REVIEW: Little Shop of Horrors

Musicals are usually quite textbook. Boy meets girl. Girl meets boy. Boy sings about how much he wants to go on a date with girl. Girl does interpretive jazz dance about how much she fancies boy. Boy suddenly becomes unavailable. Girl cries. Boy realises he loves girl. Tap dance finale.

However, there are actually lots of musicals about things that you probably wouldn’t imagine suit singing and dancing. Such as a bloodthirsty plant providing a geeky young botanist with fame and fortune. That’s exactly what I witnessed last night.

Little Shop of Horrors has been on a real journey to end up where it is today. We know the original 1982 Off-Broadway show was based on the 1960 American comedy The Little Shop of Horrors, but it’s actually rumoured to have stemmed even further back to the H. G. Wells story from 1905 titled The Flowering of the Strange Orchid. Wherever it came from, and however far back it was, Little Shop of Horrors continues to delight and disturb audiences all over the world.

The tale focuses on young botanist Seymour Krelborn (Ronan Pilkington), who finds himself accidentally increasing the customer base of the failing florists he works at, through the discovery of an unusual plant. Named Audrey II (James Sidgwick), after the co-worker that he dreams of dating, Seymour realises that his new flower might actually be more of a hindrance than a help.

The first thing you’ll notice when you sit down to watch the show is the dull-yet-animated scenery. The stage is flooded with greys and blacks – and dying flowers. But keep an eye on this, because as the show goes on you’ll notice subtle elements of colour being introduced to the set and the characters’ costumes. This happens so seamlessly – and sets the show apart from other amateur productions. Although I say that like that’s the only thing setting it apart.

Believe these words: Little Shop of Horrors at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre is the best amateur production I’ve seen all year. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the best amateur shows I’ve ever seen full stop. And I’ve seen a lot. A lot of bloody good ones at that.

There isn’t a single weak link. From smooth transitions through scenes to completely faultless harmonies from the Greek chorus trio of Ronette (Claire Hoyland), Chiffon (Rosie Mountford) and Crystal (Beth Rowette); precision and perfect diction over ever line spoken or sung to possibly the most professional ensemble I’ve ever witnessed in any show – including professional performances.

And that one word sums this show up: professional. Everything about it just screams professionalism. There wasn’t any nattering in the wings as characters ran off stage. Actors continued confidently through the occasional microphone failure. Songs were word and note perfect. The choreography was so simple, yet brought the best out of every scene. As was the direction. And these actors don’t ‘just’ have to learn their lines, songs and routines – they also have puppetry to get their heads round. Pilkingtonin particular excels at this, by giving the impression that Audrey II is dragging him around the stage. Not an easy feat when also remembering lines and direction. Of course, Sidgwick’s Audrey II must also be credited. It can’t be comfortable in that… costume?… and he brings the bloodthirsty plant to life in ways that leave you forgetting what you’re watching. Not to mention his incredibly soulful and strong vocals.

I’ve found it so hard to pick anyone out because every single person on that stage led with confidence, talent and maturity. Bad guy Orin (Joe Hamilton) oozes charisma and presence the second he steps on stage. Mr Mushnik (Matt Stirk) is the miserable shop owner we expect to see, yet manages to suggest a hint of humility that lets the audience feel empathy for him.

However, I was absolutely blown away by our leading duo, Seymour and Audrey (Vicki Holmes). Holmes’ Audrey is a brilliantly ditzy blonde – but not too much. You still feel uncomfortable to see the pain in her eyes when being intimidated by Orin, and you want her to be happy. Her vocal talents are just immaculate, with a voice that’s refreshingly not overpowered by needing to belt every line. A combination of delicate vibrato and perfect pitch makes Holmes’ Audrey a treat for the ears.

And then there’s Seymour. If someone told me that this guy was brought in as a paid professional I wouldn’t have been surprised. In fact, I was more surprised to learn that he wasn’t. Mind you, any of the cast could have been paid professionals. I’ve never seen an actor in amateur theatre think through every single word uttered – either by himself or a fellow player – to the point where Pilkington wasn’t just ‘believable’, but he was actually Seymour.

Ultimately, I cannot stress enough how much you must not miss this show. It went so far above and beyond my expectations (and I expected a good show).

Tickets are available from £14-16, however you can get £5 off each ticket with the code FEEDME. Not just that but if you’ve got tickets to Chess the Musical then you’ll be entitled to Little Shop of Horrors tickets for just £1 each!

The show runs daily until Saturday 5^th October at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee on Saturday. Click here to book – do not miss out!