“Feed Me!”
Having only seen bits of the film, I was glad I didn’t know too much about what I was about to see. Often, seeing the film can taint one’s view when watching an adaptation, so my limited knowledge of Little Shop of Horrors served only to enhance my enjoyment of the production.
Little Shop of Horrors is a rock musical set in a Mushnik’s (Sylvester McCoy) failing flower shop in Skid Row. The tale follows Seymour (Damian Humbley), a florist shop worker, who is growing an unusual plant (affectionately named Audrey 2 after his crush, fellow shop worker Audrey) that feeds on human blood. The audience are taken through Seymour’s journey with catchy songs and a handful of wacky characters, as he tries to come to terms with the horror of feeding Audrey 2 in order to get the girl (Audrey played by Claire Buckfield).
The energy and enthusiasm from each cast member really pulled the audience into the performance and it was evident that much fun was being had on stage as well as in the crowd.
Alex Ferns (Orin Scrivello & everyone else) last seen (by me) as nasty Trevor in Eastenders was hilarious to watch. Not only was he the Nitrous Oxide addicted Dentist Orin Scrivello, he also played most of the other smaller characters throughout the performance with tremendous energy and larger than life vigour.
The main characters we supported excellently by the three chorus singers, characters called Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette. All three ladies had amazing voices and stage presence, adding much humour to some of darker scenes and in some cases stealing the scenes with their performances.
The set was simple but effective with Audrey 2 growing during each scene change. Clive Rowe provided the voice to the plant and the puppeteers did a great job creating sync with the singing.
The performance was practically flawless. Only occasionally did some of the lyrics get lost in the orchestra and it was a shame that some of the set was hidden by a random raised bit of stage, which caused those in the stalls to miss the opening prologue on the TV set positioned on the floor.
I would recommend Little Shop of Horrors, fun, laughter and great catchy songs, but remember… “don’t feed the plants!”
Little Shop of Horrors plays at Nottingham's Theatre Royal from Monday 20 April to Satuday 25 April 2009.
