West End 'Little Shop of Horrors' to Close September 8

Menier Chocolate Factory's hit revival of Little Shop of Horrors, which is playing an extended West End run at the Ambassadors Theatre after a stint at the Duke of York's, will close on September 8th, according to Whatsonstage.com.  A UK tour, "currently being booked for 2008," will follow.

The B-horror spoof classic, with music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, began at the Ambassadors Theatre on June 28th, 2007 after premiering at the Menier Chocolate Factory and then starting at the Duke of York's on March 12th, 2007. Bob Boyett, Chocolate Factory Prods., Frankel/Baruch/Viertel/Routh Group and Stephanie McClelland produce.

Little Shop of Horrors features Sheridan Smith (Audrey), Paul Keating (Seymour), Mike McShane (Audrey II), Barry James (Mushnik), Alistair McGowan (The Dentist), Jenny Fitzpatrick (Ronette), Katie Kerr (Chiffon) and Melitsa Nicola (Crystal) .  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…," stated 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 revival features set and costume design by David Farley and Artem Ltd.

Photo - Little Shop of Horrors composer Alan Menken