Lotte Wakeman

Little Shop of Horrors

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

At the start of April the world witnessed the unusual phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. This rare occurrence plunged parts of North America into total darkness. It’s probably too early to tell if that event has led to any strange goings on: a martian invasion or even the introduction of a “strange and interesting plant” into the echo’s system. I mention the latter because this is the premise of one of the Octagon Theatre’s big spring shows, Little Shop of Horrors.

Set in 1950’s New York, we are transported to the dark side of the city, Skid Row, where we meet timid florist Seymour, (Oliver Mawdsley). Seymour works for the rather unpleasant Mr Mushnik (Andrew Whitehead), who blames his failing shop on the meek botanist. To add to Seymour’s worries, he is desperately in love with his friend and work colleague, Audrey (Laura Jane Matthewson). However, Audrey is blinded to his affection due to her turbulent relationship with the sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello, (Matthew Ganley).

However soon the fortunes of Mushnik’s soon change when Seymour discovers an unusual looking plant. Naming it Audrey II the strange flower soon becomes a media hit, bringing in more customers, more money as well as bringing Audrey and Seymour closer together. However, following an accident with a rose bush, Seymour soon learns that Audrey II has an appetite for something a little stronger than Miracle Grow. With Seymour running out of veins he looks at other means to feed the wanting weed, but the big question is, is it worth it for fame, fortune and him landing the girl of his dreams?

What absolute joy this production is: jam packed with great catchy tunes and a super talented cast, this is another triumph for the Octagon Theatre.

Oliver Mawdsley is in fine form as Seymour, showcasing great comic timing and a fine singing voice to boot. Laura Jane Matthewson is equally impressive as Audrey, with the pair’s stunning duet on Suddenly Seymour being just one of the production’s several highlights.

Matthew Ganley is suitably deranged and perfectly OTT as cruel Orin Scrivello DDS and very nearly steals the show, however the undoubted star is of course Audrey II, masterfully controlled by puppeteer Matthew Hewood, and superbly voiced Anton Stephans. His vocals on Feed Me (Get it) and Suppertime are sublime.

Musical director, Levi Van Warmelo has done a great job with the score, who along with drummer Migdalia Van Der Hoven and the supporting cast do a great job transitioning  between slow tempo tunes and funky upbeat numbers.

Throughout the performance Janna May, Zweyla Michell Dos Santos and Chardi Shaw showcase their talents as the do-wop trio Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette, acting as our guides around Skid Row as the drama unfolds. Not only do these actors have tremendous voices, and a commanding stage presence, they are also talented musicians pitching in on guitar, bass, and keyboards.

All that said, the show isn’t without its flaws: I did find the closing sequences between Audrey, Audrey II and later Seymour and Audrey II looked awkward. In addition, the subject matter of domestic violence does make it unsuitable for younger audience members.

This is a highly entertaining, joyous night at the theatre, filled with black comedy, catchy toe-tapping tunes and plenty of bite!

Little Shop of Horrors is at the Octagon Theatre till May 18th tickets available here.

One Man, Two Guvnors

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Back in early spring 2020, I was fortunate to attend the season launch for the reopening of the Octagon, which included the programme for the year ahead through to 2021. Instantly one production stuck out, writer Richard Bean’s smash-hit One Man, Two Guvnors. We’re all fully aware what happened next, just under two years have passed and finally the production arrives on the Octagon stage and boy was it worth the wait!

Based on the Servant of Two Masters, a 1743 comedy by the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni. Set in 1960’s Brighton, One Man, Two Guvnors follows the escapades of dim-witted chancer Francis Henshall (Jordan Pearson) who has somehow landed the job as a hired goon for East End gangster Roscoe Crabbe. All is not what it seems with Roscoe, Roscoe is dead and this is actually his twin sister, Rachel Crabbe (Siobhan Athwal) who is impersonating her dead brother in order to cash in some of brothers debts, so she and her lover, Stanley Stubbers (Laurie Jamieson), can start afresh. To further complicate matters Stubbers’ is responsible for Roscoe’s death.

Francais spots an opportunity to earn a few extra quid and more importantly have a decent meal, working a second job as Stubbers valet. Stubbers is on the run from the law for murder and is just bidding his time to reunite with Rachel. Can Francais keep his two employers from finding out his deception long enough to earn a big pay and end his 16 hours without eating?

Under the direction of Lotte Wakeman with Bean’s near flawless script this is as good as theatre gets and a real treat for comedy fans. Slapstick, farce and some killer one-liners, the show has something for everyone. The beauty lies in the fact that you’re never quite sure where the show is going, such is it’s anarchic nature which really adds to the fun.

The production is anchored by a powerhouse performance from Jordan Pearson who is engaging throughout, his childlike innocence is infectious, as he is driven by hunger, never fully aware or concerned by the chaos he has created.  

Pearson is supported by strong performances from the ensemble cast, with Lauire Jamieson getting the lion’s share of the best lines as slightly unhinged toff, Stanley Stubbers. Whilst Javier Marzan as the hapless waiter Alfie, and Qasim Mahood, as the jilted actor, Alan Dangle, both put in superb physically comedic turns.

I cannot recommend this production enough, over-the-top, ridiculous fun from start to finish that will have you grinning from ear-to-ear, an absolute must-see!

One Man, Two Guvnors is at the Bolton Octagon until the 25th June, tickets available here.