Monstrously Good Fun in Little Shop of Horrors
Oakham’s Middle School pupils lit up the QET stage with a lively and hugely enjoyable production of Little Shop of Horrors, combining talent, humour, and infectious energy in a show that delighted audiences from start to finish.
The much-loved musical, with its blend of quirky comedy, catchy songs, and larger-than-life characters, proved to be the perfect choice for this energetic young cast. The leads delivered standout performances, with impressive vocals and confident stage presence that brought the show’s well-known musical numbers to life. Their ability to blend humour with strong character work and musicality made for a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
One of the show’s most memorable features was the ingenious handling of Audrey II, the notorious man-eating plant. The cleverly designed puppet featured a movable mouth that opened and closed, growing in size throughout the show until it was large enough to “swallow” its victims whole – much to the audience’s delight. Adding to the spectacle, Audrey II took on human form dressed in a striking emerald green sequined suit, delivering powerful vocals and commanding the stage with real presence. This creative dual approach brought the character vividly to life and added an extra layer of theatrical flair to the production.
Equally commendable was the energy and dedication of the whole cast. Their commitment, teamwork, and enthusiasm were evident in every scene – from the smallest roles to the ensemble moments.
Director of Drama Gilly Norell, said:
“This performance was a wonderful celebration of our pupils’ talent and enthusiasm, and a promising sign of things to come.
“At Oakham, we’re proud to offer a wealth of opportunities for pupils to get involved in drama from the very start of their Oakham journey. Little Shop of Horrors gave many of our Form 3 and 4 actors their first taste of musical theatre, alongside some more experienced performers. It’s been exciting to watch them grow in confidence, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”
