The Little Shop of Horrors

I was delighted to be asked to visit Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. I had visited the Key Theatre Studio for a couple of other recent productions, and this intimate venue allows the audience to become immersed in the productions that take place.

A very warm welcome was received from President Tricia Graves, Director Michael Cross, and Society Chairman Rob Melhuish as we took to our seats.

Use of the small space was very good, using effective lighting against the set design of the failing Flower Shop and outside street to create a dark atmosphere of the grungy, downtrodden Skid Row. The cast appeared onstage at the opening, using torches on their faces to reflect the anguish of the residents of the neighbourhood. The various sizes of Audrey II, as the story unfolded, was well placed on the set, which allowed its growth to become the huge ever hungry for blood plant in Act 2. The 4-piece band (MD Steve Hession, Tim Amos, Graeme Hollingdale and Dan Hester), appeared to be faultless in the small space that they had to conduct and play in.

Harvey Jones is a very busy performer, and he was very well cast in the role of Seymour in this production. I really enjoyed Harvey’s acting and delivery of “Grow for Me.,” as the plant came to life. His characterisation was strong, and reminded me a little of Rick Moranis, who played the role in the movie. On stage pretty much throughout, his delivery was flawless, and he balanced the characters demure appearance against the dark and sinister side perfectly. Driving the show along at a good pace, and saving the best until last, as he dived headfirst into Audrey II to meet his fate, flying through the air spectacularly.

Again, good casting and ideally paired with Harvey, I thoroughly enjoyed the performance of Jessica Carter, as Audrey. It was nice to see Audrey being played this time as a more mature and intelligent character. I have often seen Audrey played as appearing to be a rather unintelligent person, which in my opinion does not do justice to the true character of a kind, warm hearted but vulnerable woman. The duet “Suddenly Seymour” with Harvey was beautifully sung by Jessica, and I really liked this sang in a softer tone than what is sometimes heard.

Hannah Joy Ogden, as Chiffon, Beci Piggott, as Crystal, and Stephanie Dickenson, as Ronnette, added strength to the songs, movement, and harmonies, keeping the story moving along, and the song “Skid Row” was very well done. There were also great facial reactions, to pull the audience further into the evolving story towards its sinister ending.

Will Shales, as the nitrous oxide inhaling and controlling dentist, Orin Scrivello, the evil boyfriend of Audrey, was very well done as he met his fate with his sinister laugh. The dentists chair looked to be a genuine one and, again, use of the small space was cleverly used.

Good vocals throughout from Calvin Weston, as Audrey II, especially in the number “Suppertime.”

Mr Mushnik, the struggling flower shop owner, played by Lewis Goakes, was suitably stressed throughout, and the duet with Seymour for the song that sounds like it belongs in Fiddler on the Roof, “Mushnik and Son,” was extremely well done.

Supporting in the cast to add extra vocals, playing other characters and movement was Amy Lythgoe, Georgia Barks, Michaela Over, Phil Booty and Vicki Fosbueary.

Thank you PODS for another entertaining evening.

David Brammer

 

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