Thursday, August 16, 2012

'Little Shop Of Horrors' review

Malvern Forum Theatre

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Malvern Theatres Young Company)


Horrific delights await audiences at Malvern Theatres this week courtesy of their Young Company's production of Little Shop Of Horrors. A joyously talented cast present Alan Menken's awesome musical, the first of hopefully many that we will get to enjoy over the coming years.

Director, Andy Reiss, showcases a wealth of young talent who tell the story of a man eating plant that mysteriously appears in Downtown Skid Row, following a sudden and unexpected, total eclipse of the sun, that results in a murderous, bloody rampage on local residents.

Douglas V. Watts is brilliant as the underdog, Seymour, who's wonderful vocals are effortlessly matched by the delightful Abbie Steele playing the downtrodden Audrey, the unknown recipient of Seymour's affections. Both suffer the cantankerous, flowershop owner, Mr Mushnik, a challenging role that Jacob Kippng attacks with gusto. Matthew Heels is suitably obnoxious as Audrey's sadistic boyfriend, Orin the dentist, and is the first to fall foul of the ferocious plant, Audrey II, to whom Liam Brown gives a superb soulful voice. Bryony-Rose Ward, Jo Edwards and Charlotte Heels give a slick, confident performance and handle the difficult harmonies with ease in their respective roles of the perky trio - Crystal, Ronette and Chiffon. A great ensemble also features some lovely comedic cameos and show off Katie Leeming's effective choreography. Hats off too to Musical Director, David Lane, for accomplishing such a pleasing sound from the cast in such a short time and to his band for bringing to life the fantastic score.

Everyone involved with this show must be congratulated on producing a thoroughly enjoyable night out. Support this inspiring company of young performers by seeing Little Shop of Horrors before it finishes on Sunday.

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