The darkly comic Little Shop of Horrors brings humour, horror and a famously hungry plant to Northern Stage in Newcastle.
~ Advertorial ~
If you’re not already familiar with this cult-classic musical comedy, the story centres on florist Seymour – played in this adaptation by the endearing Kristian Cunningham – whose discovery of an unusual plant sets off a wildly dark chain of events.
Hoping to attract new customers, he places the mysterious shrub in the window of his employer Mr Mushnik’s florist shop, and business instantly begins to boom.
But tending to this exotic plant proves far more demanding than he could ever have imagined. Water and regular plant food are off the menu, as the plant (which Seymour names Audrey II after his co-worker) is craving something far more sinister: human blood.
Puppetry with personality
Set in New York’s downtrodden Skid Row, Little Shop of Horrors is a mash-up of dark comedy and campy horror that explores ambition, insecurity and moral compromise, framed by some darker adult themes.
It follows Seymour’s growing success and blossoming relationship with colleague Audrey, portrayed with a sweet-natured warmth by Amena El-Kindy, as he tries to keep his bloodthirsty plant suitably satisfied in exchange for fame and fortune.
Before long, Audrey II transforms from a cute potted plant into a larger-than-life presence. And thanks to Ross Lennon’s masterful puppetry skills and Tasha Dowd’s vocals, the giant plant’s twisted, fiendish personality comes alive on stage as it relentlessly taunts Seymour with the iconic plea “feed me”.
The world of Skid Row
The staging is awash with gaudy greens and popping pinks, alluding to the nightmarish quality of Audrey II and its carnivorous human-eating habits. The set design feels playful without teetering too much towards a cartoon vibe, or losing the seediness that gives the musical its tongue-in-cheek charm.
Musically, the production draws on Motown and 1960s doo-wop influences. Slick upbeat numbers sit alongside softer moments like Somewhere That’s Green, giving the show emotional depth amongst all the chaos – much of which comes courtesy of the wacky, nitrous oxide-loving dentist, Orin, brilliantly performed by David Rankine.
The cast’s vocals were impressive throughout. I especially enjoyed Seymour and Audrey’s harmonies in Suddenly Seymour. The trio of narrators, Ronnette, Crystal and Chiffon (played by Emmanuella Chede, Shekinah McFarlane and Chioma Uma) also deserve a mention, as their energy keeps the show’s pace in check.
The production also uses ‘creative captions’, with the script and song lyrics projected onto the set. Although designed to support audience members with hearing impairments, it also forms part of the visual storytelling. A bit like a comic-book, it reminded me of the kid’s TV show ZZZap!, with animated words helping to carry each scene along.
Laughs and dark turns
Despite its dark undertones, Little Shop of Horrors never takes itself too seriously. It’s funny, visually impressive and crammed with catchy tunes.
Whether or not you’ve seen the 1980s film version (which features big name stars like Steve Martin and John Candy), this new stage adaptation from Northern Stage and Derby Theatre is well worth seeing.
It’s two hours of pure entertainment and musical theatre at its best. And it might just encourage you to treat your own houseplants with a little extra care…just in case.
Little Shop of Horrors runs until 23rd May 2026 at Northern Stage. For more details and tickets, visit northernstage.co.uk.
