Three sensational ‘Shop’ nights
Last updated 22:05, Wednesday, 27 August 2008
I WENT to the Little Shop of Horrors show knowing nothing about it, which isn’t always a good thing, but this just made the whole evening more enjoyable because I didn’t know what was coming next.
It started off with the audience laughing and they hardly stopped all night as the young cast acted, sang and performed to such a high standard with perfect timing.
It was clear that the musical was boosted with the professional set and props, which were used in the West End production, and it was wonderful.
Although I have been on stage with a number of the cast, I was blown away with the outstanding performances given by each and every one.
Tony Huddleston (Seymour) was a delight to watch. His comic timing and great singing really made the part.
Katy Weir (Audrey) was perfectly cast, singing and acting tremendously, and how she walked in those heels all night I’ll never know.
As always, John Innes (Mr Mushnik) was solid in his performance and the audience always warms to him and the humour he brings to a show.
There’s always a baddie in these shows and this fell to Alasdair Wilson (Orin the dentist). His evil sneer and ever so-slick hair just made people laugh instead of hating him, though.
I haven’t seen Ben Maxwell on the stage before and I was really impressed with how natural he was.
The three backing girls, Colette Divers, Hannah Cumming and Sarah Rajszys, sang well together and I was surprised to read in the programme that Hannah was only 14 and the youngest member.
The other cast members, Grant Anderson, Ama Sulter, Saikou Jammeh, Rachel Harris, Daniel Scott and Rebecca Jackson all fitted in perfectly with their individual characters.
Well, what can I say about the plant, Audrey ? It is actually a he and was, in fact, our own Billy Young.
Although I have never heard a talking plant, if I ever did, I would hope it sounded like this one, who sang to the audience in an evil operatic voice.
Having been in shows I realise the hard work and dedication that goes on backstage. These people really did a marvellous job and deserve credit. The musical director Oliver Jones did a superb job.
Although the music was difficult in places, the cast made it sound easy and it was quite clear what a talented musician he is with his accompanying.
Henry Jeffrey was the only other in the band and he played tuned percussion.
The simple, yet effective, choreography was an excellent feature and praise to Sarah Rajszys for her hard work in achieving this.
I believe that when the producer Chris Jones and director Judith Johnson decided to put on this show they knew they would be taking a risk.
The fact it would cost a lot of money to hire and deliver the set and also a three-night stint is quite daunting.
I think everyone who saw that show and has heard about it in the town would say they were pleased you did go ahead, and three nights wasn’t long enough.
The on-stage chemistry between the cast showed how much fun they were having and this, in turn, made the audience enjoy it.
Well done guys and I look forward very much to Centre Stage Theatre’s next production – Oh, What a Lovely War.
Jackie Beckett
