Little Shop of Horrors

Photo Credit: Alan Martin/AMSI

Reviewed by: Patricia Connor on 10 July 2014
Venue: Little Theatre Southport
Date: 28 June - 5 July 2014
Type of Production:  Musical
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Directed by Hilary Thomson
Musical Director: Chris Rimmer
Choreographer: Corinna Davies

“Little Shop of Horrors” has music written by Alan Menken of Disney fame and lyrics by Howard Ashman. This comedy rock musical tells the story of hapless florist shop worker Seymour a horticulture nerd who works in a failing Skid Row florist shop, he finds a chance for success and romance when he cultivates a man eating plant and the result is havoc.

This was another superb production from “Southport Spotlights Musical Theatre Society” directed by Hilary Thomson. The cast included Rob MacGregor who was outstanding as the hapless Seymour and Bridie Flanagan who was exactly right as the ditsy blonde love interest Audrey. The rapport between these two characters was very good which is very important in this show and their rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” was sung well and was very enjoyable. Stephen Hughes-Alty was spot on and amusing in his role of  the cardigan wearing Mr Mushnik producing a very good  Jewish American accent and Graeme Hunt  gave us an excellent and  very comedic performance as the leather-jacketed psycho-dentist Orin.

The all-important trio included Janine Burrows as Chiffon, Rokiah Khan as Ronette and Jess Mclinden as Crystal; they were very entertaining and sang together in harmony delightfully, paying tribute to several well-known girl groups of the past. Jonny Sheldon as the voice of the man eating plant Audrey II had the perfect rich voice giving depth to the character and adding to the atmosphere, also well done to the Audrey II operator Ceri Powell for bringing the plant to life. Although both of these people are not seen throughout the production they are integral to the success of this show, as are the important smaller supporting roles and the ensemble who also produced some very nice individual characterisations.

All American accents were well maintained and diction was clear, meaning dialogue could be followed easily. The orchestra conducted by Musical Director Chris Rimmer was excellent supporting the cast comprehensively and choreography by Corinna Davies suited the musical and era very well and was performed meticulously by the cast.
Scenery was excellent and was a superb platform for the performers to work on, well done to all the stage crew and sound and lighting who worked very efficiently and who along with costumes which were well-thought-out and suited the era and the roles very well added significantly to the success of the finished product.
Congratulations to all involved in this successful outstanding production, I had a very enjoyable evening thank you for inviting me, I hope to see you for your next show.