Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of timid florist Seymour Krelborn, who works at a failing flower shop on Skid Row. He discovers a strange plant, naming it Audrey II after his coworker and secret crush. The plant attracts customers and brings new life to the shop, quickly turning it into a local sensation, but Seymour soon discovers that it survives only by feeding on human blood, a terrifying truth that forces him into increasingly dangerous choices. Seymour ultimately discovers that Audrey II is an alien intent on world domination, issuing the ominous warning: ‘Don’t feed the plants!’ On arrival,

I was met by Charmaine, the Director, and Lisa, the Choreographer. Both welcomed us and showed us to our seats. The atmosphere in the hall was lively and full of anticipation, with a real buzz in the air. The set was open, offering a full view of Skid Row and Mushnik’s shop. The attention to detail was impressive, with carefully arranged flowers, neatly themed shelving, and a desk counter, all beautifully styled in shades of purple and green. The addition of shop signage and windows gave the shopfront real character, making it instantly recognisable. The three-tier stage added depth and variety, making the world of the show feel immersive and visually engaging from every angle.

The amazing sound was provided by a live band positioned at the side of the stage. Their talent, professionalism, and energy elevated the entire performance, creating an energy that was both vibrant and unforgettable. The lighting was expertly designed and set the perfect mood for the entire performance, shifting seamlessly between fun, drama, and tension to enhance every moment on stage.

Seymour (Will) came to life on stage with genuine charm and endearing awkwardness. His shy, hesitant entrance and clumsy interactions made him instantly relatable, while his kind nature drew the audience into his journey from overlooked underdog to courageous hero. His lovely singing voice added emotion to every number, from tender solos revealing vulnerability to lively duets showcasing growing confidence. In key scenes with Audrey and the mysterious plant, he balanced humour and sincerity with impeccable timing. Will’s portrayal of Seymour was a captivating mix of warmth, wit and heartfelt emotion, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Audrey (Charlie) shone on stage with an amazing singing voice and a fabulous American accent, bringing the character vividly to life. Her vulnerability and naivety were evident from her first appearance, and her lack of self-esteem added layers of poignancy to her role. In her quieter moments, she conveyed a tender fragility that made her struggles and hopes feel palpable, while in her musical numbers she displayed remarkable control and expressiveness, filling the songs with both emotion and heart. Charlie infused the character with depth and sincerity, making every moment on stage compelling.

Mr Mushnik (Chris) delivered a strong and well-defined performance, bringing clear and concise characterisation to the stage. His grumpy and opportunistic demeanour was consistently believable, providing a sharp contrast to the more vulnerable characters. Through subtle expressions and well-timed reactions, Chris added nuance to every scene he appeared in, making the role both notable and essential to the dynamic of the show. 

Audrey II - The Plant (Fred) was brought to life with real style and flair. Fred was perfectly cast, bringing great presence and energy to the stage throughout. His voice was strong and expressive, with a gorgeous rich tone that added impact to every song, and his facial expressions added layers of personality and character. He moved with confidence and precision, fully inhabiting the role and bringing a sense of life and fervour to every scene. The fabulous costume, complete with striking purple boots, gave his performance a distinctive and memorable edge.

Orin Scrivello (Cal) was a striking presence on stage, fully in character from start to finish. His menacing facial expressions and commanding stage presence perfectly conveyed the character’s sadistic and dark personality. The subtle details, particularly his expressions after inhaling nitrous oxide, added a chilling effect that highlighted both the character’s unpredictability and dark humour. Every scene showcased his commitment to the role, with a precise balance of intensity and theatricality that captured the audience’s attention in every scene.

The Urchins (Flic, George, Jez, Lauren, Leah & Vikki) were truly impressive. The sound they created was outstanding, blending perfectly as a group while allowing each member to shine in their individual solos, all of which were strong and distinctive. Their harmonies were precise and on point, enhancing both the energy and the emotional impact of every number. As a group, they delivered a cohesive, engaging, and memorable performance, showcasing not just their talent but also their remarkable synergy and connection on stage. Well done to each and every one of you for such a phenomenal performance.

The Ensemble played a crucial role in bringing the story to life. Each member added energy, character, and cohesion to every scene, supporting the main action and keeping the overall dynamic consistent. Their precise timing, expressive movement, and stage presence helped to create a seamless flow, ensuring the story unfolded smoothly and engagingly. Special mention goes to Ollie for his role as the homeless man, remaining fully in character throughout and delivering a consistently engaging performance within the group.

The costumes were a vibrant explosion of purple and green, perfectly capturing the spirit of the show. A few of my favourites included Audrey’s green sparkly dress, Seymour’s checkered shirt and bow tie, and the incredible Audrey II costume, which truly stood out on stage. The make-up complemented the costumes beautifully, enhancing each character’s personality and bringing extra life and colour to the performances. Overall, the attention to detail in both costumes and makeup added an extra layer of visual delight to the production.

The direction was strong and clear, making it easy to follow the story, while the choreography was executed with precision and energy. Everyone on stage appeared genuinely engaged, smiling and enjoying themselves, which added a vibrant sense of life to each scene. The cast worked seamlessly together, demonstrating excellent timing and coordination, and the overall sense of teamwork made the production both engaging and entertaining to watch. Well done to the Director, Charmaine, and the Choreographer, Lisa, for their excellent leadership and vision.

This was my first visit to CUDOS to see one of their productions, and I was not disappointed. The show was fantastic, well put together, and thoroughly enjoyable. There were many highlights, but a few stood out in particular: ‘Suddenly Seymour’ was beautiful, moving and heartfelt, giving me goosebumps; the absolutely amazing set design; Seymour and Mr Mushnik’s dance routine; and, of course, the wonderfully rich and fabulous sound - Congratulations to Musical Director Lucy for an exceptional job in bringing the music to life.

Thank you so much for inviting me to your show. My family and I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and I am very much looking forward to seeing your future productions.

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