REVIEW
Southend Operatic & Dramatic Society
Little Shop of Horrors
Palace Theatre
Westliff-on-Sea
April 22-25 at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees on April 23 and April 25
Southend Operatic & Dramatic Society
Little Shop of Horrors
Palace Theatre
Westliff-on-Sea
April 22-25 at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees on April 23 and April 25
If ever there were a musical that proves you should never trust a Venus Flytrap houseplant, it’s Little Shop of Horrors—a deliciously dark tale that has been delighting and slightly horrifying audiences since it’s first production off-Broadway in 1982. With music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, this cult favourite satirically blends the science fiction B movie and 1960s Motown music genre with a wicked sense of humour—and a surprisingly sharp bite.
Set on the down-at-heel Skid Row, New York, the story centres on meek and nerdy florist’s assistant Seymour Krelborn (Michael James). Working in the failing flower shop of Mr Mushnik (Joe Drury) alongside the sweet but self-doubting Audrey (Mary Robinson), Seymour dreams of something—anything—better. Salvation appears in the most unlikely of forms: a mysterious plant, discovered during a solar eclipse, which he names Audrey II in honour of the girl he secretly loves. It has to be noted that it’s no surprise the shop isn’t getting a lot of business here as there are only around four plants up for sale and they are all dead.
However, the newly arrived mystery pot plant once placed in the shop window soon starts to bring in attention and new customers and Seymour soon finds out that Audrey II has an insatiable appetite, sadly not for water or sunlight, but for human blood. As Seymour feeds it (initially with his own blood from an accidental prick from a rose), the plant grows… and grows… transforming the fortunes of the shop and elevating Seymour from zero to local celebrity hero. Yet success comes at a cost. The bigger Audrey II becomes, the more demanding—and sinister—its cravings.
So what can audiences expect from Southend Operatic Society’s interpretation of this cult classic, playing all this week at the Palace Theatre Westcliff?
To kick off with, the moment the audience enter the auditorium you are confronted with what is essentially Skid Row. Various characters are hanging around by the seats - literally in some cases, we had to wait until one particular drunken vagrant sobered up a bit and skulked off before we could take our seats which provided much amusement! This is quite full on with action taking place on stage and amongst the audience as they enter the auditorium and it’s quite a hectic immersive experience. If you like that kind of thing, you’ll probably love it and appreciate the effort made here but perhaps something to be noted for anyone who isn’t comfortable in these kind of scenarios.
This is possibly the director’s way of keeping as many of the SODS members involved in a production that is essentially not cast heavy. Throughout the whole show there are smatterings of ‘extras’ who are either in the sidelines depicting the Skid Row down and outs, such as drunks, a cat lady and various losers or swaying and sauntering through scenes.
It’s clear that a lot of work has been put in to each of these ensemble characters but perhaps it may be a little overkill for some of the more intimate scenes that would be given more focus if there were less people on stage to distract away from the relevant action, especially when you have such good leading performers in Michael James and Mary Robinson who play Seymour and Audrey. The pair have a lovely chemistry when playing together and fill their roles well with some nicely established characterisations. James very reminiscent of Rick Moranis’s portrayal in the film version of the show, all nerdy and quirky yet hugely endearing; and Robinson looking stunning in her tacky, yet sexy and revealing costumes. They both show off some lovely vocals and Somewhere that’s Green is the first number in the show that really delivers an emotional punch, beautifully sung by Robinson and again Suddenly Seymour in Act 2 which goes down an absolute storm with the audience.
Stand out performance has to go to Matt Bacon as Orin, Audrey’s narcissistically sadistic and deranged dentist boyfriend - if the show were set in today’s time, Louis Theroux would no doubt have a field day with him. Bacon hilariously throws himself into this role with demented gusto and probably manages to raise the best laughs of the night.
Scarlett Reeve, Natasha Semain and Femi Olajugbagbe as the Greek Chorus trio work nicely together blending throughout various scenes with their harmonies narrating the action.
MD, Ben Page, does a great job in the orchestra pit and Choreographer, Hannah Bartlett definitely had her work cut out for her but the dance and movement flowed really well especially with a full ensemble on the Palace Theatre stage.
Audrey II soon becomes the central star attraction as the plant grows ever larger as Seymour struggles to find more and more human blood to keep her appetite at bay, however, one does have to question why the plant is also represented simultaneously by a person standing on the ledge above. The distraction of this is rather frustrating as the audiences eyes are naturally drawn to Josh Handley’s maniacal portrayal which as excellent as it is, really takes away the magical absurdness and wonderment of the Audrey II.
You can see that Director, Katey Flaherty, has worked hard to achieve a production that involves everyone and huge credit to her for managing to deliver this. It does feel, however, that having this many performers on stage at times was a little too distracting, often reducing the impetus of integral scenes.
