King Edward VI Five Ways School have managed a full-scale production every two years since 2010; starting with Sweeny Todd, Fiddler on the Roof, Dido and Aeneas and Les Misérables. With Covid-19 restrictions slowly easing, the school have been chomping at the bit to stage something new, despite the Music Department producing four full concerts during the pandemic - pre-recording them and broadcasting via YouTube.
The school purchased the licence for Little Shop of Horrors from MTI at the end of September 2021 and agreed four evening performances, opening on Tuesday 8th February and closing on Friday 11th.
Howard Griffin, Director of Music at King Edward VI Five Ways explains: "This show requires a small cast, so we decided on two separate casts; with 37 pupils taking part in total, across all roles of production after auditioning in early September. In total, we rehearsed for 13 weeks with rehearsals taking place after school on Mondays, 4-5pm, and Fridays, 4-6pm. The band began rehearsing in January."
The show was organised by Howard as Musical Director/Répétiteur and Head of Drama - Mark Thompson as Stage Director, as well as being supported by John Swindells (Assistant Musical Director) and Angela Squier (Costume/Crew Manager) and a long list of staff members who made contributions and gave up their evenings to support the show.
"Standout performances came from Finn Heathfield and Max Dickinson (Seymour) and Nancy Rutter and Naomi Murphy (Audrey) in the lead roles. Erik Da Silva (Mushnik) and Connor Keene (Orin) did all four nights. Connor was simply brilliant as the dentist, with a great sense of comedy timing. Then there's Haniel Nduka and Nathan Wong as the plant, Audrey Two, or 'Twoey'. Both amazed audiences with their soulful rendition of 'Feed me'. Simon Whittome also deserves a mention for his skill in controlling the puppets - despite not being seen on stage, Simon gave it his all."
King Edward VI Five Ways next show will be in the Spring of 2023-2024, so keep your eyes peeled!
