It’s not a trick - it’s a treat in Leslie – and it’s not even Hallowe'en

As we edge closer towards the fourth week in September and its opening night, you might be forgiven for thinking that Halloween has come early with the arrival of the Les Hall Production of The Little Shop of Horrors at the Leslie Town Hall.

Halloween is a time for ghosts and ghouls and tricks or treats, while this musical production features an engaging script, witty songs and their dancing routines, sci-fi horror mixed with comedy and an extra-terrestrial-human-eating plant called Audrey II. With this treat, who could ask for anything more?

Diane White, Director and Choreographer, said “This is a hugely fun and entertaining show that I’m so proud to be part off. We have an excellent cast of experienced actors and singers, who are all working so hard in rehearsals to ensure that this, our first musical, is a success”.

She continued: “The writers, Ashman and Menken are the two men who are credited with restoring the Disney reputation for animated films by writing both The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast and winning Best Original Song Oscars into the bargain.

“While the songs from The Little Shop of Horrors may not be as well-known as ‘Under the Sea’ and ‘Be My Guest’ for example, titles such as ‘Dentist! and ‘Suddenly Seymour’ are up there with the best of their character-driven, witty, humorous and emotionally precise lyrics combined with attentive melodies”.

Artistic Director Neil McCallum added: “A major challenge for us was in the creation of the plant, Audrey II, as it needs to be seen growing as the story develops.

“Without giving any spoilers, I think the audience will come to love how we’ve created and made Audrey II come alive.

“In the original 1986 film of the stage musical, the voice of Audrey II was Levi Stubbs – the lead singer with the chart-topping Motown group The Four Tops. Leslie’s answer to Levi is our own ‘soul man’ Ryan, who’ll reach out and be there, for all of us”.

The show is running from Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th September at 7.30pm with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 26th. Tickets, priced £16, are on sale now. They are available from the Leslie Town Hall box office either in person or on 07912 602764, or from www.ticketsource.com/leslietownhall where a Booking Fee will apply. A group discount is available for parties of 10+. Contact the box office for details.

The show is being presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) and all authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe.