PUBLISHED 02 May 2024
On Thursday 25th April, AKS students went on a theatre trip to the Bolton Octagon Theatre to see ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. From the moment we set our eyes on the set, it was evident that this production would be an experience unlike any other.
As the name of the musical lends itself to, the musical centres around a man-eating plant, which was really one of the most captivating aspects of the performance. The production came to life with the masterful puppetry of Audrey II; it was something extremely special to watch how the puppeteer, who was completely blind to the audience’s view of the puppet, portrayed different expressions throughout and used certain movements, which grew on the show’s already extremely comedic aspect. Not only did it add a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative, but it also left the audience in awe at the technical aspect of the performance overall.
Unlike AKS’ performance of ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ the performance hosted an 11-member cast. The intimacy of such a small cast provided a fresh perspective and gave us the opportunity to see the differences between their production and ours. It’s notable to comment on the versatility that the actors were able to showcase throughout their effortless transitions between roles. This was highlighted by Matthew Ganley, who primarily portrayed the Dentist but then moved onto to embodying three other characters during ‘The Meek Shall Inherit.’ It was extremely evident that the actor had exceptional adaptability to various characters in such a short amount of time, but it’s also worth mentioning the costume team, who would’ve helped Ganley with his immensely fast ‘quick changes.’
Whilst mentioning one aspect of the backstage department, it is also worth noting the lighting side of the performance. The innovative use of lighting enhanced the theatrical experience, as they use many clever techniques. I particularly enjoyed two moments of the performance; the first being during a scene in Act 1, where they used a quick spotlight to mimic a camera flashing. I also thought it was extremely clever during ‘Da-Doo,’ when a Doo-Wop Girl flipped the light switch in the florist to further remove themselves from the performance and act more like an omniscient narrator throughout the plot.
Furthermore, the set design also played a significant role in shaping the overall atmosphere of the performance. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the musical is performed on a thrust stage, as opposed to a proscenium stage. The intimate setting of the Octagon Theatre created a sense of closeness and connection between the audience and the actors, fostering a truly immersive experience into Skid Row.
On a more personal note, the character of Audrey served as a focal point for reflection, inviting comparisons between the portrayal by Laura Jane Matthewson and my own interpretation. Observing the nuances and subtleties of her performance offered valuable insights into character development and storytelling and allowed me to connect further with both Audrey and Laura Jane Matthewson. It was such an experience to see how a professional actor performed a character that I hold close to my heart.
Overall, our celebratory trip to see ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was an unforgettable experience, and it gave us the opportunity to spend time together as the cast and crew before we begin the process for our next musical. It was a truly remarkable performance, and we had the privilege of attending on their press night, after their spectacular opening night the day before.
By Alex W, Year 12