Review: Everyman Theatre Presents Little Shop of Horrors
*Press tickets, all opinions are 100% honest and my own
I have been waiting a long time to see Little Shop of Horrors on stage again, so when Everyman announced it as one of their summertime performances, I couldn’t wait to attend. It’s in my top 5 musical theatre favourites list, so you can imagine my excitement as the day approached!
Everyman Theatre is based back in Sophia Gardens, with easy access from the city centre and a fairly decent car park (although, don’t quote me on that, I don’t actually drive!). I went with my Mom (aka Nanny Kim) and we had a lovely pre-show drink and nibbles, but it was a shame the food vendors of the past weren’t there as they had been in previous years…
I’d also note, the bar refused cash payments (unlike the tuckshop), so make sure you’re prepared with a card to pay for drinks.
Time flew by and it was soon time to find our seats. We were sat next to a happy couple, and the vibe was lovely as the show began.
The Story – What is Little Shop of Horrors About?
Little Shop of Horrors is a stage show and film (starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene) focusing on a nerdy, cute and poor young man called Seymour. Seymour works at Mushnik’s Flower Shop (which is and is in love with Audrey, his co-worker. Audrey is in an abusive relationship with a sadist dentist, but longs for a simple life with a kind guy, ‘somewhere that’s green’.
When Seymour finds an exotic plant, he names it Audrey 2 and suddenly the flower shop is thriving, not failing. The shop becomes busier, Seymour becomes famous overnight, but he has to pay a price for fame, and the price is BLOOD!
You see, the exotic plant has a taste for flesh, and even though Seymour thinks it’s wrong and can’t face the idea of murder, fate seems to lend a hand and the plant thrives…
As the plant grows and requires more human flesh, Seymour and Audrey fall in love and Seymour has to choose between fame and fortune for Audrey, or saving the world.
Stage, Set & Costume
If you haven’t been to Everyman Outdoor Theatre before, you’re in for a total treat! The seating is completely covered overhead, so if it rains the only people getting wet are the cast 🙁 It’s a glorious experience, watching the performances and going from day to night. I can’t explain how magical it is to see…
As for the set, it was simple, but effective (not to say a LOT of work didn’t go into it, that was obvious!), but it didn’t need overcomplicated design, because the joy comes from the story and the performances. I loved how Mushkins was rusty and worn, and the clever use of tables and hidden rooms worked super effectively throughout.
As for the props, what can I say?! I loved the absolute effort and love they’d put into the growing Audrey 2 throughout the show! The props for Audrey II were absolutely fantastic, with moving parts and sneaky ways to allow Audrey II to eat people and body parts! Aled Jones-Pritchard was wonderful as the body of Audrey II, and worked really well in sync with the spoken words of Audrey II and interacting with the rest of the cast.
The costumes were also fantastic, particularly the trio of girls; Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon! Their costume changes were really fun and you could see how much care and attention had gone into each character’s costume.
Characters
Absolutely everyone within the show was amazing. The casting was spot on, and I will admit, I had a huge soft spot for Dan Thomas as Seymour. He really nailed the nerdy, quirky and soft elements of Seymour’s character, and his performance was outstanding. As for Audrey (performed by Laura Richards), I was completely wowed by her version of Somewhere That’s Green. Her soft and bold performance left me in tears, and I really loved the delicate parts of her performance.
Paul Williams as Mr Mushnik was fun and energetic, and the girls (Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon performed by Amy Coombes, Giaccolina Maria Crothers and Harriet Taylor) were an outstanding trio with wonderful harmonies and amazing chemistry.
Let’s not forget Lewis Cook, who performed so many parts I cannot even tell you! But his main role was The Dentist, and he owned this role. He had a lot of energy, gave it his all, and constantly made the audience laugh!
Music & Vocals
So all I have to say is, Audrey II’s voice!!! Pedro Lloyd Gardiner was outstanding as Audrey II’s voice, and everyone loved him! He has such a deep, soulful voice, and his energy was magnetic. Nanny Kim and I both agreed it was wonderful they celebrated his voice at the end, allowing him to take centre stage to sing ‘Mean Green Mother From Outerspace’. This moment was magical!
Conclusion
Everything about Everyman’s Little Shop of Horrors is magnificent. I had the best night out I’ve had in a long time and really appreciate the work, effort and energy every person puts into these voluntary performances.
You can currently buy tickets for Little Shop of Horrors for 23rd and 25th-30th July. What are you waiting for?!!!!
I am now going to spend the weekend listening to the soundtrack and watching the movie!
Love, Kelly xxx
