*** 3 Stars
“Stellar Performances “
The Beyond Broadway Experience marks a decade of epic productions with a return to its home at the festival theatre for its 2026 production, The Little Shop of Horrors. There formula of deploying a 200 strong cast has given some of the most breath-taking choreographic moments across the years which is thanks to company’s directors choosing show titles which work in hand in hand with the ballooning up to such a large cast size.
That makes the choice of performing Little Shop of Horrors with book and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and music by the critically acclaimed legend Alan Menken more surprising and equally tough a choice.
Directors Drew Gowland and Murray Grant have a passion for the show itself, but the reality is the show is written to be performed by a core cast of 9 so deploying a cast of 200 was always going to be challenge and it’s a challenge that comes at the cost of the show itself.
Performances are stellar especially the leads, Huck Whittle brings a truth and geekish understanding the role of “Seymour Krelborn” he has the acting chops for the part and lovely vocal to boot. Jennifer Ford as “Audrey” gives a performance that’s the opposite of the legendary Ellen Greene and delivers a sassy and strong interpretation of the character with an excellent vocal ability to boot. Harry Aspinall is fabulous as Mr Mushnik delivering a performance dripping in comedy draw straight from the show’s comic book roots.
Little shop is, in itself a tribute to the 60 girls group sand is written to feature a three part harmony girls group in the vain of the Supremes. Crystal (Kirsty Montgomery), Chiffon (Emma Sembatya) and Ronette (Millie Wilson) and while all three deliver well with a modern visual make over the effect is diluted by making this a 12 strong girl group with characters the company have created just for this production and its ends up being more a modern Greek chorus that a 60’sdoo whop girl trio. That said visually and vocally it pops on stage.
The company get the story across and the choice of casting Rhianne McAllister as Audrey II as in vision character rather than relying on puppetry does for the most park work well and she does deliver a powerfully evil performance.
With 23 named parts in the production that leaves an ensemble of 177 and my word when there all on stage it is spectacular and Grant’s Choreography (with additional choreography from Laura Proudfoot, Liam Gillespie, Kieran Lynch and Frazer Beckles) delivers the wow moments the company are so renowned for. However, Lewis Byfield’s lighting design see’s many of them dancing in the dark as they aren’t lit. Musically the show is also on a solid footing thanks to musical direction from Linda Stewart and Greg Davidson and Stewart also leads a fabulous five strong onstage band.
Production wise the company make the most of expansive spaces of the Festival Theatres Giant stage, yes, the Audrey II planet is a little underwhelming but having McAllister’s stealthy Invision performance makes up for it. Byfield’s lighting design works well for the most part, but those big dance numbers do need to be lit better to see the huge cast at work a scene at end of the show featuring the cast dancing in the stalls was completely unlit which is a shame. Greg Young’s Sound design is excellent with an excellent balance between performers and the live band. TFC Scenic set design whilst simplistic works well and allows for the large amount of space a 200 strong cast need to deliver the high energy dance performances that pepper the show.
This is a little shop of Horrors that has a lot of love and passion poured into it especially by the talented cast. However, this might the one show that doesn’t fit the beyond broadway formula as well as the others have. That being said, the company have successfully delivered the eye popping choreographic moments that only they can and with the company also staging shows in Aberdeen and in Swansea alongside confirmation the company will return to the Festival Theatre in 2027 with “Wonderland The Musical” it’s clear The Beyond Broadway Experience will continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable by a massive cast drawn from the next generation of talent.
The fact the show is rehearsed and produced to a professional scale in just two weeks is an impressive achievement and while clearer directorial choices may have served the show better but what is delivered is a thrilling and impassioned production that allows the talent on stage to shine brightly! and still makes it well worth the ticket price.
The Beyond Broadway Experience presents, Little Shop of Horrors, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, The production runs until Saturday 25th July for more info go to: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/little-shop-of-horrors/
ScotsGay Arts 