Little Shop of Horrors | Hope Mill Theatre

2026 has been a surprisingly big year for Little Shop of Horrors, with four professional productions taking place around the UK; and it's easy to see why it is such a cult classic. Few musicals manage to blend comedy, horror, romance and an unforgettable soundtrack quite as effortlessly as Little Shop of Horrors. Thomas Hopkins Productions and SAMS Entertainment brings their revival to the incredible Hope Mill Theatre this Autumn, prior to a Christmas run at the Liverpool Playhouse.

First brought to life by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the story unfolds on the rundown Skid Row, where Seymour, a shy and awkward florist assistant, discovers a strange and mysterious plant which changes his life dramatically. Naming it Audrey II, after his secret crush and co-worker, Audrey, Seymour soon discovers that his new companion has an appetite for something a little bit gorier than sunlight and water. As Audrey II grows, so does Seymour's ambition, but his newfound success comes with an increasingly dangerous price.

Hope Mill Theatre proves an ideal home for this production, with its intimate surroundings bringing the audience right into the eccentric world of Skid Row. Morgan Large's inspired set design cleverly opens up to reveal the detailed Mushnik's Florist Shop and the ever-growing Audrey II without the stage feeling overcrowded. One incredible attention to detail is how the title 'Skid Row' details postcards of the era, within a street sign labelled 'Howard' - a nod to one of the show's original creators. Rory Beaton's lighting adds another dimension with neon colours to accentuate the show's camp nature and theatrical flair, particularly during the use of spotlights for Orin Scrivello and the light up 'D' and 'R' during his musical number 'Dentist!' - referring to the ongoing joke about him being a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's direction is nothing short of outstanding, keeping the pace and energy flowing within the intimate staging. Ingrouille's direction provides plenty of opportunities for the show to recognise its own absurdity with knowing looks and reactions, whilst also giving actors the space to be playful in their characterisations.

Ingrouille's choreography adds another burst of energy, particularly through the sensational Urchins. Rio Maye, Psalms-Nissi Myers Reid and Gabrielle Davina Smith are absolute powerhouse performers and bring fantastic harmonies, slick choreography and infectious energy which makes them an integral part of the show's personality rather than simply narrators of the action.

Whilst Ellen Greene's helped to cement Audrey as one of theatre's most wonderfully distinctive performers, it is refreshing to see Maisie Smith's own interpretation to the role; perfectly capturing the vulnerability, humour and hopeful optimism that Audrey has for a better life. Smith impresses vocally, with Somewhere That's Green being one of the production's most poignant and standout moments. Jed Berry is hugely endearing as the awkward and bumbling Seymour, with excellent comedic timing and physicality, yet it is his more tender moments of acting and singing that truly hit their mark.

Benjamin Yates is completely committed and wonderfully camp as Orin Scrivello, with a gloriously over-the-top portrayal of the sadistic dentist. An honourable mention must be given to his costume design (Large) with cropped dentist scrubs and a glittery embellished tooth on the back, another inspired choice which captures the fun nature of the show. Michael Starke is a delight as Mr Mushnik, bringing a wonderful blend of gruff authority, comic timing and theatrical flair to the struggling flower shop owner. Starke finds the humour in Mushnik’s opportunistic nature without losing the character’s underlying desperation to keep his business afloat.

Of course, no production of Little Shop of Horrors would be complete without Audrey II, and this botanical star is nothing short of spectacular. Robert Allsopp's puppets are impressively brought to life by Julia Frost, Christopher Dobson and Imogen Khan, with each stage of Audrey II's growth bringing a new sense of excitement and menace. Marcus Ayton's commanding vocals give the plant an irresistible personality, transforming Audrey II into a genuine star of the show.

Musically, the score is infectious and fresh, bringing additional energy to an already impactful show. Paul Schofield's musical supervision and arrangements ensure that the iconic score truly lands, whilst Ben Barrow's musical direction ensures the precision of vocal harmonies and more powerful numbers land. Kelsh Buckman-Drage's sound design brings intensity with Audrey II's booming presences, as well as creating atmosphere with the hustle and bustle of the streets of Skid Row.

Ultimately, Little Shop of Horrors is a devilishly, delightful theatrical experience that feeds the soul. And whilst Skid Row may be dreary, this production is anything but with all the ingredients of a crowd-pleaser: a wonderfully bizarre story, vivid characters, an irresistible soundtrack and a wicked dark sense of humour.

Little Shop of Horrors is playing at Hope Mill Theatre until 28th November, with over half of the run already sold out, prior to transferring to the Liverpool Playhouse from 03rd December to 09th January.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Danny Kaan