![](https://www.sardinesmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/LittleShop_slide-1.webp)
Show: Little Shop of Horrors
Society: Geoids Musical Theatre
Venue: Bridewell Theatre
Credits: Book and Lyrics: Howard Ashman, Music: Alan Menken
Type: Sardines
Author: Chris Abbott
Performance Date: 27/04/2022
Little Shop of Horrors
Chris Abbott | 28 Apr 2022 21:34pm
Little Shop of Horrors is such an iconic show that it’s easy to forget that it’s not just the plant that makes it so successful; it also has an inventive and lively score, a storyline that gives opportunities to cast and directors, and does it all in around two hours.
The production by Geoids at the Bridewell more than lived up to all these expectations, and it was a joy to see a tightly-drilled cast performing with a confidence that was well-founded. First-time Geoids Director Chris Adams delivered a sure-footed, inventive and entertaining production that, most importantly, got the tone right. Too often, Little Shop can come over as a little bleak with its horrific storyline, but all involved here knew that the solution was to present the show within an alternative two-dimensional or exaggerated world.
This was underlined by the well thought-through and constructed set, complete with neon signs, and the varied and ever-changing costumes, especially for the singing trio. As is usually the case with Geoids, technical aspects of the production were largely faultless, and therefore easy not to notice.
The opening recorded voice-over was delivered by Sir Ian McKellen, Geoids having heard the recent interview in which he said he would like to appear in a musical and then immediately offered him the opportunity – quite a coup. It was when the trio that act as a chorus appeared that the audience immediately relaxed, knowing that we were in safe hands. The performances by Sabrina Edwards, Tasha Msanide and Gemma Davies were, for me, the highlights of the evening, even among a strong cast like this. Strong on singing and tightly-delivered choreography, this was a trio of great performers and it was great to enjoy their every appearance.
As Scrivello the dentist, a tricky role to get right and often a hurdle which actors fail to vault, Joe Brown gave a confident and suitably over-the top rendition. His much put-upon girlfriend Audrey was in the safe hands of Katy Robinson, who knew exactly how to play this part and gave it some feeling that took it beyond the stereotype.
As Mushnik, Tom Outhwaite aged up effectively and drove much of the plot assuredly, it being the case that amdram groups in central London seem to have no older members just as those outside central London all too often seem to have no-one under forty… James Thacker was a strong and sympathetic Seymour with an excellent singing voice. He also managed to make us believe in the plant as a living creature, an effect that relies on the actor playing Seymour as much as the puppeteer operating Audrey II. On this occasion Daniel Paul was main puppeteer, assisted by Adam Brookes and Giles Burden (on roots/arms presumably) in the second act, and with the voice provided by a confident Hannah Roberts, giving her all in the role. All the archetypal moments were there with lip synching particularly good in the Act One plant, and if it was slightly disappointing that the plant didn’t grow at the end, this was quickly forgotten as the ensemble appeared in their plant-inspired makeover.
That ensemble were well-used throughout as Skid Row residents, reporters and customers, and it was good to see a larger group in these roles than is often seen in professional productions. Much of the credit for the success of the ensemble – and particularly the trio – must go to Choreographer Will Emery, who was for me the star of the creative team. I look forward to seeing his work in this role again as it is clear he can get the very best from his cast with his inventive and appropriate choreography.
Another success for Geoids then, which deserves full houses, and I look forward to a rather damper evening in February next year, when they will be taking on Singin’ in the Rain.
- : admin
- : 27/04/2022
Looking forward to seeing this tonight. Looks like we’re in for a treat.