Calling all stagesiders, welcome back to yet another review here at Stageside UK! Tonight we went downtown to Mr Mushnik’s Flower Shop on Skid Row to see Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors at and trust me, this production was suddenly worth it.
Disclaimer: we were gifted a pair of tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.
From the moment the cast hit the stage, they fed this performance with absolutely everything they had. Every actor fully committed to their role, delivering phenomenal vocals, sharp comedy, energetic choreography, and performances packed with umph. The chemistry across the company was impossible to ignore, and the addition of live music gave the entire show even more bite. This cast did not just perform the score, they devoured it.
There is no other way to say it. The production team deserves a standing ovation for Audrey II alone. Managing a man-eating plant on stage is no small feat, but this version genuinely felt alive. The movement, timing, design, and puppetry were so convincing that there was a genuinely ominous feeling. Combined with the quirky but well constructed Skid Row set, the entire production looked fantastic from start to finish.
Accessibility
Accessibility was also handled with real care. Captions were projected directly onto the set in a way that blended naturally into the world of the show rather than distracting from it, proving that accessible theatre can still look incredibly stylish. Worth noting that the production is hosting a BSL friendly performance on the 16th May, and a relaxed performance on the 19th May. There is also the use of flashing lights, sudden noises, and smoke machines, so please keep that in mind should you be sensitive to those kind of things.
Value for Money
On top of all of that, affordable ticket pricing means this show is a steal! Starting at £12 and maxing out at £37 means that everyone has a chance to see Audrey II.
Little Shop of Horrors has been part of my life since I was young, and hearing these songs performed this well honestly left me feeling somewhere that’s green. The balance of camp comedy, horror, heartbreak, and chaos was spot on throughout, and the audience reaction on opening night proved this production has grown into something special.
This cast and creative team understood the assignment from the very beginning. Be bold, be weird, and never hold back. The result was a production that absolutely blossoms.
An easy five stars for a show that is big, green, and mean in all the best ways!
Little Shop of Horrors is showing at Northern Stage in Newcastle until the 23rd May, so get on down to Skid Row and see what all the fuss is about!
Have Your Say!
Have you been down to Mushnik’s? Do you find yourself humming Suddenly Seymour on repeat? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
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Jonathan Harper