Past events

The Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop Of Horrors, which has become one of the most celebrated stage musicals of all time, has been revitalised by the venue’s community arts team.It is being produced by artistic director Greg Pichery and musical director Jonathan Rees – the same team who produced The Cresset’s smash hit success High School Musical last year, which was also staged as part of the venue’s community arts programme.

Jonathan said this year’s cast was one of the best yet, and the youngsters were revelling in the limelight of performing on the big stage.

Set in 1960, Little Shop of Horrors is the story of down-and-out florist assistant Seymour Krelbourn, who is fascinated by weird and exotic plants. Business is flagging, so Seymour and his colleague Audrey decide to put one of his favourite exotic plants in the window to attract more custom. But to Seymour’s horror, he discovers that the plant has an appetite for fresh blood. This attracts attention from far and wide, and revives the fortunes of the florist’s shop. So Seymour forges a pact with the plant, which he names Audrey II in honour of the girl he loves, to feed it his own blood. All he asks in return is that the plant helps him achieve fame and fortune and win the heart of his adored Audrey. But the plant has other ideas. It soon becomes clear it plans to take over the world and the only person who can stop it is Seymour.

The part of Seymour is played by Adam Pritchard, with Deborah Bodsworth alongside him as Audrey. Other names in the cast include James-Lee Campbell, Lauryn Campbell, Rachael Ostman, Chanel Harris, Lewis Richardson and Jenna Wall.

Artistic director Greg has 18 years experience, which has seen him perform in the West End, on national UK tours and in Repertory theatre. He teaches musical theatre, jazz and tap at Leicester College of Performing Arts.

Colleague Jonathan has a wealth of musical talent, and is currently head of singing at Stella Mann College, having previously taught singing at The Royal Academy of Music.

Little Shop of Horrors really does demonstrate the rich, young acting talent the city has to offer, and, along with Key Youth Theatre’s summer show, it is always a must see, as last year’s string of High School Musical performances lays testament to.

High School Musical

THE first thing that struck me about this vibrant production at The Cresset was the contrast between its East High setting and my own schooldays.

Not only were the pupils continually breaking out in brilliantly-choreographed dance routines, but the lads were able to pour their hearts out in song without meeting with an unfortunate “accident” in the playground afterwards.

It’s easy to see why the production, an adaptation of the best-selling Disney film, has been such a huge hit with audiences. Although the shiny, happy school kids may be a bit different to the way I remember my classmates, the story deals with themes that everyone who has been to school can relate to.

For those of you who don’t know, the plot follows two pupils from rival groups (brainiacs and sporty types) who try out for parts in the school musical.

Shy academic Garbiella Montez was played with a great deal of charm by Deborah Bodsworth, while her sweetheart, ambitious jock Troy Bolton was played wonderfully by Adam Pritchard, in fine voice and totally engaging in his role.

The star-crossed lovers have everything against them, including the scheming of Sharpay Evans (played with wonderful sass and attitude by Rachel Ostman) and her likeable but dim brother Ryan (who frequently had the audience in stitches with his deliberately over-done dance moves), who will stop at nothing to secure their rightful places in the school production.

The ensemble cast, including some 25 children from the Peterborough area, ran through the dance routines and songs with verve and enthusiasm, and the climax of the show met with a rapturous reception from the youngsters in the audience, many of whom were whistling and cheering at the very tops of their voices.

“It’s really really good,” 12-year-old Imogen told me during the interval.

“I know the songs already and my favourite character is Gabriella.”

Ten-year-old George said he’s seen the High School Musical DVD “either 22 or 23 times”, and explained the appeal.

“The songs are really catchy and it’s a good story . . . the dances are really good as well.”

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