Prestwich Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society performed Little Shop of Horrors at The Met, Bury this May. The rock-horror musical’s dark humour and catchy songs make it a fun but challenging choice for an amateur company. While some performances stood out, the production as a whole felt uneven and lacking polish.
Kit Phillips was among the stronger cast members as Seymour. He captured Seymour’s awkward charm well, delivering solid vocals and an emotional arc. His chemistry with Audrey felt sincere, and he navigated Seymour’s struggles with subtlety.
Isobel Cunliffe played Audrey with warmth and vulnerability. Her rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” alongside Phillips was a highlight — emotional and well-sung.
Izzi Smith voiced Audrey II, the man-eating plant, which was one of the evening’s successes. Smith’s bluesy voice gave the plant a lot of character, and the staging of Audrey II’s movements was effective, creating an engaging presence on stage.
Ciaran Lockwood played Orin, the sadistic dentist, with obvious gusto. His committed performance sometimes felt a little over-the-top, which affected the timing and clarity of the character’s darker humour.
The staging was serviceable for an amateur production with limited budget. There were quite a few scene changes, but these often disrupted the flow and felt awkward rather than smooth. Despite this, the small cast ensured the stage never felt overcrowded.
Choreography was basic, especially among the urchins, suggesting more rehearsal could have helped.
Prestwich A.D.O.S. has shown strong potential in the past, but this production fell short. While there were some solid performances and a well-executed Audrey II, the overall show lacked cohesion and polish.
Reviewer: Brian Madden
Reviewed: 21st May 2025
North West End UK Rating: