SOUTH Manchester Amateur Operatic Society are on to a winner with their deliberately corny rock horror musical, Little Shop of Horrors, at the Royal Northern College of Music.

 

For this is a tongue-in-cheek production about a malevolent, fast growing plant with a taste for human blood.

 

The plant, a masterpiece of stagecraft, is manipulated by David Barker.  Its unforgettable voice comes from Ian Bennett who shouts “Feed Me” menacingly. 

 

It flourishes thanks to the loving care of weedy shop assistant, Seymour (Michael Jones-McCaw) who sings Grow for Me to it until he discovers its cannibalistic nature.

 

Seymour’s boss, the Jewish American Mushnik is played by Stuart Davies whose singing voice is a big plus as he relishes the increased custom the plant brings.

 

Seymour calls his pet vegetation, Audrey II after fellow shop assistant, Audrey, on whom he has a crush.   She is pretty and petite and Seymour doesn’t think he stands a chance with her.

 

Rosie Plummer’s Audrey has a lovely voice especially when she dreams of Somewhere that’s Green.   Later she sings duets with the equally well tuned Jones-McCaw.   Suddenly Seymour, when they fall in love, is beautiful. 

 

Hannah Davis, Helen Attisha and Jess Lloyd, three sexy singers, bop their way enthusiastically through the show,

 

Audrey’s problem is first boyfriend, sadistic dentist, Oran, who has a taste for laughing gas.      Richard Ross, one of my favourite performers, clearly indicates that his character loves himself first, Audrey second and his pain-induced patients, third.

 

This great show is backed by an amazing band led by John Barry.  The set smoothly features the inside and outside of the flower shop and there are impressive sound effects such as  when we hear Oran’s self-extracted tooth drop into a metal dish.

 

Little Shop of Horrors is at the Royal Northern College of Music until October 18.   For tickets, call 0161 907 5555.    Star rating:  * * * *