Little Shop Of Horrors

You can almost gauge the interest in a musical by the celebs who turn up for opening night and tonight we clock Geoffrey Rush, Steve Vizard, Colette Mann and Charlotte from Home And Away (we're tempted to ask her who killed-off her character). As we take our seats, surrounding audience members discuss their love for the film version of this cult classic (the one featuring Steve Martin). 

The 'broadcast' that opens Little Shop Of Horrors features footage of Lee Li Chin and audience laughter makes it impossible to hear what she's saying. Owen Phillips nods utilises a low-budget aesthetic with his excellent design, but his set looks too small for Comedy Theatre's stage. Cleverly, the drab monochrome set transforms into a technicoloured wilderness as the business Audrey II attracts to Mushnik's Skid Row florist turns fortunes around. But at what cost? Erth Visual & Physical Inc's Audrey II is a veiny, menacing masterpiece that completely dominates the set come Act II. As each cast member bursts into song, we realise there ain't no weak links. Tyler Coppin's nimble Mr Mushnik somehow makes you feel for the asshole and we all just wanna give Esther Hannaford's Audrey a group hug; by the end of the musical you feel very protective of these characters.

Themes explored in the musical have never been more relevant: domestic violence, self-harm and the dangerous side effects of fame. This lively production is not to be missed.