Something’s growing: Talented youngsters prepare to take on Little Shop of Horrors 

Something’s growing this September, as 27 talented young performers prepare to take audiences on a trip to Skid Row for three performances of the cult musical Little Shop of Horrors.

The cast, aged between 13 and 19, will take to the stage at Park Community Theatre, in Havant, on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27, bringing the much-loved musical to life.

Set in the 1980s on the down-and-out streets of Skid Row, Little Shop of Horrors follows hapless florist Seymour and his rather unusual new plant, Audrey II – a Venus flytrap with an appetite for human flesh.

The young cast have been rehearsing for months, perfecting their performances, learning choreography and getting to grips with the show.

There will be three performances across the weekend, including two matinees and one evening show, giving local audiences three chances to see the budding performers in action.

The production is the seventh show staged by Performers Theatre Company since the organisation opened, following previous productions including Matilda the Musical Jr., Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and, most recently, Peter Pan Jr.

And audiences won’t have to wait long for their next theatrical fix, with the company also preparing to stage School of Rock in October.

Performers Theatre Company principal Sam Gibbs is hoping the productions will encourage more local people to support the wealth of young talent and community theatre on their doorstep.

He said: “We see first-hand what being part of a production gives our children, young people and adults – confidence, friendships, resilience, a sense of belonging and memories that last far beyond the final curtain.

“But local theatre can only continue with the support of local audiences. Productions like Little Shop of Horrors and School of Rock cost tens of thousands of pounds to bring to the stage. Theatre hire, performance rights, sets, costumes, technical equipment, creative teams and so much more all have to be paid for – regardless of how many people are sitting in the audience.

“Coming along to see smaller shows like ours really makes a difference. It allows small theatre companies like ours to continue taking risks, producing ambitious shows and, most importantly, creating opportunities for our performers.

“And support doesn’t always have to mean buying a ticket. Share a post. Tell a friend. Invite someone along. Spread the word. Those small actions genuinely help.”

This production is particularly special for Sam, who once played Seymour himself when his secondary school staged Little Shop of Horrors.

He added: “It’s nice looking back and realising that I am now allowing my students to take part in something that I enjoyed so much as a teenager.

“It’s really important to me to continue to provide these opportunities and give young people the chance to discover just how much they can achieve when they’re given the opportunity to get on stage.”

With a talented young cast, a much-loved musical and one very hungry plant, audiences can expect plenty of laughs, memorable songs and a show that promises to be anything but little.

Tickets are available to the public and can be purchased at www.performerstheatrecompany.com/whats-on