Little Shop of Horrors (November 2005)

WOKING AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY

‘THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’ - OCTOBER 2005

 

I saw this musical in London in 1983 and was delighted to get the opportunity to see it again. With it’s rock and roll musical score and just the right tone of mockery it is really good fun to watch, and having read the ‘horror’ story of the lack of help from the Ambassadors Group, I’m amazed you had any bottoms on seats at all! It is difficult enough for amateurs to compete, not only with other amateur companies but also professional, without being totally let down by the publicity machine at the venue.

Because of this, and possibly because it’s not a well- known show either, it was not as well attended as it deserved.

The set was good, with plenty of flowers, pots and buckets on stage, which created the ambience for Mr. Mushkin’s shop, and there was good attention to detail with the props, which were suitable for the period. The use of different levels with the scaffolding and through the ‘Window’ added interest.

James Casselton’s band were nicely controlled and well balanced and Helen William’s direction was very good. Chorus movement in the musical numbers was attractive to watch and had obviously been well rehearsed.

Tom Williams, whom I understand was performing in his first lead role with an adult company, sang and acted strongly, portraying Seymour as a rather studious looking plant lover, and his fondness for Audrey 1 was apparent.

In the role of Audrey 1, Helen Buick also gave a good performance. Although rather quietly spoken her diction was perfect and she came across as a gentle, sensitive person, despite her wonderfully zany outfits suggesting otherwise. Her ‘Somewhere that’s Green’ was especially good.

Seymour did appear rather younger than Audrey did, but I know how difficult it is to cast a show and the two of them worked very well together.

Roger Thomas made a suitable Mr Mushnik, a Jewish New York shopkeeper, but some of his dialogue was a little difficult to hear, perhaps due to a throat infection?

The three girls, Chiffon, Ronnette and Crystal, played by Georgina Keates, Nicola Sinclair and Claire Higham respectively, epitomised the vocal groups of the time with their stylised acting and singing, and all acted and sang confidently.

With his Elvis Presley interpretation of Orin Scrivello, Andy Ionides brought out the black humour and was able to turn his wide smile on and off in an instant. Despite his tendency to violence and obvious macabre glee when at work, it was difficult not to like him. The ‘Dentist!’ number was very good indeed.

I enjoyed Audrey and Seymour’s counter singing in ‘Call Back in the Morning’ and ‘Suddenly Seymour’ was excellent.

As usual the lighting was good but the sound mikes were a little low on occasion, which caused some imbalance.

The smaller roles were played competently by the cast members.

I like the cover on your programme, and the programme contains plenty of information, but it would have been easier for the audience to read if the cast list and the synopsis had been on the centre page.

Front of House were efficient and I enjoyed the show very much.

Thank you for inviting me to see the production and for your hospitality on the evening. As always it was good to meet both Directors, and the cast on stage afterwards.

Good luck with ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ which I shall look forward to seeing next May.

 

E. Gloria Smith

N.O.D.A. Regional Representative