That said the reaction at the end of the opening night from the audience was sheer delight and I think it’s fair to say that if you enjoy dark comedy, catchy tunes and have just a little bit of a twisted sense of humour, then this is the show for you. I’m sure that the rest of the week will be a huge success for the Society.
Review: Kim Tobin
Set on the down-at-heel Skid Row, New York, the story centres on meek and nerdy florist’s assistant Seymour Krelborn (Michael James). Working in the failing flower shop of Mr Mushnik (Joe Drury) alongside the sweet but self-doubting Audrey (Mary Robinson), Seymour dreams of something—anything—better. Salvation appears in the most unlikely of forms: a mysterious plant, discovered during a solar eclipse, which he names Audrey II in honour of the girl he secretly loves. It has to be noted that it’s no surprise the shop isn’t getting a lot of business here as there are only around four plants up for sale and they are all dead.
However, the newly arrived mystery pot plant once placed in the shop window soon starts to bring in attention and new customers and Seymour soon finds out that Audrey II has an insatiable appetite, sadly not for water or sunlight, but for human blood. As Seymour feeds it (initially with his own blood from an accidental prick from a rose), the plant grows… and grows… transforming the fortunes of the shop and elevating Seymour from zero to local celebrity hero. Yet success comes at a cost. The bigger Audrey II becomes, the more demanding—and sinister—its cravings.
So what can audiences expect from Southend Operatic Society’s interpretation of this cult classic, playing all this week at the Palace Theatre Westcliff?
To kick off with, the moment the audience enter the auditorium you are confronted with what is essentially Skid Row. Various characters are hanging around by the seats - literally in some cases, we had to wait until one particular drunken vagrant sobered up a bit and skulked off before we could take our seats which provided much amusement! This is quite full on with action taking place on stage and amongst the audience as they enter the auditorium and it’s quite a hectic immersive experience. If you like that kind of thing, you’ll probably love it and appreciate the effort made here but perhaps something to be noted for anyone who isn’t comfortable in these kind of scenarios.
This is possibly the director’s way of keeping as many of the SODS members involved in a production that is essentially not cast heavy. Throughout the whole show there are smatterings of ‘extras’ who are either in the sidelines depicting the Skid Row down and outs, such as drunks, a cat lady and various losers or swaying and sauntering through scenes.
It’s clear that a lot of work has been put in to each of these ensemble characters but perhaps it may be a little overkill for some of the more intimate scenes that would be given more focus if there were less people on stage to distract away from the relevant action, especially when you have such good leading performers in Michael James and Mary Robinson who play Seymour and Audrey. The pair have a lovely chemistry when playing together and fill their roles well with some nicely established characterisations. James very reminiscent of Rick Moranis’s portrayal in the film version of the show, all nerdy and quirky yet hugely endearing; and Robinson looking stunning in her tacky, yet sexy and revealing costumes. They both show off some lovely vocals and Somewhere that’s Green is the first number in the show that really delivers an emotional punch, beautifully sung by Robinson and again Suddenly Seymour in Act 2 which goes down an absolute storm with the audience.
Stand out performance has to go to Matt Bacon as Orin, Audrey’s narcissistically sadistic and deranged dentist boyfriend - if the show were set in today’s time, Louis Theroux would no doubt have a field day with him. Bacon hilariously throws himself into this role with demented gusto and probably manages to raise the best laughs of the night.
Scarlett Reeve, Natasha Semain and Femi Olajugbagbe as the Greek Chorus trio work nicely together blending throughout various scenes with their harmonies narrating the action.
MD, Ben Page, does a great job in the orchestra pit and Choreographer, Hannah Bartlett definitely had her work cut out for her but the dance and movement flowed really well especially with a full ensemble on the Palace Theatre stage.
Audrey II soon becomes the central star attraction as the plant grows ever larger as Seymour struggles to find more and more human blood to keep her appetite at bay, however, one does have to question why the plant is also represented simultaneously by a person standing on the ledge above. The distraction of this is rather frustrating as the audiences eyes are naturally drawn to Josh Handley’s maniacal portrayal which as excellent as it is, really takes away the magical absurdness and wonderment of the Audrey II.
You can see that Director, Katey Flaherty, has worked hard to achieve a production that involves everyone and huge credit to her for managing to deliver this. It does feel, however, that having this many performers on stage at times was a little too distracting, often reducing the impetus of integral scenes.
That said the reaction at the end of the opening night from the audience was sheer delight and I think it’s fair to say that if you enjoy dark comedy, catchy tunes and have just a little bit of a twisted sense of humour, then this is the show for you. I’m sure that the rest of the week will be a huge success for the Society.
Review: Kim Tobin
SOUTHEND Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of Little Shop of Horrors next week will mark two milestones for SODS.
