I don’t know what it is about this show, but there’s something in the ridiculousness of the whole thing that’s always been endearing. The dig at cheap B-movies and the over-sentimentality of its musical numbers seems to strike a chord with people old and young, and in spite of its roots in science fiction, there truly is something in this hilarious, horticultural hit that we can all relate to. In fact, even Dan here, who hates anything to do with people singing out their woes on a stage, loved this production. (And I’m sure he shed a mini tear towards the end! – Sssssh)
I last saw Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway in 2004. It was big, bold and brilliant, just as a Broadway show should be, but following a totally sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory here in London – a much smaller venue – it has to be said that the intimate insides of a cosier space create a much better house for the performance. As it relocates to the equally cosy Duke of York Theatre in the West End, we’re thinking it might have finally found its perfect home. After all, intimacy is a running theme between our heroes, Seymour and Audrey. Seymour longs to fit in - he’s an orphaned boy trapped in a lonely adult’s body, in love with his ditzy blonde co-worker and doomed to a life on dreary Skid Row. Audrey herself is a beaten-up dreamer, just as enamoured with Seymour but stuck in a violent and loveless relationship with an egotistical dentist. Both long for love in a way they’ve never experienced, and throughout our 90 minute adventure both inevitably achieve it.
Of course, fame and happiness come at a price. When Seymour becomes an overnight sensation after discovering a mysterious plant, finding enough fresh blood to curb its insatiable, alien appetite proves anything but a bed of roses...
You might remember Audrey, played by Sheridan Smith, for her roles in BBC hits Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and The Royal Family. She’s joined by (super-cute) Paul Keating in the role of Seymour, who recently played the leads in Closer to Heaven and the West End version of Tommy. Let’s not forget the incredible debut of our newest dentist, leader of the plaque, Alistair McGowan. Acting up is nothing new for this comedian and impressionist, but his equally camp and menacing performance as Audrey’s bullying boyfriend is fantastic. The scene where he’s fighting the laughing gas is probably one of the best in any show in the West End at the moment – definitely one that will ensure he’s snapped up for future, funny stage roles.
Also worth a mention are Barry James as Mr Mushnik, who was actually the original Seymour in the 1986 West End staging at the Comedy Theatre, and Whose Line Is It Anyway regular, Mike McShane, who gives us the voice of Audrey II.
What makes this version of Little Shop of Horrors stand out from the rest, aside from the smaller set, is the modernization of the costumes and cast. Whilst still set in the slums of urban America, the doo-wap girls of old have been replaced by a trio of total trailer-trash, who are nothing short of hilarious. And whilst some versions of the show have stuck with the schmaltzy Hollywood ending inspired by the 1986 movie, this one gives us the real ending, which we’re certainly not going to
spoil! Ironically, you’ll probably cry more tears over Sheridan’s outstanding, emotional outpour in the number ‘Somewhere that’s green’, than you will at the ending. Let’s not forget that for all of its tugging at the heartstrings, this is a comedy after all.
I know Dirty Dancing was hot, Wicked was wicked, Spamalot was silly and Les Miserable left you sobbing like a girl, but if you’re looking for a combo of the best in the West End, you really can’t get better than this monster hit. Although, it might make you think twice about those pot-plants you just put on the windowsill. Review by Becky Wicks
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