Little Shop of Horrors

Probably one of the most successful productions Sods have done by way of professionalism and box office. The John Peel Centre is not large but the range of raised seating made so that the audience had a perfect view of the stage, which was a large section of the floor space partitioned by a huge full length wall cleverly painted to denote the sleazy area of Skid Row, and removed to show the florist shop owned by Mr Mushnik.  The shop was minimalistic but we had the till at one end and the door entrances on the other which was completely adequate, and the shop in the opening scenes had some sleazy flowers which of course would improve as did the shop.

The show was opened by an excellent trio Jo Jones, Sarah Roberts and Tory Boigern. They appeared each time the set was changed. Mr Mushnik had two assistants Seymour played by Johnny Ellis and Audrey was Beth Jennings, who had a Bronx accent to a tee. They were falling on bad times until Seymour is offered an unusual plant which he places in the window to encourage customers to come in. However the plant thrives and when Seymour accidently cuts himself the Plant yells for the blood, which of course we learn it lives on.  He calls the plant Audrey Two.  Seymour is very fond of Audrey one, but she is pursued by the local sadistic Dentist brilliantly played by Toby Rapsey who incidentally also plays some of his clients!   Of course the plant rules the roost and begs for blood whilst gradually getting bigger and bigger filling almost a quarter of the stage

The plot now evolves around the survival of the plant and his need for blood and calls out with help of those inside “Feed me”. Well done to those of the voice and for working the mechanics inside.  It would not be good to tell the ending, but we were treated to a most entertaining evening, well acted by one and all.  

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