Little Shop of Horrors makes London a brilliant botanical bloodfest
In Little Shop of Horrors, we find ourselves on the gritty streets of Skid Row, where dreams struggle to thrive amidst the concrete cracks. Little Shop of Horrors is a twisted tale of paranoia and plants (but not the kind that sit idly on your windowsill). The dark comedy masterpiece always proves to be a hit amongst London theatre audiences.
This green-monster-musical was most recently revived in 2018 at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where it won three WhatsOnStage Awards: Best Musical Revival, Best Set Design (Tom Scutt) and Best Show Poster.
What is Little Shop of Horrors about?
Life isn’t easy on Skid Row, but maybe things are going to turn around for Seymour. Seymour, an unassuming and awkward floral shop assistant, discovers a mysterious and peculiar plant that seems to have a taste for more than just sunlight and water. As this botanical oddity, lovingly named Audrey II after the object of Seymour's affections, starts to grow, so does its appetite. But it's not craving soil or nutrients; its hunger is something far more sinister. Will the killer potential of Seymour’s new plant bring him everything he has ever wanted, will the price be too high?
The history of Little Shop of Horrors in London
This darkly comedic musical has left a mark on the West End stage and across the pond of London. In the early 1980s, the show's creator, composer, and lyricist, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, brought their off-Broadway masterpiece to the attention of London's West End, where in 1983, the show made its debut in London's Comedy Theatre. Audiences were treated to a fresh twist on the American B-movie horror. It wasn't just the imaginative storyline that was a hit with London audiences, the puppetry and animatronics that brought Audrey II, the man-eating plant, to life, went down a treat.
The musical played out its story over a span of 813 performances. Leading the charge was Barry James in the shoes of Seymour, the lovable yet conflicted floral shop assistant. Opposite, the role of Audrey was portrayed by Ellen Greene with Harry Towb bringing Mr. Mushnik to life. Sinitta, known then as Sinitta Renet, was the understudy for Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronette. Later, Zeeteah Massiah took on the role of Chiffon.
Little Shop of Horrors earned its well-deserved accolades, winning the 1983 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. The final bow came on October 5, 1985.
The show came alive at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and was Directed by Maria Aberg. There have since been no other London revivals.
About Little Shop of Horrors the film
Little Shop of Horrors was adapted into a 1986 musical comedy-horror film directed by Frank Oz, based on the off-Broadway musical of the same name, which itself was inspired by a 1960 low-budget black comedy film directed by Roger Corman.
In a similar fashion to the musical, the film follows the story of Seymour Krelborn, a down-on-his-luck florist's assistant who works in a Skid Row flower shop owned by Mr. Mushnik. One day, Seymour discovers a peculiar and exotic plant during a solar eclipse and brings it back to the shop. He names the plant Audrey II, after his coworker and secret love interest Audrey. However, Seymour soon learns that Audrey II has a unique taste for human blood and starts growing rapidly as long as it's fed.
The film stars Rick Moranis as Seymour, Ellen Greene as Audrey, Vincent Gardenia as Mr. Mushnik, and Levi Stubbs (from The Four Tops) provide the voice of Audrey II. The film also features appearances by Steve Martin, Bill Murray, and John Candy in supporting roles.
The film's music, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, ranges from doo-wop and Motown to rock 'n' roll, with hits like "Suddenly Seymour," "Skid Row (Downtown)," and "Feed Me (Git It)". Little Shop of Horrors the film has become a cult classic. While the film's ending diverges from the musical's original darker conclusion, both versions are a delightful and quirky exploration of human desires.
Little Shop of Horrors London tickets, no plans for a revival yet
There are no plans for Little Shop of Horrors to come over the pond to London’s West End just yet, but for more information on Little Shop of Horrors in London, subscribe to stay in the loop and keep your eyes peeled on our website and news section!