LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

29 – 31 AUGUST 2025
CENTRAL STUDIO, BASINGSTOKE

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Book and Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN
Music by ALAN MENKEN

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith

Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director)

Originally produced at the Opheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International

All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk

Original Vocal arrangements by Robert Billig            

New Arrangements    by Michael Kosarin             

Orchestrations by Danny Troob

Puppets Designed by Martin P Robinson

Seymour – Edward Walton
Audrey – Adelaide Joyner
Mr Mushnik – Seb Kraty
Orin Scrivello – Ollie Webb
Audrey II – Mia May, Scarlett Boyle and Sophia Newborough
Do-Wops/Urchins – Lidia Maia, Lyra Head, Mila Chalmers, Robyn Emerson, Ruby Grant
The Opportunist – Olly Costello
Wino/Announcement Voice – Angus Haldane
Customer – Amelia Walton
WSKID DJ – Ellyn Ball
Skid Row Ensemble – Arabella Richards, Ayla Tipp, Darcey Richards, Darcy Mutlow, Ellen Ball, Esme Wilders, Grace Edmonds, Lotty Vanlint, Sophia Watson
Skid Row Orphans – Cassia Tipp, Flo Barrow, Olivia Elliott, Sophie Maidment, Tabby Allnutt

Director – Owen White
Musical Director – Tori Eglin
Choreographer – Abbie Fernadez
Dance Captain  – Ruby Grant
Creative Assistant – Aidan Strachan
General Assistants – Seren Morris, Jasper Morrin
Show Manager – Fiona Morgans
Show Administrator – Sandie Thomson
Stage Manager – Ben Hastings
Set and Props – Youth on Stage
Plant Puppets – Imagine Theatre
Puppeteers – Angus Haldane, Sophia Glanville-Watson, Esme Wilders
Technical Support/Lighting – Myles Waugh-Bacchus
Front of House – Kellie Boyle
Lead Child Protection Officer – Marie White
Wardrobe Team – Lesley Rust, Claire Roberts, Sandie Thomson, Fiona Morgans
Audrey II costumes – Daria Ellis
Wigs – Katie Conquest
Programme – Ryan Stevens
Chaperones – Marie White, Rachel Glover, Lesley Rust, Kellie Boyle, Sandie Thomson, Fiona Morgans, Maxine Haldane, Faye Joyner, Lucy Tipp, Elain Burchell
Parent Helpers – Fiona Barrow, Anna Ivanensko, Becky Elliot, Claire Davey

 LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a musical based on the well-known film starring Steve Martin and Rick Moranis from the book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menkin. The ‘Shop’ of the title is a florist on Skid Row where Mr Mushnik and his hapless assistant Seymour, face closure due to dwindling business. BUT, Seymour nurtures a unique plant and their fortunes are reversed. 

FRONT OF HOUSE: The Front of House team were friendly and welcoming and there was an excited buzz in anticipation of the first night. 

PROGRAMME: The programme was A5, glossy and coloured with themes of the show, i.e. red, green and black. There was a welcome from the Chair, photos and amusing contributions from the cast and messages from the creative team. There were comprehensive production details and a list of musical numbers. Half a page was devoted to NODA and there were details of BNG’s 2026 productions. 

SET/SCENERY/PROPS The set was excellent and depicted a florist at one end with the floor space used in front for dance sequences and action involving the Skid Row characters. The props were good including a large curtain hiding the shop when it was ‘closed for refurbishment’. The various plants were in keeping with the theme and the final Audrey II was amazing. 

COSTUMES, HAIR AND MAKE UP: The costumes were excellent. The Do-Wap girls were eye-catching with their black jackets and tartan skirts and matching tights. The street urchins were suitably ragged and there was good attention to detail with all characters’ costumes. The dental assistants in their white coats, the dentist, complete with gas mask/helmet were all in keeping with the story. The make up suited the characters and Audrey’s black eye from the domestic abuse was convincing. The Audrey II dancers’ costumes were stunning and perfectly depicted them as being the physical embodiment of the plant. 

LIGHTING AND SOUND were stunning from start to finish. The lighting changes were subtle at times and vibrant and flashing at others. The sound was bold and solid and the voices were strong. 

THE PRODUCTION: From the opening number to the finale, this show didn’t draw breath. Everyone was totally engaged at all times and the energy was astonishing. There were laughs and gasps, creative choreography and the quality and depth of the singing was amazing. To 

have Audrey II in human form (three dancers) was a stroke of genius and added another level of creativity to this production. It was fascinating to see Audrey II growing and this led to an amusing climax when the plant devoured Mr Mushnik (and others!) Considering the short rehearsal period for this show, I am amazed at the polished performance that was achieved. Well done BNG and I’m already looking forward to the next show! 

CHRIS HORTON 

Chris.horton@noda.org.uk 

District 14 Representative, 

SE Region, NODA & Regional Editor,