Beware of the plant! (From This Is Wiltshire)

Beware of the plant!

12:19pm Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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LOOK out! A mean, green plant from outer space has landed at the Arts Centre...and it’s hungry for human blood.

But don’t go calling in the army just yet – it’s just a working model of Audrey II and she’s the star of Little Shop of Horrors, the first production being put on by A Chocolate Theatre Society.

The musical runs at the Old Town venue from tonight until Saturday and director Kevin Kearns hopes the killer plant will have a real wow factor for the audience. But she has already been causing the cast and crew problems.

“We couldn’t fit the biggest plant into the lift to get it up onto the stage,” he said.

“It was just too wide so we had to strip it right back, split it into two, get it upstairs and than reconstruct it.

“It took a good couple of hours but I think it’s worth it, it looks fantastic and I think it will be a real talking point for the audience.”

The group, who have been rehearsing since February, have recreated Mushnik’s shop and Skid Row for the show.

There is even a live band courtesy of Nathan Jones and his All Stars jazz band.

“It’s our first show and everything had to be the best we can make it,” said Kevin.

Michaela Kearns, who plays the role of Audrey, said she was confident the show was going to be a success.

“I’m really impressed by how well everyone has come together and turned it into a fantastic show,” she said.

“When we were choosing a show I thought about the people who we could bring in and knew that we’d have someone great in all the parts if we did Little Shop of Horrors.

“Then we thought about the plant. I know most people would do it the other way round but I was always confident it would work out well.”

The role of the floral arranger is one Michaela has always wanted to play.

“When I saw the film I thought ‘I would love to play her’ it’s such a great part. Rehearsals have gone brilliantly and I think everyone is really comfortable in their characters now.”

Tickets for Friday night’s show are nearly sold out and the group hope it will be the same for the other two nights.

“Everyone is vocally fantastic, there are great songs from all different genres, Audrey II looks amazing and we have a brilliant band,” said Michaela.

“It will be a really good show.”

For more information on the group log on to www.chocolatetheatre.co.uk To book, or for more information call the box office on 01793 614837.