It will be the first time the society has performed the upbeat comedy musical, and it also marks Katey Flaherty’s full directorial debut.
After directing small-scale shows for children while teaching at theatre schools, she wanted to step up if the the right show came along.
“I was born the year that Little Shop of Horrors was brought out as a film, and it was a big part of my childhood, along with all the Disney musicals’” Katey said. “We had it on tape and I used to watch it over and over again, and knew every word to it. It’s just been part of my life for a long, long time.”
Little Shop was written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who also wrote Disney classics Beauty and The Beast, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, so when SODS announced they society would be producing the show, Katey jumped at the chance.
Teaming up with choreographer Hannah Bartlett and musical director Ben Page, who is also making his SODS debut, they set about creating the production, which tells the story of a crafty carnivorous plant that promises a humble flower shop worker fortune and fame as he unwittingly helps it to take over the world.
“It hasn’t been hard translating my vision of the show into reality, because the cast I’ve got are so brilliant. They’ve been an absolute breeze to direct,” added Katey, who has played many principal roles on south Essex stages.
“I’d say the bigger challenge with the show is that it wasn’t written to include an ensemble and we wanted an ensemble, because we’ve got loads of great SODS members that we wanted to be involved.”
It will be the first time the society has performed the upbeat comedy musical, and it also marks Katey Flaherty’s full directorial debut.
After directing small-scale shows for children while teaching at theatre schools, she wanted to step up if the the right show came along.
“I was born the year that Little Shop of Horrors was brought out as a film, and it was a big part of my childhood, along with all the Disney musicals’” Katey said. “We had it on tape and I used to watch it over and over again, and knew every word to it. It’s just been part of my life for a long, long time.”
Little Shop was written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who also wrote Disney classics Beauty and The Beast, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, so when SODS announced they society would be producing the show, Katey jumped at the chance.
Teaming up with choreographer Hannah Bartlett and musical director Ben Page, who is also making his SODS debut, they set about creating the production, which tells the story of a crafty carnivorous plant that promises a humble flower shop worker fortune and fame as he unwittingly helps it to take over the world.
“It hasn’t been hard translating my vision of the show into reality, because the cast I’ve got are so brilliant. They’ve been an absolute breeze to direct,” added Katey, who has played many principal roles on south Essex stages.
“I’d say the bigger challenge with the show is that it wasn’t written to include an ensemble and we wanted an ensemble, because we’ve got loads of great SODS members that we wanted to be involved.”
Katey Flaherty - Director
But the creative team worked out ways to integrate an ensemble into the production by working with them to develop characters for Skid Row, where the show is set, and incorporating dance and additional vocal parts.
“It’s been lovely working with Ben and Hannah,” explained Katey, who is keen to direct a musical again. “We didn’t want it to be the same show that everyone has seen over and over again, and we didn’t want to carbon copy the film. We wanted to take the things that we love from the film and past productions, then put in our own little spin on it.”
Katey said the principal character line-up is very strong and has been a dream to direct, with the actors being given the chance to play with different aspects in rehearsals to allow the production to offer a fresh approach to Little Shop.
“It’s been lovely working with Ben and Hannah,” explained Katey, who is keen to direct a musical again. “We didn’t want it to be the same show that everyone has seen over and over again, and we didn’t want to carbon copy the film. We wanted to take the things that we love from the film and past productions, then put in our own little spin on it.”
Katey said the principal character line-up is very strong and has been a dream to direct, with the actors being given the chance to play with different aspects in rehearsals to allow the production to offer a fresh approach to Little Shop.
Michael James in rehearsal as Seymour
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Mary Robinson in rehearsal as Audrey
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Michael James plays Seymour, the meek flower shop employee who names the plant Audrey II in honour of his co-worker Audrey, played by Mary Robinson. Joe Drury plays florist Mr Mushnik, with Matt Bacon as Audrey’s sadistic dentist boyfriend Orin Scrivello and Josh Handley as Audrey II.
Completing the principal line up are Femi Olajugbagbe, Scarlett Reeve and Natassha Semain, who play the Ronettes, who narrate the story in a Greek-chorus style.
The show is underpinned by a sixties-influenced score that blends beautiful ballads with Motown, doo-wop plus rock and roll.
Completing the principal line up are Femi Olajugbagbe, Scarlett Reeve and Natassha Semain, who play the Ronettes, who narrate the story in a Greek-chorus style.
The show is underpinned by a sixties-influenced score that blends beautiful ballads with Motown, doo-wop plus rock and roll.
The cast in rehearsal
SODS is presenting Little Shop of Horrors at the Palace Theatre in Westliff-on-Sea from April 22-25 at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees on April 23 and April 25. Tickets are available from www.palacetheatresouthend.co.uk, or call the box office on 0343 310 0030.