Don't feed the plants!

There aren’t many musicals that have an all singing, all dancing, carnivorous plant with an unquenchable thirst for human blood as one of their central characters, consequently I have always had a soft spot for Howard Ashman’s and Alan Menken’s science fiction inspired production Little Shop of Horrors. Brought thrillingly to life by Seedtime (a Company of talented final year students from performing arts school London Studio Centre that have chosen to specialise in musical theatre), who for the most part delivered high-octane and accomplished performances.  Showcasing that many of the musical theatre stars of tomorrow have honed their singing, dancing and acting abilities to such a high standard that they are what the industry commonly refer to as triple-threats.

The residents of Skid Row are downbeat, dejected and struggling to make ends meet. One such failing business is Mrs Musnik’s rundown florist, with no customers passing through, it like many other businesses on Skid Row will surely face inevitable closure. That is until Seymour (Jamie Tibke), a gawky floral assistant discovers a new species of “strange and interesting” plant, that once displayed in the shop’s window captures the publics interest and drums up some much needed custom for the business. His botanical discovery, which he names Audrey II, unexpectedly catapults a social awkward Seymour to fame, as he becomes an overnight media sensation. However, Audrey II - whose gravely and blues infused tones are voiced superbly be Ryan Ridley, is an ill tempered plant, whose constant demands for human blood, force Seymour to go to sinisterly immoral lengths to satisfy his plants insatiable needs

For the most part Seedtime’s production of Little Shop of Horrors stays true to the characterisation used in Frank Oz’s 1986 filmic version of the work. For instance, the quintet of Ronnettes echo the sassy and vivacious nature of the original brilliantly. I was particularly impressed that as Audrey, Abigayle Honeywill was able to sustain the same high-pitched Tweety-Pie-esque voice (that Ellen Greene memorably created for Audrey) for the duration of the piece. I thought Honeywill captured Audrey’s sweet, ditzy and vulnerable nature perfectly. Her formidable singing voice was showcased superbly in Suddenly Seymour  and her final musical number the reprise of Somewhere That’s Green.    That said, I did think that for a character that is described as a “semi-sadist”, Connor Minney’s depiction of Audrey’s controlling boyfriend Orin could have made more of his characters manic and sadistic tendencies. Another performance that is worthy of note is Robyn Richford, who played an assortment of parts within the ensemble, whenever she was onstage my eye always seemed to be drawn towards her animated performances. 

Seedtime’s rendition of Little Shop of Horrors, was engaging,enjoyable and the entire Company’s sheer delight and enthusiasm for being onstage was undeniably infectious.