Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge 27th october 7.30pm and 28th October 2.30pm and 7.30pm – tickets available from The Riverside Cinema website click here or call the box office on 01394 382174
Little Shop of Horrors is a sci-fi horror musical with the catchiest numbers you’ll ever hear. The Company of Four bop shoo wop their way through this fantastic show and right from the opening number the packed audience knew they’d be in for a good night.
Seymour Krelborn lives on Skid Row and works in Mushnik’s Florists along with his boss Mr Mushnik and longs after his co-worker Audrey, whose boyfriend doesn’t treat her very well at all. The florist makes no money, as they never have any customers, so Seymour develops an unusual plant, which he calls Audrey II, and it causes such a stir he becomes famous and the shop flourishes. When he even manages to capture the heart of Audrey, Seymour thinks he’s finally getting everything his heart desires, but Audrey II’s insatiable thirst for blood, in order to thrive and grow, means Seymour is in danger of losing it all.
Director Sarah Wheatley uses every part of the space with ingenious staging on multiple levels so there’s always something interesting to see and catch your attention. The costumes are fantastic, with the dreary Skid Row brightened by yellow checks, red plaids and lively colours.
The ensemble cast are terrific with some excellent harmonies from the chorus and strong singing voices from the principles. I also want to say that the American accents didn’t slip once and that’s no mean feat.
This is a fun show but the humour is dark and Aidan Palmer-Garrick excels as Seymour playing comedy and tragedy both in equal measure. Cara Dessaur looks stunning as Audrey and her voice is beautiful – when the two leads sing Suddenly Seymour their voices blend perfectly.
Simon Hoyle is excellent as nervy Mr Mushnik worried about his shop then worried he’ll lose Seymour and there’s fabulous close harmonies and 50’s style dance moves from Katy Spall, Becky Hutchinson and Freyer Marsh as Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette, who act as narrators throughout. There’s a lovely addition of Violet, Samuel and Caitlin as Mini Ronnettes, who are great fun too.
For me Ryan Cope steals the show as the cruel, laughing gas addicted dentist Orin Scrivello. His comic timing is superb and he commands the stage in his scenes.
And of course there’s Audrey II herself, the blood sucking, flesh eating plant that grows bigger and bigger throughout the show. The various stages of the plant are amazing – as is Vicky Fosker who is the voice of Audrey II and belts out her numbers whilst encased inside.
The whole team have obviously worked extremely hard on this production and it shows. Their hard work has paid off to give them a show of professional standards that the audience clearly loved.
There’s just three performances left so don’t miss out – book your tickets here .
SUFFOLK THEATRE 