UK Theatre Network

Little Shop Of Horrors

UK National Tour

Reviewed at The Sunderland Empire Theatre

Based on a low-budget 1960 B-movie black comedy and a subsequent 1986 musical film, Little Shop Of Horrors tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a meek florists assistant, who has his life turned around when he comes across a mysterious and unusual plant shortly after a sudden solar eclipse.

He names the plant ‘Audrey II’ after the sales girl who he is secretly in love with, but the cute little cutting does not thrive in its new environment - until Seymour accidentally pricks his finger and a drop of blood falls onto the pod of the plant, revealing its true diet. The plant grows and brings Seymour fame and fortune and the pair strike a pact: Audrey II agrees to continue generating publicity if Seymour secretly continues to satisfy its carnivorous appetite. But, before long, it develops into a monstrous, mean, green people-eater.

This sensational new touring production, fresh from a recent West End revival, is magnificent. It has everything that you could look for in a musical: a talented cast; a wonderful storyline; a great 60s-pastiche score; and a vicious form of vegetation from outer space, intent on world domination, to boot!

Performances from the cast are energetic and enthusiastic throughout and they don’t disappoint. Damian Humbley is an affable Seymour, and his performance quickly enables him to strike up a successful rapport with the audience, which he maintains consistently. Sylvester McCoy revels in his role as the cranky, conniving florist Mushnik, proving his worth as a consummate comedy actor, and Alex Ferns hurls himself wholeheartedly into several different roles, particularly Orin Scrivello – a sadistic dentist with a penchant for pain, motorcycles and leather.

However, it is Clare Buckfield, as Audrey, who shines brightest of all. Her performance is thoroughly engaging and her vocal talents are used to maximum effect.

Strong supporting performances are delivered by Nadia Di Mambro, Cathryn Davis and Donna Hines as Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette, a chorus of street urchins from Skid Row. Mike McShane is wonderful, too, as the voice of the ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B singing carnivore.

The combination of direction from Matthew White, choreography by Lynne Page and David Farley’s design ensures that the production is also visually stunning. It’s a monster hit!

Steve Burbridge.

Little Shop Of Horrors runs at The Sunderland Empire until Saturday 18^th April 2009.

www.littleshopthemusical.co.uk