Theatre Preview: Little Shop of Horrors, Blackpool

The story is musically chronicled by three street urchins called Crystal, Ronette and Chiffon. It involves a poor orphan, Seymour, who has been raised by Mr Mushnik, owner of the florist where Seymour works. Seymour is secretly in love with co-worker Audrey whose boyfriend treats her badly.

The business is failing and Mushnik decides to close the shop, but at the last minute, customers flock there to see a strange plant which Seymour has collected, and the business is saved.

All is set for a happy ending, but such are the growing appetite of Audrey II and the twists and turns of this magical musical that the plant is ultimately the victor.

The performance is directed by Joe Martin with Ian Gray as musical director and choreography by Lucy Williams.

The cast is made up of students, past and present, from the music theatre degree at the University of Central Lancashire. Rachel Alcock as Audrey, Lewis Gorse as Seymour Krelborn, Adam Garnett as Orin Scrivello, Matt Garner as Mr Mushnik and James Dawe as Audrey 2 Voice. Crystal, Ronette and Chiffon are played by Katy Johnston, Lorna Shakespeare and Rachel Whithead respectively.

“The Shop” will open for business between June 25th and 29th at 7-30pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 2pm.

Joe Martin, producer and artistic director, said: “It is such a pleasure and a privilege to be back at the Grand Theatre. After the success of Billy Elliot the Musical and West Side Story,

“We wouldn’t dream of taking our show elsewhere. With the intimate setting of the theatre, accompanied by the helpfulness and friendliness of all its staff The Grand is fast becoming the theatrical home for Joe Martin Music.”