Menier Revival of 'Little Shop' Set for West End Transfer

The Menier Chocolate Factory's hit revival of Little Shop of Horrors will extend its tendrils into the West End.

The B-horror spoof classic, with music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, will begin previews at the Duke of York's Theatre on March 6th and open on March 12th, according to Variety.

Little Shop of Horrors will follow Tom Stoppard's acclaimed Rock 'N' Roll into the Duke of York's; the latter production is set to close on February 25th.  Bob Boyett, Chocolate Factory Prods., Frankel/Baruch/Viertel/Routh Group and Stephanie McClelland will produce.

The cast and creative team will remain for the West End transfer.  Little Shop of Horrors features Sheridan Smith, Paul Keating, Jasper Britton, Barry James (who was Seymour in the original London production) and Mike McShane.  Matthew White is the director.

"Down and out Skid Row floral assistant Seymour becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon 'Audrey II' grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore offering him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite… but as Audrey II's hungry demands increase, all that Seymour holds dear is threatened as the plant's sinister agenda for global domination is revealed…," state Menier notes.  Little Shop of Horrors, which ran for over 2,200 performances Off-Broadway after opening in 1982, was presented on Broadway in 2003 in a new production.

The Menier Chocolate Factory revival features set and costume design by David Farley and Artem Ltd.; their work is highlighted by a $197,000 (£100,000) redesign of the ravenous Audrey II.

The current production of Little Shop of Horrors is sold-out.

Visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com for more information.

Photo - Alan Menken