Little Shop Of Horrors (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre)
If patrons are traditionalist fans of this Cult Comedy Horror Musical then there might be some concern around a staging of Little Shop Of Horrors that breaks some of the previous standards but, since many would say that art is ultimately interpretative then nothing should be beyond the realms of possibility and Maria Aberg has created something just a little bit ‘left field’ with the assistance of some highly inventive set and costume design from Tom Scutt.
Attention to detail is quite astonishing, particularly with some scaled down, typical New York City skyscrapers wheeled around by the ensemble cast in shopping trolleys and with costumes printed with the same run down city images. Even Mushnik’s Florist Shop is reduced in size but, is used to provide an array of settings and to house the plant itself, Audrey II is a vivid modern alternative to the super-size flytrap puppet that might be remembered from the 1986 Movie.
Voiced by the sadly now departed Levi Stubbs (original lead singer from The Four Tops) in the movie, in this production there is the larger than life figure of American Drag Queen, Vicky Vox adorned in equally striking costume and make-up and not just a voice but, a living, breathing embodiment of the plant, even appearing through the audience at one point. Whilst this might not be to the liking of the hardcore fan, it’s an imaginatively different approach and needs somebody outrageous like Ms Vox to drive the concept home, reaction from the audience suggests it does work for at least a good proportion of people.
Deep within this supernatural story from the proven partnership of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken is a love story between geeky, orphaned florist shop worker Seymour Krelborn and his colleague, vulnerable and easily dominated Audrey (after whom the plant is named as Seymour’s first attempt to express his love). Marc Antolin and Jemima Rooper play these parts exceptionally, gently progressing their relationship as chaos ensues around them and complementing each other vocally in some of the more emotional musical numbers.
Suffice to say I was waiting for the entrance of Matt Willis (he of ‘Busted’ fame) wondering quite how he would deliver Orin Scrivello DDS and I wasn’t disappointed, this is a reservedly powerful performance that lets his acting talents talk for themselves with just the occasional moments of ‘let rip pop star’ when that is needed. Further displays of Matt’s theatre performance talents are revealed late on in the production as he takes on various cameo roles looking to exploit Seymour and his voracious plant.
Renee Lamb, Christina Modestou and Seyi Omooba bring some soulful vocal storytelling as narrating team Chiffon, Ronnette and Crystal, they are equally an entertaining annoyance to florist shop owner Mushnik, played with gritty intent by Forbes Masson.
After eating all human life in its path, we are left to wonder if the ‘mean green mother’ that is Audrey II will achieve the world domination it craves and who would doubt the possibility. This is a lively version of a classic musical, whether your a fan of this story, a musical theatre enthusiast or just enjoy a good night out it recommends itself so make your way to Regents Park before it finishes on 22nd September 2018.
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