Rocking horror show (From Gazette Series)

Rocking horror show

FORGET the word horrors and substitute the words dynamic theatrical experience - the forthcoming production by Dursley Operatic and Dramatic Society, Little Shop of Horrors, promises to be a great, fun night out for all the family.

With a cast of just nine, all of whom are top-class actors among the most vocally talented DODS can muster, the impact is easily as great as a large-cast show with the usual 40 members.

As director, Sue Cheshire is thrilled by the quality of what she is seeing and hearing in rehearsals. She said: "Scott Sharp and Pippa Robinson are taking their first major roles in a full-blown musical for DODS - as the young lovers Seymour and Audrey, and at the ages of 17 and 19 respectively, they are showing talents beyond their years.

"Andrew Telford, well-known for his superb tenor voice in many a DODS musical, finds himself playing Mr. Mushnik, owner of the flower-shop.

"The sadistic dentist boyfriend of Audrey is played by Craig Hewlett, last seen as Rene in 'Allo,'Allo - not content with one part, he appears as seven other characters in a tour de force of quick changes and multiple personalities." "Ronette, Chiffon and Crystal, the ever-present Greek-chorus-style backing group and commentators, are based, as you can tell by their names, on the girl groups of 1962-3.

"Lizzie Lindsell, Susie Davies and Emma Hitchings are the business -they have all the moves, attitude and great voices."

The Voice of the Plant is BIG - Levi James is a semi-professional actor and has an amazing vocal range which is funky as well - to hear him is to be impressed. A person audiences won't be seeing is Darren Kitchin - not because he's not in the show, but because he'll be the main man inside the Plant, the personality.

The story originates from an American B movie in which Jack Nicholson made his acting debut, followed by a stage musical featuring Steve Martin and Bill Murray at times.

The show has a cult following - funny, beautiful, sentimental, and extremely powerful: local audiences are encouraged to enter into the spirit of it all, ready for a feel-good night out.

A great theatrical experience is promised, including live music at its best - a quality DODS is well-known for providing.

Craig Hewlett, from the society, said: "If you can think of a more spectacular way to spend an evening, then I'll eat my hat (or our amazing moving, talking plant with its 12 ft. arms might do it for me)."

Little Shop of Horrors runs from Monday, May 1 to Saturday, May 6 - performance times and tickets are available from Image, Dursley or DODS ticket hotline 07890 203318.