Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Old Joint Stock Theatre Birmingham

The second in their musicals double bill, the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham have moved New York locations, from Avenue Q to Skid Row in their latest offering, Little Shop of Horrors.

Featuring the same professional cast in both shows, it is difficult not to compare the two despite them being completely different productions. If Avenue Q was a “must-see”, Little Shop of Horrors is a ‘beg, steal or borrow a ticket’ situation. 

Life isn’t easy on Skid Row, but maybe things are going to turn around for Seymour. He’s discovered a plant unlike any other and people are clambering to get a look. Perhaps he’ll finally win the attention and affection of his co-worker, Audrey. Suddenly, Seymour’s appetite for fame and fortune is over-matched by the appetite of his new plant. Will the killer potential of Seymour’s new plant bring him everything he has ever wanted, will the price be too high?

Upon entering the black box auditorium, the actors are already commanding the space in their short pre-show. The set is extremely muted in its colour palette, along with all costumes apart from Audrey (played by the extraordinary Bella Bowen) and Audrey II itself who has several different reincarnations prior to being presented in human form, with Matt Bond being the sassiest diva plant there ever was! Following the renovation of the flower shop, further colour is injected, aided suitably by Theatre SSL’s lighting.

This show is incredibly busy blocking wise and the Lacey’s (Adam and Pippa, director and choreographer respectively) have further upped their game with this production, with the choreography being particularly noteworthy surrounding the ‘greek chorus’ of the piece, the Ronettes.

Although the vocals are a touch loud in places, the sound is of a high quality throughout, with the six-strong band once again led ably by Jack Hopkins.

The cast. Where. To. Start. They are probably the most talented company to have graced the Old Joint Stock stage. Alex Wadham is a gentle and endearing Seymour whose relationships in the piece appear totally authentic, particularly with the aforementioned Bella Bowen as Audrey. His vocals are also solid in navigating the often challenging musical arrangements. Bowen’s timid portrayal of Audrey is often heart-breaking and her rendition of ‘Somewhere That’s Green’ is vocal perfection, with her connection to material utterly palpable. She is a phenomenal talent who I know we will be seeing much more of. 

Thomas Cove makes much more of Mushnik that in previous productions I have had the pleasure to watch/work on. He is a dominant presence and his performance of ‘Mushnik & Son’ alongside Alex Wadham is a joy; whilst Bradley Walwyn is perfectly intimidating as the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello (D.D.S).

The performers cast as the Ronettes in this production (Hannah Victoria, Tabitha Rose and Rebecca Withers) are also sensational. Being narrators of the story, they are a constant throughout the show and they are so unified, both physically and vocally from start to finish. A power trio if ever there was one.

An undisputed triumph.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

Little Shop of Horrors plays at the Old Joint Stock Theatre until 26 September 2021. To book tickets, please click here.