Little Shop Of Horrors (Star-Struck Theatre Company)
Turning a venue in the Black Country into the run down surroundings of Skid Row and a certain Mushnik Florist Shop is one thing, creating a creditable version of what is a Cult Musical in the form of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's 'Little Shop of Horrors' as your inaugural production is quite another. Star-Struck Theatre Company have however achieved both under the expert direction of Ashley Wilkes, choreography of Emilie Walters and musical direction of Ben Batt and in the words of the song 'Don't Feed The Plant' instead feed your desire for some captivating musical theatre.
Unlikely botanical genius Seymour Krelborn played with geeky and ungainly perfection by Matt Colley discovers a hitherto unknown plant type and names it Audrey II after co-worker blonde bombshell Audrey a picture of ditziness with a powerful singing voice from Victoria Bull, who he worships from afar.
Sadly said plant has a taste for human blood and can only be satisfied by a succession of human sacrifices delivered by Seymour as Audrey II tries to take control, firstly sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello DDS (and don't you forget it !) played with comic abandon by Richard Probert, then adopted father and employer Mr Mushnik, probably the most Jewish performance of the role ever from Richard Homer and finally Audrey herself is sent 'Somewhere That's Green' into the bowels of the plant.
Acting somewhat as narrators as well as linking many of the scenes together are the rich vocal harmonies of Sally Knapton-Lewis, Grace Bradshaw and Liesl McNally as savvy street urchins Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette, it's a story that leaves the audience wondering whether Audrey II (voiced by the earthy and substantial vocals of Duncan Cooper) really could take over the world or not, so just be careful if you see something similar to a venus fly-trap in amongst your zinnias.
Supplementing the principal performers is a diverse ensemble cast and with the variety of talent on display I have no doubt this 'new society on the block' will join the already vibrant theatre scene in the area performing regular productions to anticipatory audiences.
This production runs until Saturday 24th February 2018 and if you are lucky you may still find some tickets to go and watch this plant being fed, just make sure it isn't you that's the food.
Book Here
Unlikely botanical genius Seymour Krelborn played with geeky and ungainly perfection by Matt Colley discovers a hitherto unknown plant type and names it Audrey II after co-worker blonde bombshell Audrey a picture of ditziness with a powerful singing voice from Victoria Bull, who he worships from afar.
Sadly said plant has a taste for human blood and can only be satisfied by a succession of human sacrifices delivered by Seymour as Audrey II tries to take control, firstly sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello DDS (and don't you forget it !) played with comic abandon by Richard Probert, then adopted father and employer Mr Mushnik, probably the most Jewish performance of the role ever from Richard Homer and finally Audrey herself is sent 'Somewhere That's Green' into the bowels of the plant.
Acting somewhat as narrators as well as linking many of the scenes together are the rich vocal harmonies of Sally Knapton-Lewis, Grace Bradshaw and Liesl McNally as savvy street urchins Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette, it's a story that leaves the audience wondering whether Audrey II (voiced by the earthy and substantial vocals of Duncan Cooper) really could take over the world or not, so just be careful if you see something similar to a venus fly-trap in amongst your zinnias.
Supplementing the principal performers is a diverse ensemble cast and with the variety of talent on display I have no doubt this 'new society on the block' will join the already vibrant theatre scene in the area performing regular productions to anticipatory audiences.
This production runs until Saturday 24th February 2018 and if you are lucky you may still find some tickets to go and watch this plant being fed, just make sure it isn't you that's the food.
Book Here
Lovely review of the show, thanks for your support Tim, we really appreciate it. We're so glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteFrom all of us here at Star-Struck