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Little Shop of Horrors
Lichfield Garrick
***** LITTLE Shop of Horrors is a perennial
favourite with audiences and as such it is difficult for any director to
propagate originality into the production. However, Director Tara Louis Wilkinson and the
creative team have managed to cultivate some variety into this
well-loved musical. Whilst working for failing florist Mushnik (Paul
Kissaun), botanical genius Seymour (Sam Lupton) discovers an unusual,
never seen before potted plant which he names ‘the Audrey Two’ after his
good-looking, ditsy, blonde co- worker Audrey (Stephanie Clift). She is Seymour’s love interest, but unfortunately
for both of them Audrey already has a boyfriend; the cruel, sadistic
neighbourhood dentist Orin (Rhydian). Meanwhile, Seymour discovers that the Audrey Two
is no ordinary sapling. No Baby Bio can nurture this alien, carnivorous
cutting. Cries of 'feed me Seymour' (voiced by Neil Nicholas) emit from
this creeping monster, its voracious appetite demanding ever increasing
quantities of human nourishment. Seymour, realising that the plant needs
sustenance and that dentist Orin is standing in the way of love,
arranges the ‘disposal’ of his arch-nemesis in the form of a ‘dental im-plant’!
And so the horrors begin. Sam Lupton is strong in
the role of Seymour. Whilst delivering great vocals, a convincingly wide
range of emotions and endless energy he carries the storyline superbly.
Stephanie Clift is well cast as Audrey, and expertly portrays the
down-trodden, fragile character in need of being loved. The on-stage
partnership works well and this is demonstrated in the cleverly
choreographed Call Back in the Morning
and the beautiful rendition of
Suddenly, Seymour. Rhydian’s (of The
X-Factor fame - seen above) stunningly wide vocal range and ability
bring vitality to Be a Dentist
and Now (It’s just the Gas).
His acting skill is equal to his voice and he
brings a unique characterisation to the manic, sadistic dentist which is
hilariously chilling. He also delights with some unexpected cameo roles
and super fast costume changes. Well supported by good
performances from Paul Kissaun (Mushnik), Sasha Latoya (Crystal),
Vanessa Fisher (Chiffon) and Cassie Clare (Ronette) , and well timed
puppetry from Josh Wilmott. Excellent vocals and choreography from all
the cast, a well designed set and some fun background antics from the
ensemble resulted in a rousing ovation from a very appreciative opening
night audience. The seed has been sown for a successful run of this
herbaceous horror at Lichfield Garrick to 24th
September Rosemary Manjunath and Elizabeth Smith
20-09-16
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