Reviewed at: The Crucible, Sheffield, by Michelle Rawlins
Perhaps a darker choice for a Christmas show than Snow White which was playing next door at the Lyceum. Little Shop of Horrors is a brave one to stage at this time of year. But it’s technically festive, at least, with green and red as the core themes of this brutal tale of a blood drinking plant from outer space!
This B-Movie inspired classic has been moved from a run down neighbourhood in an unnamed American city to the UK. Although the stateside references remain in the song lyrics, the script has been adapted to British culture and accents, which occasionally can be jarring.
Seymour (Colin Ryan), the infamous down on his luck protagonist, is a poverty stricken shop worker, in love with botany and at his happiest surrounded by greenery and his unrequited love, Audrey.
When he discovers a “strange and interesting plant” during a total eclipse of the sun, business at his failing florist (forgive the pun), blooms. But at a cost. The plant, named after his crush, Audrey 11, will bring him fortune and fame and most importantly, the girl, but only if Seymour feeds it blood. When he’s run out of his own supplies, things take a much darker turn.
Traditionally the staging of this musical features a puppet plant that grows and grows to giant proportions usually voiced by a man. But the staging has been reimagined here, under the direction of Amy Hodge and designer Georgia Lowe. The plant is actually played by an actor without the traditional puppetry, save for a few little Sesame -Street still venus fly trap heads dancing around her.
Original, yes. Sam Buttery is a fabulous, diva like version of Audrey 11, with a voice to die for (sorry another cheesy pun). Her stage presence is captivating and she demands the spotlight as she rightly deserves. However – perhaps the lack of the creature does mean overall, it is that little bit less magical, especially for younger audience members or purist fans.
However, praise must be given for diverse and inclusive casting across the entire production. All performances were spectacular, with particular stand outs from Georgina Onuorah as Audrey. Her rendition of Somewhere That’s Green was absolutely mesmerising, and surely a career defining moment.
Colin Ryan’s Brummie Seymour worked so organically and his timing and delivery was on point throughout, but the main comic relief was Wilf Scolding as the deliciously sadistic dentist Orin.
Again, an unusual interpretation of the charter, made famous by Steve Martin in the 1980s film, which is usually rebellious and rock star like. This Orin is posh, suave, predatory and drips arrogance and wealth, which works perfectly against the underbelly of the backdrop of Skid Row.
However, the script in places hasn’t aged well in the relationship between Audrey and Orin. Domestic violence is a key theme in the show, and while important to the plot, the jokes are perhaps a little jarring to a more enlightened audience.
That aside, a wonderfully fun and alternative festive production – well worthy of the standing ovation it received.
Little Shop of Horrors is showing until: January 18 2025
Tickets available here
Pics by Manuel Harlan