LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

2nd Jul 2025 - 6th Jul 2025

Playhouse

Starring
Northcliff High About The Show

Production: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Dates: 2 To 6 July 2025

Venue: The Playhouse Drama Theatre

Tickets: Available at Webtickets

 

27 years ago, Northcliff High, Johannesburg undertook what was an insane and daring venture and toured their whole musical production, lock, stock and barrel from Johannesburg down to the Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban.  

Now, in the 25th year of touring – remember 2 years of covid – after a splendid run of the production in Johannesburg, Northcliff High brings to Durban, the full-of-fun, B-Grade horror spoof, LITTLE SHOP OF HORROS. It is splendidly cast and the performances from the young actors never fail to impress.   A trip into the city to enjoy this fun offering, will be well worth it.  This is simply great entertainment!

This will be the 41st  production for Northcliff High and 25th to tour to the Playhouse, from acclaimed Producer/Director Nick Jourdan, who has been responsible for bringing ‘The Adams Family’, ‘Spamalot’, ‘Sister Act’ and the highly popular previous offerings, ‘Pirates of Penzance’, ‘Crazy for You’, ‘Anything Goes’, ‘High School Musical’, ‘Footloose’,  ‘Me and My Girl’ and ‘Matilda The Musical’ to the Playhouse Theatre, to name some.

The humour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is somewhat dark, definitely tongue-in-cheek but also, ridiculous and funny.   The story follows the climb to success of a nerdish, down-and-out florist assistant, Seymour Krelborn, who discovers a “strange and interesting” new plant species.   This, he also discovers, has a desire for blood and, as it grows bigger and bigger, for eating people.   The ridiculous plot involves all the principal characters falling prey to the plant’s awful appetite putting the plant on a fearful trajectory of achieving world domination!   There are laughs aplenty and the delightful score is by Alan Menken, of many Disney musicals fame.

This year’s cast is smaller than in past shows but this works well in this smaller scale musical and some newcomers really come into their stride with performances that, again, will have audiences amazed.

Joshua Wareham, who has been in a number of these Northcliff productions, is now featured as the lead character, Seymour.   He might be remembered from last year, as Michael, the somewhat dim brother of MATILDA – “backwards!” may ring a bell for some who saw last year’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL.   Happily, Adriana Sevell, who last year, played  Matilda, this year has the role of Seymour’s love interest, Audrey, in which she, once again, is astounding.  Mrs Mushnik, the owner of the florist shop on Skid Row (the

2 character has been changed from “Mr” due to a shortage of boys) is played by Emily Blake, in her first major lead role.   She captures the essence and fun of the character with aplomb.   Complete newcomer, Kieran Lalloo, stands out as the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello, with a performance in a highly demanding role, that is quite remarkable. 

The ensemble has an energy that invigorates the proceedings and the singing is top notch!

Again there is a live orchestra of nine skilled professional musicians, lead by accomplished musical director, Matthew Vlok, previously from Durban.   The music is out of this world!

Likely and potential theatregoers should not miss the opportunity to see this fun musical performed by an outstanding cast.   Live theatre such as this, is not often on offer and it should be supported and enjoyed when it happens along.

Performances are from 2 to 6 July with evening performances at 19h30 and matinees on the Saturday at 14h00 and Sunday at 15h00.   Tickets are R100 throughout and R80 for seniors.

BOOKING FOR ALL SHOWS IS THROUGH WEBTICKETS

OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL! TICKETS HALF PRICE AT R50 ON

WEDNESDAY 2 JULY AT 19h30

At the Playhouse there are bar facilities and a coffee shop.

There is secure parking available at the Royal Hotel Parking Garage with security marshals along the street from the Royal to the Playhouse Theatre.

Parking is at a reduced rate when getting your parking ticket validated in the theatre foyer.

For so many years Northcliff High Johannesburg has trundled a busload of kids into the city centre to perform their hearts out in what many will vouch, is top notch entertainment.

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HERE’S HOPING DURBAN SUPPORTERS WILL COME AND SEE THEM!!