Smash hit 'Little Shop of Horrors' graces Strathallan Stage

A well-deserved standing ovation was bestowed upon the cast, band and crew of Little Shop of Horrors on the final evening of the show. This was Mrs Carr-Bates’ first senior School musical since arriving at Strathallan. And it was, indeed, a stunning success in every respect.

This hugely popular musical, with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, was first staged in New York in May 1992 and has since been performed hundreds of times all around the world. There is also a movie version.

Pupils and staff watched with amazement as the set build gradually took shape over recent weeks. Piece by piece the stage was transformed into a multi-level cityscape of New York, with its crowded streets and skyscrapers. Once again, the School is indebted to Strathallan alumnus, and real-life award-winning architect, Oli Beetschen, for his set and lighting design. The experience must have brought back many memories for Oli because, when Strathallan last put on Little Shop of Horrors, he was a pupil here and had his first experience of being Stage Manager. In this production he was assisted by an extremely competent group of pupils, including fourth formers, building up their skills.

We are fortunate indeed in having so many talented musicians in the School and from among their number, and with a couple of the music staff, Musical Director, Mr Hamilton formed the band. I’m sure everyone appreciated what a difference it made to the show having such excellent live music to accompany the fine performances by the soloists and the whole ensemble.

And then there was the cast! All credit to Mrs Carr-Bates who used her very experienced directorial skills to select performers ideally suited to the roles they were given. In his buttoned cardigan, baggy trousers and slippers, Maximilian E so realistically portrayed the world-weary, Mr Mushnik, the elderly shop owner. Carter R made a perfect Seymour, torn between his conscience and his desperation to please shop assistant, Audrey. Annabel A gave a flawless depiction of Audrey, the abused girlfriend of the all too realistically portrayed sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello. Kyle F’s Orin would discourage anyone from ever attending a dentist appointment again!

Then, of course, there was Audrey 2, the flesh-eating plant that Seymour cultivated to bring prosperity to the shop and to impress his beloved Audrey 1. Rather than use a puppet for the mature Audrey 2, Mrs Carr-Bates opted to costume Emma K as the plant. Emma’s performance was disturbingly excellent! Even with her face totally covered in green, she was able to portray by facial expression the disturbing reality that this was a plant that would eventually take over the world.

All credit to the choreography provided by Robyn Goodfellow (assisted by Miss Chloe Roome and Eve B), particularly for the group of five girls who were on the stage for much of the time, almost as if in the role of a Greek chorus – Amelie S, Olwen H, Megan A, Evie B and Josie C. The whole ensemble, in fact, gave us an outstanding evening’s entertainment.

The production was an example of great teamwork, from the staff involved, to the stage crew, under Jayden M’s experienced supervision. Sound design was by Paul Smith of Apex Sound. All credit to the sound team under Lisa B, make-up team led by Sophia E, props led by Rebecca J and all those others assisting and building skills for the day when they too can step up and take charge.

It was a colourful and thrilling experience. Well done to everyone involved!

- Photos thanks to Eva G, Struan Davie and Mrs McFarlane