Grand Pavilion show for Matlock Musical Theatre

As the curtain rises on the Grand Pavilion’s most comprehensive events season in recent years, Matlock Musical Theatre are gearing up to entertain the Pavilion audiences with a musical treat.
Matlock Musical Theatre's production of Little Shop Of HorrorsMatlock Musical Theatre's production of Little Shop Of Horrors
Matlock Musical Theatre's production of Little Shop Of Horrors

The company will present Little Shop of Horrors on May 16 and 17 and are very excited to be returning to The Grand Pavilion after nearly 30 years.

Despite its title, the show is not horrific.

There is no denying the alien, man-eating plant, Audrey II, scoffs the odd human but ultimately it’s a love story between Seymour (played by James Strath) and his girl (played by society regular Jo Petch) who think themselves unworthy of love, success or happiness.

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As with all good love stories, they realise in each other they’ve found something beautiful and true, but will it last?

The show, written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, satirises science fiction, ‘B’ movies, musical comedy and even the Faust legend.

Originally produced off-Broadway in 1982, Little Shop of Horrors was made into a film in 1986 starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene and Steve Martin as the sadistic dentist (played by crooner Mark Handley in Matlock’s production).

The music is an eclectic mix of rock and roll, doo-wop, Motown and even a hint of Fiddler on the Roof in the Mushnik & Son number and the score includes well-known songs such as Skid Row, Be A Dentist and Suddenly Seymour.

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The Ronnettes (played by Kathryn Kersey, Sara Townsend and Maria Dent) provide a narrative thread throughout the story in a Diana Ross and the Supremes style.

All aspects musical are in the expert hands of Delph Richards and choreographer is Kathryn Kersey.

Long-standing member and society chairman John Kersey makes his directorial debut.

He said: “We decided to choose this musical to perform in 2014 as something fun and more modern for both the audience and members alike.

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“Another factor in the decision was the feeling that the current ambience of the Pavilion would suit the Skid Row setting of the show.”

Although it’s been a fair while since the group last performed at the venue, there is one member of the cast, Steve Clements, who was part of it back then.

Steve said: “The last production I did at the Pavilion, in 1984, was Fiddler on the Roof, where I played a Jewish innkeeper and ironically I am playing the Jewish shopkeeper, Mr Mushnik in this production.”

l Little Shop of Horrors will be performed at 7.30pm on Friday, May 15, and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, May 16.

Tickets are available from Tim and Pauline Clark on 01773 821501.

See the website, ww.matlock-musical-theatre.org.uk for more details.