Little Shop of Horrors is having a long run at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. It’s a fantastic production and, given that the show has its origins in Roger Corman’s 1960 monochrome non-musical film, it’s stood the test of time very well indeed. In 1982 Corman’s film was adapted by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken as an Off-Broadway musical, and in 1986 it returned to the screen in Frank Oz’s musical film version, albeit with a very different (happier) ending. The stage musical retains the darker original.
The present production also ends as originally intended, and the entire cast, puppeteers and musicians delivered an amazing performance. Full marks must also go to the set designers and lighting technicians.
The vocal numbers are expertly rendered, the backing band is fantastic, and the individual performances are simply brilliant. In short, there is absolutely nothing to criticise in the entire show.
Audrey (Maisie Smith), Mushnik (Michael Starke) and Seymour (Jed Berry) all deliver the goods. Orin (Benjamin Yates), as the crop-topped dentist, must be one of the campest things I’ve seen in a while, whilst Chiffon (Rio Maye), Crystal (Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid) and Ronette (Gabrielle Davina Smith) provide perfect linkage between scenes. Marcus Ayton provides the wonderfully menacing voice of Audrey II.
At the end it was good to see the hidden performers who’d worked and articulated Audrey II — the horticultural horror — together with musical director Ben Barrow. The enthusiastic applause was entirely deserved, and I’d certainly go back to see it again.
The show continues at Hope Mill Theatre until November 30th before it transfers to Liverpool Playhouse Theatre on December 3rd.
Full details of the production can be found HERE and don’t forget that discounts apply at the bar for Canal Street card holders.
Paul Schofield for Canal Street Media.