The evening before last, I had the pleasure of attending the press night of “Little Shop of Horrors” at Hull Truck Theatre, and what an unforgettable experience it was! This mean green monster musical, directed by Lotte Wakeham, brings to life the quirky, darkly comedic story of Seymour and his carnivorous plant in a production that is both hilariously entertaining and visually spectacular.
A Story That Bites Back
Set downtown on Skid Row, “Little Shop of Horrors” follows the downtrodden flower shop assistant Seymour, played with endearing charm and comedic timing by Oliver Mawdsley. Seymour’s luck takes a wild turn when he discovers a mysterious plant that promises fame and fortune. However, the plant’s insatiable appetite soon poses a deadly dilemma, threatening everything Seymour holds dear, including his budding romance with the sweet and naive Audrey, portrayed wonderfully by Laura Jane Matthewson.
Stellar Performances and Direction
Lotte Wakeham’s direction is spot on, capturing the campy, sci-fi essence of the original while infusing it with fresh energy. The cast delivers stellar performances across the board. Oliver Mawdsley as Seymour brings a perfect mix of vulnerability and determination, making you root for him even as he makes morally questionable choices. Laura Jane Matthewson as Audrey is both poignant and hilarious, her performance of “Somewhere That’s Green” being a standout moment that tugs at the heartstrings.
The villainous plant, Audrey II, voiced by Anton Stephans, is a scene-stealer, brought to life with impressive puppetry and a commanding vocal performance. The plant’s deep, menacing voice paired with its increasingly elaborate design adds a thrilling edge to the show.
Musical Magic
The music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman are timeless, and this production does them justice with vibrant, rock-and-roll-infused performances. The musical numbers are catchy and dynamic, with highlights including “Skid Row (Downtown)” and the infectious “Feed Me (Git It).” The live band provides a robust backdrop, enhancing the overall experience with their flawless execution of the score.
Visual and Technical Brilliance
Visually, the production is a feast for the eyes. The set design transforms the stage into the gritty, downtrodden world of Skid Row, contrasting sharply with the growing, vibrant presence of Audrey II. The lighting and special effects add layers of drama and excitement, particularly as the plant grows larger and more menacing. The costumes perfectly capture the 1960s aesthetic, adding to the overall charm and authenticity of the show.
A Night to Remember
“Little Shop of Horrors” at Hull Truck Theatre is a must-see production. It’s a delightful blend of humour, horror, and heart, brought to life by a talented cast and creative team. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the musical or new to the story, this production will leave you laughing, gasping, and maybe reconsidering your gardening habits!
Practical Information
The show runs from Wednesday, May 22 to Saturday, June 8 on Stage 1 at Hull Truck Theatre. Tickets are priced between £10 and £29.50, with concessions available. The running time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a break. For those who require it, a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performance will be held on Tuesday, June 4 at 7:30 pm, with interpretation by Dave Wycherley.
In conclusion, don’t miss your chance to see this devilishly delicious sci-fi smash hit musical. Get your tickets now and prepare to be thoroughly entertained by this monster of a show!
This production was amazing. All performers did an amazing job. Fully recommend and would love to see it again.