The streets of Swindon’s Old Town provided the perfect backdrop as the young cast of this summer’s Little Shop of Horrors took a break from rehearsals for a lively photocall ahead of next month’s performances at the Wyvern Theatre.
Members of the Summer Youth Project began the day with a visit from Mental Health Motorbike Wiltshire, where they met volunteers from the charity and learned about its work supporting mental wellbeing within the motorcycling community.
The cast also had the chance to get up close to a selection of motorbikes, giving them a taste of what audiences can expect when a real motorbike appears on stage during the production.
The group then headed to The Flower Pot in Old Town, where colourful floral displays provided the perfect setting for a second photocall as the young performers stepped into character. Fortunately, unlike the infamous plant at the heart of the musical, none of the blooms showed any signs of developing a taste for human blood.
Based on the cult classic musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, Little Shop of Horrors follows the story of Seymour, a struggling florist whose fortunes change when he discovers a mysterious plant promising fame, success and romance. But the strange plant’s ever-growing appetite soon threatens everything around him.
Packed with humour, memorable characters and a rock-and-roll score, the show features well-known songs including Skid Row (Downtown), Suddenly Seymour, Dentist! and Feed Me (Git It!).
The Summer Youth Project has become one of Swindon’s best-loved theatre traditions, giving up to 200 young people aged between nine and 21 the opportunity to rehearse and perform a full-scale musical in a professional theatre environment.
Over an intensive two-week period, participants work alongside an experienced creative team, including a professional director, choreographer, musical director, musicians and technical staff, before taking to the Wyvern Theatre stage for five public performances.
This year’s production runs from 13 to 15 August, with organisers promising a spectacular show packed with music, comedy and larger-than-life performances.
Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors are available through the Wyvern Theatre box office.
