sparkling red outfits to set the scene. These ladies were so adept at the close harmonies of the songs and we heard every word of the witty lyrics. Their strong clear voices were a wonderful support to the action unfolding around them. Da Doo and Suppertime remain my favourite songs and this trio were superb singing these and many others.

The dialogue was a little slow at times but, this must be forgiven as this was the first night and the extreme heat must have been so difficult to deal with. I know this would have become more fluent as the run progressed. The part of Seymour was taken by Matthew Capp and his knee knocking, embarrassed demeanour was just right for this part as was his magnificent voice. Mushnik was played by Simon Cook who gave the role the gravitas that the part demanded coupled with a lovely voice. I really enjoyed their Mushnik and Son song.

Audrey, played by Lauren Tidbury, was delightful. She has a lovely voice and her song, Somewhere that’s Green reduced the audience to silent appreciation of the spine-tingling delivery. Thank you, Lauren, for leaving the pause at the end of that beautiful song before we were swept back into the narrative. Her submission to the ghastly dentist, Orin Scrivello, played by Allister Fudge- Smith, was really genuine and the touching reprise of Somewhere that’s Green at the end (no spoilers but it doesn’t end well for her) was just lovely.

As for Orin Scrivello DDS, well Allister, you had so much fun with him. What a great part for you and what a great performance. You were deliciously horrible as described in the song Dentist! A great voice and a fun delivery.

Perhaps my most favourite voice of the night was that of Audrey 2. Bob Southgate, you really gave the plant’s character some welly. What a fabulous bluesy, rock delivery of Feed Me (Git it) and Suppertime with the perfect amount of reverb. The audience were still singing them as they walked out of the theatre. I’m so glad you got a curtain call at the end.

The plant, manipulated by Jamie Fudge-Smith, really needs a special mention. That enormous prop needs a fair amount of strength to make it appear as if it was talking naturally ( as much as a plant can talk naturally) and I can only assume you must have lost stones of body weight in that heat. She moved beautifully and smoothly and I really didn’t begrudge her a few tasty morsels of the cast!

The ensemble looked as if they were enjoying themselves and it was refreshing to see all of the cast were accommodated in the choreography. The routines were tight and fluent and the harmonies were beautiful. Well done to Richard Langstone and his band for providing such a great musical sound from the cast and band members. I must mention Michael Plant (great surname for this show) who played the part of Patrick Martin with such confidence and who, ultimately, spread cuttings of Audrey 2 all over the world…even to Peoria!

Louise Byrne, the director and choreographer, must be congratulated on bringing to the stage this fun and fabulous musical. The action flowed smoothly, scene changes were smooth and efficient and lighting and sound were great. I loved the red lighting when the plant started to devour people. Well done Jeremy Watson and your team, Ciara Moss and Brett Faris.

Once again, well done to the company for giving us all such a treat: I sang the songs all the way home with all the windows open!!

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