UK Theatre Network

Cult classic Little Shop of Horrors shocks, horrifies and delights in equal measure on the only Scottish dates of this national tour.

From ‘curtain-up’ it was clear that this is a technically astonishing production.  The scale of the set combined with lighting and sound effects to enhance the impact of the jawdropping plant animatronics and puppeteer work.  This show really pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved on a touring production.  On a couple of occasions on opening night it almost seemed like it might be hanging on by its technical fingertips … but the presentation was (quite literally) out of this world.

While the music and book dripped from the pen of a partnership hailed for the revival of the Disney musical (Ashman and Menken collaborated on The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin while, following Ashman’s untimely death, Menken went on to compose Pocahontas, Hercules and others) parents would do well to note that this puppet centred production owes more to its 1950s shock-horror sci-fi roots!  In fact, fans of the original 1959 B-movie will be delighted to note that this production revels in the original macabre storyline.

Performances from the headline cast were solid throughout.  Sylvester McCoy (Mushnik) and Alex Ferns (Orin Scrivello, DDS) immersed themselves to hilarious effect in their outlandish characters.  Clare Buckfield delivered an understated but enjoyable Audrey while Damien Humbley was convincingly torn (chewed and swallowed) as Seymour.  Vocal plaudits must go to trio Nadi Di Mambro, Cathryn Davis and Donna Hines as Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette together with Mike McShane, who was an inspired choice as Audrey II.  Music from the pit seemed a little thin from the five band members but what they lacked in depth they made up for in gusto.

LISTINGS INFO:

Mon 6 – Sat 11 April

Mon – Sat eves 7.30pm

Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm

Box Office: 0870 060 6648 (bkg)

Tickets: £11 -£31