A new revival of the cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors has opened at Northern Stage in Newcastle, bringing with it a unique blend of kooky romance, doo-wop, and wild B-movie elements. The production, which features a talented cast of musicians and actors, has been praised for its strong voices and playful designs, which have been incorporated into a production that splits the carnivorous plant Audrey II in two.
The revival, which is based on the 1982 musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, has been deliberately kept true to its low-budget, B-movie roots. Rather than delivering a slick, high-tech production that looks and feels more at home in 2026, the theatre company has opted to preserve the retro aesthetic that has become a key part of the show's charm.
This decision is not without its challenges, however. In an interview with the BBC, the production's director noted that the lack of a large budget has forced the team to get creative with their resources, resulting in some truly innovative and impressive designs. The result is a production that is both visually striking and, at times, genuinely hilarious.
Of course, not every aspect of the production has been a success. Some critics have noted that the show's pacing can feel a little uneven at times, and that the cast's performances, while strong, are not always entirely convincing. Nevertheless, the overall effect of the production is undeniably captivating, and fans of the original musical will undoubtedly find plenty to enjoy.
What does this mean for fans of the musical, and for the wider theatre scene in the UK? For one thing, it suggests that, even in an era of increasingly high-tech and expensive productions, there is still a place for low-budget, innovative theatre that is willing to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible. As the theatre company behind the production looks to the future, it will be interesting to see whether this approach continues to pay off.
For now, however, fans of Little Shop of Horrors will have to content themselves with this latest revival, which is sure to delight audiences in Newcastle and beyond.