Stars are not on the stage (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stars are not on the stage

TWO stars of the cast of Jill Woods Theatre Company's production of the Little Shop of Horrors will not be seen on stage.

Jon Fletcher (17) is playing the voice of a man-eating plant, and will be off stage for the whole performance. Jon will be remembered for his excellent performance as the Cat in the award winning production of Honk last year.

Craig Johnson (17) is the puppeteer who works the huge plant named Audrey Two. Craig is studying for A Levels at Archway School, and hopes to go on to Art College.

"They have worked really well in rehearsal synchronising the voice of the plant with the movement, so that it will be believable to the audience," said director Jill Woods. "It's going to be exhausting for them, but they are well up to the task".

Playing the lead female role of Audrey will be Kayleigh Anger (14), last seen in Honk, and Jessica Wasilewska (13), playing her first major part. The girls auditioned so well that it was decided they would perform the role on alternate days.

Little Shop of Horrors plays at the Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud, from Friday, February 21 to Saturday, March 1 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the the Tourist Information Office in Stroud's Subscription Rooms, 01453 760900 or from Jill Woods' Theatre Company on 01453 882550.

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