LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

PERFORMED AT THE MADDERMARKET THEATRE, NORWICH

12TH – 15TH APRIL 2023

Our first production of 2023 was the deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop of Horrors.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

A charmingly tongue in cheek comedy, this production was cast from our older members and with a small cast of just 14.  Director Chris Davidson challenged them with a quote from the original director Howard Ashman: “Actors should play with simplicity, honesty and sweetness – even when events are at their most outlandish.” The cast really took that on board and it allowed the show to have moments of true honesty and heart.

This amateur production was presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials were also supplied by MTI.

Reviews

Let’s just get this out of the way early doors, no messing about, no fancy intro; this was an outstanding production…..nothing fancy, no technical wizardry, just plain old (or young as it happens) talent and charisma, and a trust in the rich material they had to work with.

With yet another brilliant show under their belts, Echo is fast becoming a byword for high quality productions, and not just in the realms of youth theatre. This is a show that would be more than a match for any adult company, and one that everyone involved should be so proud of.

East Anglia Theatre Podcast
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Full of vocals that challenge those of professional performers, classic musical theatre-style dance and fantastic characterisation, it was hard to believe this was a youth production …this cult classic has been expertly staged … such a strong cast – this was a triumph for Echo Youth Theatre

Norwich Evening News

A really incredible show. Congratulations to cast and crew. Thank you ECHO Youth Theatre for giving such wonderful opportunities to young people who love theatre.

Parent

Thanks for producing such an amazing show! Little Shop was fantastic! We enjoyed seeing it all three times. Everything about it was great – directing, singing, music, choreography, acting, costume and set. My favourite show so far and our daughter really enjoyed being part of it!

Parent

I also need to say more than a few words for the Director, Chris Davidson. While he was of course blessed to have a company brimming with talent for this production, his skill in guiding this group to a thoroughly professional outcome is not to be overlooked. Chris’ focus on vocal quality was evident, but never at the expense of acting ability. I was also impressed by the way he squeezed every last drop of comedy from the script, and the precise, efficient manner with which scene changes were handled. Chris’ influence was remarkable, and will hopefully stand this gifted group in good stead whatever their next steps in the world of performing arts may be.     

East Anglia Theatre Podcast
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Taking on a cult classic, particularly one as eccentric as Little Shop of Horrors, is either brave or foolhardy but Echo Youth Theatre have strong roots … they didn’t disappoint, delivering an outstanding show from the entire cast with particular stand out performances from the young leads. We also just adored the Ronnettes, the girl group with a great sixties vibe and all the right moves.

Perking The Pansies

Seriously great work from Echo Youth Theatre – their production of Little Shop of Horrors is one of the best youth shows I’ve seen! 

Audience Member

It’s great to know that musical theatre’s future is in safe hands with the talented performers I watched on Saturday night. They all did a great job – I could have sat there and watched the whole show again. Well done to everyone involved on a fabulous show.

Audience Member