When I think of Little Shop of Horrors I always think of The Rocky Horror Show as well. Although there was a decade between them they were almost a matching pair, a pair of gaudy, raucous bookends propping up each end of the 1970s.
While The Rocky Horror Show was 100% British and Little Shop of Horrors was all American, they both had as their starting point old fashioned cult horror films. The former, Frankenstein and the latter the low budget, small town invaded by a monster from outer space type movies of the fifties and sixties. Yet, while their sources of inspiration were in dull black and white, both stage shows were brash and colourful, both mocking and both satirical.
This is the first time I have seen this show, apart from in Munich many years ago, so that doesn’t count – a city incidentally that claimed a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest continuous run of the Rocky Horror film. I must confess to not finding the Munich production of Little Shop of Horrors very good and consequently, not fancying seeing it again. But, as is often the case, a show I didn’t fancy confounds all my expectations and turns out to be a winner.
The story is fairly basic. After a total eclipse of the sun a strange plant appears, is nurtured by a flower shop assistant until it grows to giant proportions and then proceeds to devour everyone in sight. Although the plot is simple the production is lavish with a fabulous multi-coloured, multi-purpose set that looks like a cross between a Batman movie and a Tom and Gerry cartoon. The performances are all outstanding. Sam Lupton is excellent as Seymour, the hapless flower seller. I have seen him before in Avenue Q (another show I didn’t initially fancy but turned out to love) and he has an engaging stage presence and a beautiful singing voice. I loved the three girls who were a sort of chorus and moved the story along. Each was named after a sixties all-girl group, so you had Crystal, Chiffon and Ronnette – a nice little in-joke. They were a joy to watch and their energy and exuberance level never fell below 100%.
Nominally, the star of the show was Rhydian who, they tell me, is a top celebrity but sadly one of whom I have never heard. To my surprise and edification he did indeed turn out to be a star. Playing the wicked and sadistic dentist in the first half, and other bits and pieces in the second, he had an incredibly powerful voice which was equally matched by his stage presence. I shall know him next time I see him. Paul Kissaun was the lovable though irascible flower shop owner and Stephanie Clift was endearing and sang nicely as the dizzy Audrey after whom the killer plant was named. All in all this production of Little Shop of Horrors was beautifully done and was a pleasure to see. Really enjoyed it.
If you are already a Little Shop fan you won’t need me to tell you to see it again. If, like me, you were a bit sceptical, give it a go, I’m sure you’ll love it too. ★★★★☆ Michael Hasted 18th October 2016
