Little Shop of Horrors | Northern Stage
13th May 2026 | Review by Stephen Stokoe
It’s great to be back at Northern Stage to see a new production of one of my favourite musicals Little Shop of Horrors which has been produced in conjunction with Derby Theatre. I’m a big fan of Little Shop having directed it and performed in in on several occasions. In fact I am currently involved with an amateurproduction of this fun show so it is very fresh in my mind.
This cult classic musical is based on a horror B-movie from the early 1960’s directed by Roger Corman (whose surname is affectionately mentioned in the musical script as a nod by lyricist Howard Ashman). The script in this production is from the original off-Broadway version which first introduced us to the loud and foul-mouthed Audrey II.
The story follows the trials and tribulations of Seymour Krelborn (Kristian Cunningham) who happens upon what he believes to be a new breed of flytrap which he lovingly cultivates and raises as his own. He names this plant, which he cannot identify in any of his books, Audrey II (voiced by Tasha Dowd and operated by Ross Lennon) after his secret crush and colleague Audrey (Amena El-Kindy). Unbeknown to him, this sweet looking seedling has nefarious plans not only to take over Skid Row where Mr Mushnik’s (Jon Bonner) florist shop is located but to branch out and conquer the world.
With some incredible music from Alan Menken and the late and much missed Howard Ashman, this musical has spawned a movie and many theatrical incarnations. The songs Suddenly Seymour and Somewhere That’s Green have become standards in musical theatre lore and it is a brave director, indeed, that mucks about with it – to use the vernacular.
Director, Sarah Brigham has taken the source material and lovingly wrapped a comic-book feel to the production. This works very well in many regards. The use of vivid greens and reds accentuates the botanicals and is consistent within the lighting plot (KJ). The use of actor-musicians is also very effective and really brings out the talents of the assembled cast.
Cunningham is wonderfully geeky and awkward as the loveable Seymour and he gels very well with El-Kindy’s understated Audrey. Bonner offers a steady and controlled Mr Mushnik, owner of the florist shop where the colleagues and future lovers work.
Standing in the way of love’s young dream is Audrey’s current boyfriend, a sadistic and thoroughly unpleasant dentist called Orin Scrivello. DDS (David Rankine) but Audrey II quickly finds Seymour’s weakness and weaves the unfortunate medic into its wicked plan. Rankine is superb whenever he is on stage in various roles which into which he morphs with ease, presence and hilarity.
The music of the production is largely performed by the cast with the addition of keys played by musical director Sian Campbell and percussion from Amy Gray. This is led from the start by the trio of backing singers and pseudo-narrators Chiffon (Chioma Uma), Ronnette (Emmanuella Chede), and Crystal (Shekinah MacFarlane) although many other characters including the dentist and Mr Mushnik are seen playing instruments in superb displaysof versatility.
The songs were all performed immaculately although I did miss the organ from the original production which was also retained very effectively in the 1986 movie version. I particularly enjoyed the choreographed (Myles Brown) chaos of ‘Call Back in the Morning’ which opens act 2.
In addition to the stylised set and lighting design, this production also utilises ‘Creative Captions’ (Ben Glover) which incorporates surtitles into the production and offers an integrated access to all performances for deaf and hard of hearing patrons. It is clear to see that a lot of thought and hard work has gone into this and works very well indeed offering a visual yet integrated titling that blends into and adds to the action.
This production offers all the elements that everyone knows and loves about Little Shop of Horrors. It will introduce a whole new legion of fans to this wonderful story of love, hope, and the American Dream. It is also a cautionary tale of the perils inherent in chasing love, hope, and the American Dream. Stylistically very pretty indeed, I found it a little cutesy in places. I really wanted Audrey II to get gruesome and threatening. “Does this look inanimate to you, punk?” should be a turning point. It is a line which should jar the audience and Seymour alike that this shrub is not to be underestimated.
The casting (Debbie O’Brien) is outstanding and everyone has come together to bring a show to new audiences that, in many ways is true and faithful to the original production and is to be applauded. It will always be one of my favourites and I thank all the cast, crew, and creatives for giving me another glimpse back into Mushnik’s Florist’s, to Skid Row, and to the little shop of horrors.