Little Shop of Horrors – Whitley Bay Musical Theatre Company
I attended Whitley Bay Playhouse to see Little Shop of Horrors, performed by Whitley Bay Musical Theatre Company, an amateur group with clear ambition and enthusiasm.
I’ve seen Little Shop before in much smaller venues, but this production was on a far grander scale. The set design, costumes, and lighting were all impressive, and the sound quality was excellent throughout.
It was clear that the cast had put in extensive rehearsal time. Scenes transitioned smoothly, and the choreography was particularly strong, with the whole production flowing confidently from start to finish.
There were several outstanding performances in this show. Matthew McGuire made an engaging Seymour, delivering both strong vocals and convincing acting. Sarah McKinnell was exceptional as Audrey – her rendition of Somewhere That’s Green was genuinely moving, combining vocal control with emotional truth. Sophie Begg as Ronette also stood out, with a great stage presence and energy that wouldn’t have been out of place on a West End stage. The Plant Dancers and Ronette Dancers deserve recognition too for their tight choreography and infectious enthusiasm, which gave the show much of its visual flair.
If I had one reservation, it would be the portrayal of Orin Scrivello, the sadistic dentist. The performance leaned heavily into comedy, which slightly diluted the darker domestic abuse theme that underpins Audrey’s storyline. It’s a difficult balance to strike – and while this interpretation favoured humour, it did still serve the musical’s overall light-hearted tone.
It was also refreshing to see a good gender balance across the company, something that’s not always easy to achieve in amateur theatre.
The second half felt especially confident and polished – likely the result of first-night nerves easing off. By the final number, the cast had fully settled in, and the audience responded with real enthusiasm.
There were even a few surprises before the curtain rose – details I won’t spoil, but they added a fun extra touch to the evening.
Four stars –A bright, entertaining and beautifully choreographed production that sparkled
Buy Tickets: Whitley Bay Musical Theatre Co Presents Little Shop of Horrors – PLAYHOUSE Whitely Bay
Grace:
“It’s nights like this that make my little postie heart sing – a packed house, a buzzing crowd, and a show that left everyone smiling. Four shining stars from the Hatchell with the Satchel!
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