Little Shop of Horrors – Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Photo: Pamela Raith Photography

The atmosphere in the main house at Theatre by the Lake is electrifying as Audrey Two takes centre stage for this energetic and magical production of the classic Little Shop of Horrors, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth.

The set designers need a shout out for their adaptable New York florist shop on Skid Row. The cast are really versatile and first class – quadruple threats of acting, singing, dancing and musicians.

Opening this musical extravaganza is the trio of Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette played by Janna May, Zweyla Mitchell dos Santos, and Chardai Shaw play along with the house band, Migdalia van der Hoven on Drums with Musical Director, Gabrielle Ball. The production hits the ground running, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Oliver Mawdsley as the central character, orphan Seymour who works in the florist, and is the horticulturalist who creates a new species of plant – named Audrey Two after the woman he loves, fellow florist assistant Audrey. This is the perfect casting for this cartoon character you fall in love with, as you would a puppy dog. His strong vocals are perfect for the lead role in this popular musical.

Photo: Pamela Raith Photography

Laura Jane Matthewson as Audrey, the tart with a heart who deserves a lot better than the violent, abusive dentist she believes she has to stick with. Matthew Ganley as the masochistic, biker dentist Dr Orin is also very well cast. His presence on stage is intimidating and scary. You wouldn’t want to be trapped in a dental surgery with him! His singing is equally brilliant, and the story moved at a great pace.

When the owner of the florist, Mr Mushnik decided to close his florist shop after selling not one flower in a day, Audrey Two is brought in to help attract customers – which she does with immediate effect. Andrew Whitehead as Mr Mushnik, the not so benevolent pillar of Skid Row society, who took in the orphan to treat him as a slave, creates a larger-than-life character. You can’t help like as well as loath him.

As Audrey Two grows, the puppetry delivered by Matthew Heywood is brilliant – hilarious timing fills the theatre with laughter. Heywood is also the down and out who captures more laughs with his performance.

The voice of Audrey Two, who delivers the classic lines “Feed me. Feed me now!” is rich deep and beautifully delivered by Anton Stephans.

As the killer plant grows so does the outlook for Seymour, Audrey, and Mr Mushnik. The dentist scene with Seymour and Dr Orin is timed perfectly and features one of the classic rock themes from this musical.

The pack and style of this production is first class, and it is the perfect escapist musical that entertains all ages. It was wonderful to see more young people in the theatre, enjoying a live performance. If you want to have a good night out, go home with a beautiful ear worm roaming around for days that brings a smile to your face, book your tickets now to see Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre by the Lake. A first-class performance.

We left the theatre with big smiles and humming a catchy tune with the feeling we’d had a great night out.

Reviewer: Karen Morley-Chesworth

Reviewed: 28th March 2024

North West End UK Rating: