With music by the legendary Alan Menken best known for his numerous Walt Disney film scores, it is a cult film, and one of the longest running off-Broadway shows of all time.
Down and out florist’s assistant Seymour becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a macabre craving. He is secretly in love with his colleague, Audrey and names the plant Audrey Two in her honour.
Audrey Two has plans that are far greater than Seymour can imagine as it grows into a bad-tempered, foul-mouthed carnivore who offers fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. How far is Seymour willing to go to get the girl of his dreams?
Rising star Derek Bond’s recent credits include MICROCOSM (Soho Theatre 2014), LOST IN YONKERS (Watford Palace Theatre, 2012) and the award winning FLOYD COLLINS (Southwark Playhouse, 2012 - Time Out Critics’ Choice and Best Musical Production at the Off West End Awards in 2013).
“Our Little Shop of Horrors will be a gory, scary, glitter and sequins treat for all the family. The Royal Exchange’s in the round theatre will be sure to provide an immersive toe-tapping musical spectacular this Christmas."
Derek Bond, Director
Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director) Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization Presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York
VENUE: The Theatre
PERFORMANCE DATES: Friday 5 December - Saturday 31 January 2015
PERFORMANCE TIMES: Monday – Friday evenings: 7.30pm / Tuesday & Wednesday matinees: 2.30pm / Saturdays: 3.30pm and 8.00pm / Extra matinees Tuesday 23 December 2.30pm, Wednesday 24 December 2.30pm & Friday 26 December at 5.00pm / No matinees Saturday 6 December
TICKET PRICES: Standard tickets from £14.50 / Half Price Previews from £7.25 / Banquette tickets: £10
BOOK TICKETS: Box Office: 0161 833 9833 / online
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours and 5 minutes, which includes 1 interval of 20 minutes.
AGE GUIDANCE: 10+
DIRECTOR Derek Bond
DESIGNER James Perkins
LIGHTING DESIGNER Richard Howell
SOUND DESIGNER Richard Brooker
PUPPET DESIGNER & DIRECTOR Toby Olié
MUSICAL DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER Tim Jackson
AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION: Thursday 8 January after 7.30pm performance. More Information
BACK STAGE TOUR: Wednesday 10 December: 11am. Tickets £5 (including refreshments). Book on 0161 833 9833. More Information
BETWEEN THE LINES: Wednesday 21 January: 11am - 1pm. Playreading and discussion group to accompany the show. Come along and read, discuss or just listen. Tickets £6 per session. Book on 0161 833 9833. More Information
BEHIND THE SCENES: Wednesday 14 January: 10.30am - 12 noon. Pre-show introduction to the play and production. For all ages. Tickets £6/£4 concessions. Book on 0161 833 9833. More Information
AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE: Saturday 10 January: 3.30pm
BSL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE: Tuesday 13 January: 7.30pm
CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE: Tuesday 6 January: 7.30pm
Click here for more information about our accessible performances
Seymour Krelborn
Gunnar Cauthery
Ensemble & Audrey 2 Puppeteer
James Charlton
Chiffon
Ibinabo Jack
Ensemble & Audrey 2 Puppeteer
CJ Johnson
Orin Scrivello & Ensemble
Ako Mitchell
Audrey
Kelly Price
Audrey 2 (Voice & Puppeteer)
Nuno Silva
Mr Mushnik
Sévan Stephan
Crystal
Ellena Vincent
Ronnette
Joelle Moses
Daily Telegraph
Independent
'Derek Bond and his terrific team have crafted the most delightful musical adaptation that you will see in years. As for Audrey II - Toby Olie has created something quite special. To reveal any more would ruin many a surprise. All I will say is, wherever you sit, you will see the hungry plant and feel part of the show. Derek Bond has given Manchester audience a perfect Christmas and New Year treat and I would bite your hand off to see it again.' Whatsonstage
'Bond has assembled an outstanding cast who do justice to those Menken songs and music director Tim Jackson works wonders with his five-piece band. Of course, the star of the show is Audrey II, a wonderful creation... a highly entertaining, full-of-fun show.' Arts Desk
'Demand for tickets has been so high with nightly standing ovations that the theatre has extended the run of Little Shop of Horrors by two weeks until January 31. But don’t leave it too late before you book or you may miss out on this highly entertaining musical.' Manchester Evening News
'Audiences of Derek Bond’s current production at the Royal Exchange are in for a real Christmas botanical cracker with this production...The slick, high quality production value of this show is enough to leave the audience wanting more...With little gems of comedy interlaced throughout the performance,... The overall production value is outstanding. This is a must see production for the Christmas period – a truly outstanding example of how the elements of theatre can come together to bring musical theatre – and a carnivorous plant – to life!' The Public Reviews
'Little Shop of Horrors brought the audience to its feet...roaring its approval after two hours of memorable musical fun. The standing ovation was richly deserved as this is completely flawless in every respect. The cast sings its heart out, making the most of one of the most appealing scores around and lyrics that positively drip with wit. Fabulous, feel good fun.' Messenger Newspapers
'A standing ovation said it all from the audience and the play will not disappoint in making you utterly uplifted with it’s own macabre charm. If by the time you’ve gotten to the end of this review and tickets have not sold out completely, GO! Book some immediately! Or you’ll have missed a performance that others will be raving about until well into the New Year.' 4ManchesterWomen