Little Shop Of Horrors Review: it's mean, it's green, and it's bloody good fun
- Jack Davey
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
02 June 2026 I 19:30 I Derby Theatre (in association with Northern Stage)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
With an influx of productions seen across regional UK venues, fans of the sci-fi musical Little Shop Of Horrors have been in for a treat! Though with this increase comes competition, as we question what sets this revival apart to others? Why should we book to see this one?
Led by Derby Theatre's artistic director Sarah Brigham, this production balances traditional nostalgia with a more modern, accessible style. And on the 40th anniversary of Ashman & Menken's campy musical, audiences can expect a troupe of actor-musicians supporting the action, leaning into the spectacle of it all.
For those that may not know, Derby is home to the UK's largest deaf community (outside London), which sees creative captions integrated into every performance of Little Shop Of Horrors. Ben Glover's video captions appear in various locations across the stage: dialogue appears in speech bubbles and song lyrics are in themed fonts, to give example. This amplifies Brigham's vision, lending a comic book aesthetic that maintains the musical's playfulness and B-movie cinema.
An anthropomorphic plant (Audrey II) who develops an insatiable appetite for human blood. Not your everyday story, though its warning on the destructiveness of greed is all too timeless. Kristian Cunningham's anxious florist Seymour hits all the right notes, finding bundles of comedy in his lyrical work and journeying from skittish nerd to the unsettling accomplice in Audrey II's grand plan.
As the beacon of innocence amidst this dark musical, Amena El-Kindy's Audrey is vocally commanding, memorably in Somewhere That's Green. Her rendition bears semblance to Ellen Greene's film portrayal, with a bubbly naivety and calming contrast to Seymour's freneticism.
The musicality of Little Shop Of Horrors largely hinges on the Urchins, played by the Motown trio of Emmanuella Chede, Shekinah McFarlane and Chioma Uma. They share a real cohesiveness as the audience's favourite, excelling with harmonies and instrumental work. McFarlane in particular (Crystal) endears with her infectious character and earth-shattering solos, how lucky we are to have such talent here in Derby!
We enter the auditorium and Verity Quinn's set is striking, with toxic green scaffolding and curled lampposts in the shape of vines. Audrey II's dominance is felt immediately, it's her world and everyone else is living in it! I couldn't help but also be impressed by Ross Lennon's puppetry, making for one of the most animated Audrey II's I have ever seen. She is characterised as sassy and feisty, as the giant head holds so much life.
Tasha Dowd puts on their best New York gangster swagger for the voice of Audrey II. With a more feminine tone, it gives the usually male voiced character a diva-ish energy. This largely compliments numbers such as Feed Me, though with a lack of lower-register vocals, we miss some of Audrey II's crucially sinister moments.
We also have a supporting performance from David Rankine's Orin, who is bizarrely close to Elvis with sideburns, quiff and leather jacket. I don't mind it, as it suits Orin's eccentric sense of humour. However it must be careful of becoming satirical, else it runs the risk of removing the weight from his domestic violence storyline with Audrey.
It was a pleasure to attend Derby Theatre once more, seeing the venue adorned with vines, green lighting and miniature Audrey II puppets for this delicious summer event. And tonight must have been the loudest applause I've heard in an auditorium this year!! Brigham's production uses Little Shop Of Horrors' most beloved conventions, reminding us why the musical is a cult-favourite that transcends generations. For fans or for newcomers, it is an absolute scream!
Tickets and Information (Age Guidance 11+): https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/little-shop-of-horrors/
