The Sheffield Theatres’ production of Little Shop of Horrors, set to premiere in December, have announced both cast and creative team, as well as a redefined production aesthetic to complement the newly revealed company. With a mix of Sheffield Theatres debuts, former West End performers and new and returning talent, yesterday’s announcement is proving to be an exciting revelation, with shockwaves being sent through the entire theatre community of the U.K.
Directed by Amy Hodge, the production, based on the book by Howard Ashman and with music by Alan Menken, is set to star Sam Buttery as the murderous plant Audrey II, Colin Ryan as lovestruck Seymour, Georgina Onuorah as Audrey and Michael Matus, returning to Sheffield Theatres, as Mr Mushnik. They join Lizzy Rose Esin Kelly as Ronette, Paige Fenlon as Chiffon, Charlotte Jaconelli as Crystal, and Wilf Scolding as Orin.
As well as named cast, the production includes an eight-strong ensemble comprised of alternates and swings for the main roles. Finishing up the production’s cast are Christopher Akrill, Will Arundell, Jamal Franklin, Arethajay McEwen, Purvi Parmar, Kate Playdon, Jaz Terry and Riley Woodford. Besides Matus, Woodford and Playdon, the entire cast of Little Shop of Horrors will be making their Sheffield Theatres debuts in this winter’s production.
The performers, brought together by Casting Director Jacob Sparrow, are joined by a strong creative team, including Choreographer Jade Hackett, Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun, Sound Designer Rob Bettle, and Musical Director Chris Poon. Audrey II’s puppetry is designed and directed by Daisy Beattie and Seb Mayer. Completing the creative team for this production are Designer Georgia Lowe, Orchestra Manager David Gallagher, Video Designer Matt Powell, Associate Choreographer Nicola Mac, Assistant Director Beth Knight and Assistant Musical Director Caitlin Morgan. This incarnation of the classic musical also contains new orchestrations, by Matthew Jackson.
Little Shop of Horrors is a classic musical, telling the story of lovestruck shop worker Seymour who pines after Audrey. As he attempts to unsuccessfully grow a plant he names ‘Audrey II’, a shop accident sees Seymour stumble across a disturbing discovery – Audrey II likes the taste of blood, quickly growing and gaining sentience from its supply. But as Audrey II becomes more and more demanding, there is only one way Seymour can keep up with the plant’s demands. The musical began life off-off-Broadway in 1982, before premiering for 813 West End performances beginning in London in October 1983. Since then, it has undergone several adaptations, including the 1986 feature film, starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin.
Less than one week after revealing the cast for their Christmas production in the Lyceum, the pantomime Snow White, Sheffield Theatres’ Crucible production now also has its top team delivering theatrical magic over the festive season. Just over two months until opening night, the excitement and anticipation for this production has already begun to build, and with tickets selling fast already, it is set to be another unique Sheffield Theatres revival, on top of the eclectic range of productions the theatre has seen in recent years.
Little Shop of Horrors is playing at the Crucible from December 7th until January 18th 2025
