Little Shop of Horrors is ending the 2018 season at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in spectacular style.

The Open Air Theatre's production of this perennially performed musical, which runs until 22 September, is a rip-roaring, irreverent delight.

The spontaneous standing ovation it receives is so well deserved.

The opening title number, performed by Chiffon (Renee Lamb), Crystal (Sevi Omooba) and Ronnette (Christina Modestou) sets the scene perfectly for what is to follow.

This three 'girl' Greek-style chorus is the integral driving force to Little Shop of Horrors and these three talented and charismatic women perform their task to perfection.

From then on the music, dancing and satirical humour continues through to the overwhelmingly joyous rendition of Don't feed the plants.

The plot may be well known to those who have seen the original 1986 film version of this musical horror comedy (with Rick Moranis), or any the many professional and amateur productions spawned from it.

But with the Open Air Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors, this is no drawback as it brings the production back as fresh and welcome as the proverbial daisy.

Seymour (a wonderfully wimpy Marc Antolin) and his unrequited love Audrey (the adorable Jemima Rooper) work at Mushnik's Flower Shop Skid Row.

All of the hard times society can throw up is encapsulated in their lives and surroundings.

That is until Seymour introduces the Audrey II, an unknown variety of exotic plant that attracts attention and custom to the shop.

But there is a downside to the good fortune that results (there would have to be).

​A carnivorous creation

The Audrey II is a carnivorous creation that needs and vociferously demands to be fed – on human blood.

How will Seymour cope with his ravenous 'cash cow'

Go and see for yourself and you will to leave the auditorium with grins as wide as Audrey II's after a good feed.

What I can say is that this production, by Alan Mencken and Howard Ashman, is a wonderfully 'B' movie presentation, in the best possible sense - and gloriously worst possible taste.

​Losed - God bless America

The stage is dominated by a huge, broken, once neon sign for a drive in movie declaring 'Closed – God bless America', surrounded by a montage of peeling skyscrapers and 'peopled by down and outs'

To this backdrop the cast ham proceedings up to hilarious perfection.

And though one does not want to highlight too many individuals from this tremendous ensemble, a mention must go to the outrageously over the top performance by American drag queen Vicky Vox as Audrey II.

My goodness what a gal. A real show stealer.

And finally, the stunning nine piece orchestra under the directorship of Cat Beveridge, who are never seen but certainly heard..

As we slowly made our way out of the auditorium, post extended standing ovation, the couple who had been sitting next to us were chuckling happily away.

​Blooming marvelous

"That was bloody marvellous", said the guy.

"No", said his female companion "Blooming marvellous".

And they chuckled some more.

What a good way to leave a theatre on a balmy summer's evening.

http://openairtheatre.com/production/little-shop-of-horrors

The Open Air Theatre

The Open Air Theatre itself is one of the UK's unique theatrical experiences.

See AllWays Traveller to the Open Air Theatre :

www.allwaystraveller.com/allways-features-home/the-open-air-theatre-regents-park-london

Useful links

​ www.openairtheatre.com