Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, King’s Theatre Portsmouth
The Kings Theatre in Portsmouth has been the home to many entertaining and impressive musicals in the past and here at WEBF, we are happy to report that their current production of Little Shop of Horrors is another success to add to this list.
In the programme for this production, which is designed to look like a comic book might we add, there is a note explaining that this production was put together in a short period of time. But based on the passion of the performers, the impressive set design, the colourful lighting design, and the energetic orchestra, you wouldn't know it. We are certain that many of you know the story of this unique tale of a man-eating plant, and for those of you that don’t, we would highly recommend this production if you’re a Little Shop of Horrors virgin. This production captures the 1960s vibe in such a cool and classic way without it being overly cheesy. Naturally, there are moments in the show of cheesiness - exaggerated facial expressions, slightly out of place 'dun dun dun' moments, dramatic pauses for effect etc - but it is done in such a simple and tasteful way.
The performances in this production are truly amazing and a real pleasure to watch. Not only do the entire cast have an undeniable chemistry, but their voices also blend together beautifully, which really suits the complex harmonies that occur during this show. This production’s Seymour (Charlie Frame) is absolutely breathtaking in his role and really captures the love-sick shop boy yet morally confused horticulturist brilliantly. As an audience member, you can’t help falling in love with his boyish charm, not to mention his fantastic vocals. Georgia Deloise does a wonderful job at bringing the troubled yet lively character of Audrey we all know and love to life. Peter Colley as Mr Mushnik is a perfect balance of comedy and charisma with a bit of moral questioning thrown in for good measure.
And let's not sweep over Audrey 2 - or the cannibalistic plant that, let's face it, we all love to love. The vocal performance provided by Stuart Warner sent deep, chilling tingles down our spine. The brilliantly timed “villain” laughs blends together perfectly with the phenomenal vocal characterisation of the plant. Matched with the physical movements (provided by puppeteers Taylor Walter-Field and Euan Miller), Audrey 2 is brought to life in such a vibrant way (without being too scary for the youngsters in the room!)
It is always nice to spot the director and producer in the audience to gauge their response. We had the immense pleasure of sitting near these people in the audience for this production. Seeing the director (Jack Edwards) and producer (Paul Woolf) stand, cheer and whistle for their performers and backstage crew was a truly heart-warming and inspiring thing to see.
Though there were a few opening night hiccups, the overall splendour of the performance did more than enough to entertain, engage, and thrill its audience.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Megan Webb
Little Shop of Horrors plays at the King’s Theatre Portsmouth until 1 July, with further information here.
Last night’s performance was dedicated to a member of the King’s Theatre Front of House staff who sadly passed away from leukaemia not too long ago. On behalf of WEBF, we’d like to express our sympathies and condolences for the family, friends and colleagues impacted by this loss.