On Thursday evening, I donned my most floral shirt and took my eldest son into York for some theatrical fun. We planted our bottoms in the Dress Circle, and prepared for York’s Stage‘s budding adaptation of the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors.
One of my favourite musicals of all time, with Seymour being something of a dream role of mine, find out what we thought below…
Oh the horror!
The story? Here’s the potted version! Seymour Krelborn works for Skid Row florist Mushnik’s, and one day finds a strange and unusual plant following a total eclipse. He brings the plant back to the shop, and tends to it’s every whim as it grows into an enormous monster.
Love-interest Audrey tries to help Seymour enjoy his success, but a sinister backstory – along with a sadistic dentist and a rather unusual plant food – turns everything from green and rosy, to a grisly horror story!
A long-running show, and a popular 1986 film starring Rick Moranis as Seymour, Steve Martin as Orin the dentist, and directed by Frank Oz of Muppets fame. If you haven’t seen it (or even if you have!) support live theatre and local talent and book for this horrifically good production. I hope I’ve done enough to plant the idea!
Mikhail Lim plays Seymour, and has plenty of naïve charm and innocence. His scenes with Audrey (Lauren Sheriston) flit from comedic to poignant, with some truly tender moments. In the second act Suddenly Seymour is a highlight, and both performers belt out the duet with gusto.
Wisely, Sheriston doesn’t imitate Ellen Greene’s iconic film performance – and puts her own stamp on the role. Somewhere That’s Green is stunning.
Crystal (Hannah Shaw), Chiffon (Lucy Churchill) and Ronnette (Cyanne Unamba-Oparah) make up the Urchins – a trio of all-singing all-dancing girls who keep the narrative flowing and lead many of the show’s fantastic songs. Whether doo-wopping their way through Da-Doo or adding tension in Suppertime, the three work together wonderfully.
Mushnik (James Robert Ball) adds plenty of comedy to the downtrodden shop-owner, and Mushnik and Son is especially fun. With less stage-time that some roles, he still manages to shine and stand out.
‘Orrible orthodonist Orin is played by York Stage newcomer Darren Lumby, who clearly relishes getting his teeth into such a fun and unhinged role. ‘Brace’ yourself for the madcap and maniacal, and a rousing rendition of Be a Dentist. What a gas!
Puppetry of the Venus…
I’ve seen several productions of Little Shop, including the off-West End performance starring Sheridan Smith as Audrey and Alistair McGowan as the dentist. In that production, the puppet was unusually different – and described by one reviewer as a ‘penis eating a Cornish pasty’. Here though, the plant is a more classic Venus Flytrap design.
Saying that, it looks fabulous and is puppeteered with panache by ensemble performers Jack Hooper, Katie Melia and Danny Western. Voicing the hungry hydrangea (wrong breed, but I like alliteration!) is Emily Ramsden – a vocal powerhouse, and the first time I have seen (or rather, heard) a female vocalist take on the tendrils. This is one of several modern twists that director Nik Briggs has implemented, bringing the 40-year-old show bang up-to-date.
Good for your little horrors?
This reviewer suggests that the show is more suited to older children and teens, and definitely isn’t for young saplings. My 8-year-old loved it, and the odd bits of colourful language seemed to go over his head. He said “The cast were brilliant, the music was outstanding and the Urchins were amazing!”
Audrey II is brutal though, as she devours her way through innocent (and not-so-innocent) citizens, and a dentist hell-bent on inflicting pain is the stuff of nightmares. However, the production is colourful and fun, and has some truly toe-tapping tunes.
A live band adds a rich and dynamic sound to the show. However, on occasions the band drowns out the performers – at times the levels could use a little pruning. A few of the songs that didn’t make the film-cut are a little forgettable too. Minor niggles in an otherwise plant-tastic show!
With tickets from as little as £15, I recommend acting like a hungry plant and snapping up seats. The team have done remarkably well, especially during an unseasonably hot week that would see even the hardiest of plants wither. York Stage have really blossomed with another fantastic production.
Long may they continue, I’m certainly rooting for them. Here are the spores…sorry, scores…on the doors!
MAGIC RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL
Little Shop of Horrors runs at York Theatre Royal until Saturday 23rd July. Book via the Theatre Royal website.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Kinky Boots by York Stage too, coming September.
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
Review Wizard 