Little Shop of Horrors

Another first visit to a new member of NODA, Hethersett Academy is a very successful modern school, and, as I entered the impressive Helen Pye Theatre, a fully functioning theatre with a large high stage and raked seating, I felt a real sense of pride throughout the students and staff of this wonderful large creative space for them to enjoy. I was warmly greeted by MD Tom Hilton, who had assembled a band, more like a small orchestra, of 11, who sounded wonderful, and had been positioned on a balcony above the stage and performers, and some at the side, from where Tom was positioned, played, and conducted proceedings.

For the set, Mr Mushnik’s flower shop was centre stage, with an entrance/exit door used effectively by the cast to give the impression of coming in and out of the store from skid row- to assist the drab and dreary look of the store at the beginning, lighting was used to good effect, as well as dry ice in skid row to enhance it further. The said flower shop was transformed very effectively for the scenes when Mushnik’s shop thrived, using flowers and added décor. There were steps ascending to a balcony positioned above the band, who were at ground level, which was very well used by the Greek Chorus, as well as Audrey for a solo, during many of the numbers to give added perspective. Reading the notes in the programme, there were approaching 100 involved in the production, including an exceptionally large ensemble, who came on for many of the company numbers, it was great to see how many students were able to be involved in what is normally considered a musical with a smaller cast. Costumes were appropriate for the era, and I really liked the co-ordinated pink, green and blue dresses of the Greek Chorus.

The in-house site team had constructed very impressive Audrey II’s at various stage of its growth, culminating in a massive, almost 5-metre-high version in Act two, which worked brilliantly as the various characters were consumed by it as the show’s story progressed.

Vocals throughout were of a high standard, including harmonies, the members of the Greek Chorus adding a lot of these to the numbers. Well done to Angel (Freya McGreevy), Chiffon (Kitty Denny), Crystal (Izzy Smee), Dixie (Scarlett Ward), Martha (Zoe Menegaz MacLean), Ronette (Brea Watts), Shangri-La (Eleanor Wright), Supreme (Delight Mambambo), and Vandella (Maisie Skeet).

Luke Hood was particularly good as the sadomasochistic dentist Orin Scrivello DDS, including the song Dentist! which was well delivered. I also really enjoyed the performance of Kitty Dixon as Mr Mushnik, especially the “Mushnik and Son” song with Seymour. Not an easy role to take on for a youth performer, but Kitty threw everything into it and was excellent. The voice of Audrey II (Harvey Ormerod) included some great vocals and a strong booming voice.

Hayden Barns, as Seymour, was a strong and mature performance of the kind timid character who morphs into moral decline as the show goes on. Bella Barry’s Audrey also captured this character’s vulnerability and kindness. The two were very well cast together and sang very well, a highlight being the “Suddenly Seymour” duet, which was outstanding.

This was a very enjoyable and entertaining production, my congratulations and thanks to everyone at Hethersett Academy for their hospitality.

 

  

 

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