Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Derby Theatre has a hit on its hands with a brilliant, high-octane production of Little Shop of Horrors co-produced with Northern Stage. This sensational revival injects the cult classic musical with a fresh, electric energy, serving up a masterclass in camp horror, powerhouse Motown vocals, and killer comic timing. From the very first note, it is a riotous triumph that grabs the audience and refuses to let go.
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| Chioma Uma (Chiffon), Kristian Cunningham (Seymour), Shekinah McFarlane (Crystal) and Emmanuella Chede (Ronnette). Photo by Pamela Raith |
Under Sarah Brigham’s sharp and imaginative direction, this production expertly balances the campy sci-fi premise with a genuinely dark undercurrent. Ingram seamlessly guides the audience through the bizarre and frantic world of Skid Row, mapping out Seymour’s moral dilemma with precision as his discovery of the exotic, blood-drinking Audrey II propels him into unexpected fame and fortune. By emphasising the escalating desperation behind Seymour's actions and the plant’s growing, sinister appetite, Ingram ensures that the madcap humour never compromises the story's inherent darker elements, resulting in a tightly paced, thrilling narrative arc.
This is a production that looks and sounds fantastic. Verity Quinn’s set and costume design perfectly capture the gritty, monochromatic despair of Skid Row, making the vibrant, ever-growing green monster pop with spectacular contrast. The cleverly dilapidated Skid Row street effortlessly transforms to match the shop's rising fortunes, while the stylish costuming adds a slick, nostalgic punch to the show's B-movie aesthetic. Paired with lighting by KJ, this is a production that's cleverly designed to make everything pop.
The actor-musician cast assembled by Brigham and casting director Debbie O'Brien is as strong as they come. Stellar vocals and engaging performances, every person plays their part, including off-stage musical director Siân Campbell and drummer Amy Gray.
At the heart of this madcap story is Derbyshire’s own Kristian Cunningham, who gives a masterclass performance as the down-on-his-luck Seymour Krelborn. Cunningham perfectly captures Seymour’s endearing, bumbling vulnerability, making his descent into floral-induced chaos both hilarious and heartbreaking. You feel everything that Cunningham's Seymour feels, even if you don't agree with his actions; you simply feel for the role so deeply, thanks to an outstanding performance. Amena El-Kindy is a revelation as Audrey. Her rendition of the show's iconic ballad 'Somewhere That's Green' is nothing short of show-stopping, blending a touching tenderness with raw vocal power that brings the house down. El-Kindy has a sweet innocence and a warmth that lights up the stage every time she is on. Being beaten by her abusive partner, the bond that Cunningham and El-Kindy create is wholesome and one you simply root for. Together, their delivery of 'Suddenly Seymour' is a highlight.
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| Amena El-Kindy (Audrey), David Rankine (Orin) and Kristian Cunningham (Seymour). Photo by Pamela Raith |
Jon Bonner brings a wonderful, desperate comedic energy to the opportunistic flower shop owner, Mr Mushnik, nailing the vaudeville-style humour. He fleshes out the character with real skill, making his final moments more powerful. David Rankine takes every moment and shines. He is swaggering, sadistic, nitrous-oxide-guzzling energy as the Dentist, Orin, in the first act is compelling, whilst his multi-rolling in the second act adds a dose of hilarity.
Emmanuella Chede (Ronnette), Shekinah McFarlane (Crystal), and Chioma Uma (Chiffon) act as the show’s Motown Greek chorus as the street urchins. Their flawless harmonies, razor-sharp choreography, and sass-infused vocals set a cracking tone from the very first note of Skid Row (Downtown). Their vocals sizzle throughout and there's a sense of excitement every time they appear on the stage.
Of course, no production of Little Shop can succeed without its villainous green star, and this production's Audrey II is a triumph. The seamless synchronisation between Tasha Dowd’s booming, soulful, and deliciously sinister vocals and Ross Lennon’s masterful, larger-than-life puppetry creates a genuinely imposing and hilarious monster. The sheer scale of the plant's growth is a marvel of stagecraft.
Another masterstroke in this production is the use of Ben Glover’s creative captioning, which are a masterclass in theatrical accessibility, seamlessly integrating into every single performance as a core part of the storytelling. Far from being a mere afterthought, the text is woven dynamically into the fabric of the show, shifting and pulsing alongside the music to mirror the show's chaotic energy. It ensures that the entire audience is fully immersed in the sci-fi madness without ever losing an ounce of the production’s visual flair.
Directorially sharp and bursting with vibrant energy, this production perfectly balances the campy, B-movie horror roots with genuine heart and an outstanding cast. Whether you are a die-hard fan who knows every lyric or a first-time visitor to Skid Row, this riotous, top-quality production is an absolute must-watch. Don't wait for a total eclipse of the sun; book your tickets immediately. Derby Theatre has a massive hit on its hands!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Little Shop of Horrors runs at Derby Theatre until Saturday 20th June 2026. For tickets and more information visit https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/little-shop-of-horrors/
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| The full company. Photo by Pamela Raith. |
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