Review: Little Shop of Horrors

by Daniel Hill

When I found out that Little Shop Of Horrors was returning to the London Stage I made it a priority to see this musical. Having played the role of Seymour as part of the Middle School’s production in 2014 this musical has a special place in my heart being the first lead role I had played in a play and therefore I was extremely excited to return to it. I was particularly intrigued to see the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre as well due to recommendation from Emily Smith. The venue is brilliant and this is not just down to the fact it was a good summer’s evening, however that did help. Luckily the show managed to reach and exceed every expectation. This production was better than Hamilton.

Starring Marc Antolin as Seymour, Jemima Rooper as Audrey, former Busted member Matt Willis as Orin, Forbes Masson as Mushnik and American Drag Queen Vicky Vox as Audrey II the cast is very strong on paper. The creative are also very strong and this is seen on stage as Maria Aberg directs, Tom Scutt designs the vibrant set and costumes and Lizzi Gee choreographs some of the strongest choreography I have seen on stage. Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken the show tells the story of a young man who works in a florist's and has a particular interest in ‘strange and exotic’ plants which leads him into nurturing a plant which turns out to be a man-eating alien. This far-fetched sci-fi kind of plot sounds ridiculous but it is executed fantastically by the cast and crew at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

The set replicates a dull, grey Skid Row on which we see the musical take place. The set allows the vibrant costumes, often green, to really stand out for the audience. This vibrancy mirrors the musical itself and the energy provided by the cast and ensemble particularly. This is often done through the choreography which is simply awe-inspiring at moments and there was not a weak link in the cast who struggled with the high standard of dance displayed. The dance was often in unison and performed fairly quickly which made it flawless throughout. It was worked into the  brilliant music and seemed almost effortless from the performers on stage.

The cast was what really made the piece. Marc Antolin and Jemima Rooper playing alongside each other was great pairing for two of the leading roles and both of these actors were very strong throughout. Both vocals and dance abilities were brilliant however they were not any better than the rest of the cast in any particular way. Forbes Masson was very good in the role of Mushnik, the florist owner. His routine with Marc Antolin during the song Mushnik and Son was a highlight of the performance. Vicky Vox’s powerful potrayal of Audrey II is very strong and a highlight of the show. The ensemble were also very much essential in this piece and made it is brilliant as it was.

Whether it was due to the setting, nostalgia or just the brilliance, I can certainly say this show deserves more than its run at Regent’s Park. Although a West End transfer may not be logistical, it is definitely worthy of this and I really hope it receives a nomination for Best Revival of a Musical when the Olivier Awards are announced. It is not often that I see a musical that I find so exciting and compelling; however, this really hit new heights, possibly becoming the best musical I have ever seen.