Little show of horrors (From Stroud News and Journal)

Little show of horrors

STRANGE things were happening recently at Wyevale Garden Centre near Nailsworth. Customers browsing amongst the indoor plants were surprised to see something different; a plant named Audrey Two lurking amongst the vegetation.

Nobody had ever seen anything like that before. It had been nurtured by florist Seymour Krelborn who had a hobby for creating new and exotic plants. But customers are unaware of this deadly secret; Audrey Two thrives on blood.

All this takes place in a scene from Jill Woods Theatre Company's production of Little Shop of Horrors, to be staged at the Cotswold Playhouse from February 21.

It tells the story of Seymour's (Nathan Brine) rise from poor florist living in the basement of Mushnik's Flower Shop into a huge success.

Mr Mushnik (Mark Jeffries) treats Seymour like dirt, but things are changing. Audrey Two - named after Seymour's great love (Jessica Wasilweska) - makes fame and fortune for him.

Mr Mushnik suddenly realises that Seymour could leave him, and take the plant so he grudgingly offers him a partnership with amusing consequences.

Full of wonderful music, dazzling costumes, exciting effects and a young and talented cast, Little Shop of Horrors is the show that Stroud has been waiting for.

The company will be performing at the newly modernised Cotswold Playhouse in Stroud from Friday, February 21 to Saturday, March 1 at 7.30pm, with matinees on both Saturdays at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Office, Subscription Rooms, Stroud 01453 760960 or Jill Woods Theatre Company 01453 882550.

The production is sponsored by the Stroud News and Journal and proceeds go to CLIC (Challenging Childhood Cancer and Leukaemia).