Tim Hughes adores the dark musical comedy of Little Shop of Horrors

Theatre ought to be about fun. It is something to be enjoyed not endured and while there is certainly a place for hard-hitting drama, there’s nothing quite like the sheer joy that comes from laughing out loud at the plight of a comic situation played out on stage.

So well done to Oxford University student drama group Ambriel Productions for their wonderful, hilariously camp-schlock shocker Little Shop of Horrors at the Oxford Playhouse.

Creating a stage musical based on a film is inherently littered with obstacles, not least, in this case, how to portray the ‘hero’ of the show – an expanding carnivorous plant.

It would be giving away too much to reveal how the botanical bully makes light of her prey, except to say she does it in fine gospel style – with as much love for soul music as for blood (full marks to Jess Bollands, who was hidden somewhere within those green jaws!).

What is incredible about producer Imogen Howarth and director Jonny Wiles’ sassy and hip-swaying show is that it is staged by a grand total of eight actors – three of those being the wonderful doo-wop chorus line, who double for drop out urchins on the street outside Mr Mushnik’s Skid Row flower store.

This makes it lean and tight, with the action bowling along at a delicious pace and the songs coming thick and fast. And what songs!

There are no weak links here: the trio of Natalie Lauren (the feisty, bubbly Chiffon), Ela Portnoy (Crystal) and Ronnette (Francesca Amewudah-Rivers) keeping things swinging as the plot develops – and the plant grows – under the guardianship of the put-upon shop assistant Seymour, played by a believably innocent James Tibbles.

He keeps us on his side in his mission to feed his strange creation and win over shop girl Audrey while being bullied by tight-fisted shopkeeper Mr Mushnik (a convincing David Garrick).

Amelia Gabriel is wonderful as the lovely Audrey, the sweet (and, it has to be said, extremely vocally talented) but abused girlfriend of loathsome badboy biker dentist, Orin – played with attitude by Laurence Belcher.

His demise, without giving anything away, is hilarious. 

Pure fun, this will leave you grinning – and clicking your fingers – for days after - even though it may put you off feeding your houseplants forever.

Highly recommended!

4.5/5

Little Shop of Horrors continues at the Oxford Playhouse until Saturday.