‘Little Shop of Horrors’ // Shoebox Theatre Company
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was delicious.
Shoebox Theatre Company kicked off spring at Toowoomba’s Armitage Centre with their vibrant production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. Both deliciously quirky and occasionally grotesque, the cast delivered standout characterisations and impeccable comedic timing.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a horror-comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman. It follows a florist who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh – a perfectly fitting musical for this time of year. Premiering off-off-Broadway in 1982, it became a hit with its 1960s-style rock, doo-wop, and Motown-inspired songs, and has since been adapted into a 1986 film and numerous productions worldwide.
The set design by Mary and John Quade was a major highlight. Towering rundown apartments, a storybook-style shop front, and meticulously crafted Audrey II puppets brought the world of the show to life. The attention to detail, from an analogue clock shifting in sync with the script to the subtle frosting and lighting in the upstairs windows, was a testament to the skill of Shoebox Theatre Company’s creative team.
Direction by Kyle Dever, music direction by Morgan Chalmers, and choreography by Holly Peterson was united in the light hearted and family friendly approach to this production. Some renditions opt for raunchy and gory interpretations, but the creative team found a good balance to keep audience members – young and old – welcome and having fun. Tara Gillespie, Lydia Cunnington, and Anna Roche-Kelly portrayed the Greek Chorus with a warmth and charm that made them more lovable than sassy, and though their powerhouse vocals stood out, their performances also brought an endearing, relatable quality to their characters.
In the leading roles, Mike Escober delivered a clumsy but adorable Seymour, Miranda Robinson captured Audrey’s body language to perfection, and Ken Morrissey portrayed Mr Mushnik with energy and a strong accent.
Hendrick Botha was outstanding as Audrey II, with strong vocals that filled the auditorium and just the right amount of wit in their dialogue. Perhaps the standout performance of the evening came from Fraser Telford as Orin and various minor roles. Telford was able to quickly adapt the walk and talk of several characters with ease and efficiency; and was hypnotic in scenes as the psychotic and troublesome dentist.
This production doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a perfect source of apolitical escapism. While the story touches on themes like domestic violence, greed, and world domination, the overall experience is one of lighthearted fun and laughter. The action on stage may be chaotic, but the audience is invited to sit back, relax, and enjoy a wildly entertaining night.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ performs until October 26th at Armitage Centre, Empire Theatre Toowoomba. For more information visit their website.
