Cult musical with real bite at Loft

Based on Roger Corman’s cult 1960s film, Ashman and Menken’s stage production took audiences by storm when it opened off-Broadway in 1986, playing to packed houses for over five years.

Following an eclipse of the sun, Seymour Krelborn, a lowly florist’s assistant has his life turned up-side-down when he finds a strange plant. He names it Audrey II, after the salesgirl whom he loves from afar. But, despite his best efforts, the plant fails to grow until he accidentally discovers its true diet – blood.

As the plant thrives, bringing Seymour fame and fortune, the two strike a Faustian pact: Audrey II agrees to attract publicity if Seymour will continue feeding it. The hapless Seymour, his boss Mushnik, Audrey and her abusive dentist boyfriend Scrivello are all swept into the plant’s evil machinations, as its true motives become clear.

Chris Gilbey-Smith plays Seymour, with John Fenner as Mushnik, Nicki Cross as Audrey and Oli Jones as Scrivello. Pete Bucknall is the voice of scene-stealing Audrey II, whose rhythm and blues numbers never fail to bring down the house.

Director Tim Willis said: “To bring the characters to life requires a strong cast, and I am privileged to have been able to assemble just such a cast.

“They are matched by the expertise and commitment of the artistic, backstage, technical and production teams without whom it would not have been possible to produce this show.”

Little Shop of Horrors runs at Loft Theatre in Victoria Colonnade from Wednesday December 2 to Saturday December 12, with a performance each evening at 7.30pm except Sunday. Tickets can be booked online at any time via www.loft-theatre.co.uk or by calling 0844 493 4938 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

In addition, the Box Office will be open from 7pm to 8.30pm on Monday November 30 and Tuesday December 1, and on each performance evening.

Under 25s and NUS card holders can purchase tickets for £5 for the performances on Monday and Tuesday. Contact the theatre for details.