Little Shop of Horrors

Glenys Shaw - April 2010 - Priory Centre

Seymour Krelbourn is a florist’s assistant in a New York back street down-trodden Florist run by failed businessman, Mr Mushnik. But one day, after a total eclipse of the sun, Seymour comes across an unusual plant in a back street and has his life turned around. He sweetly names the plant Audrey II after his co-assistant and love of his life, Audrey, although she takes a little while to realise it! He sets about trying to grow the plant, but this is fruitless, until he discovers by accident the plant’s thirst for blood!

Before too long the strange and interesting plant grows and demands more and more blood, but with it comes fame and fortune for Seymour. The plant which also grows a voice agrees a pact with Seymour to attract this publicity, provided he keeps feeding the plant. So before too long the blood makes way for fresh flesh, including Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend dentist, Orin, Mr Mushnik, and Audrey herself. Finally, Seymour begins to realise the true motives of the plant – world domination, and throws himself into the plant in one final attempt to stop the advance.

The show is very much a tongue in cheek comedy in the style of 1950s B-movie, and has been made into a film in 1986 with Rick Moranis of Honey I shrunk The Kids fame, and comedian Steve Martin playing roles. The music is very upbeat and modern and has a sixtees feel to it.