Northcliff High’s Little Shop steals the spotlight
The latest production by Northcliff High School, Little Shop of Horrors, brought a mixture of dark humour and energy to the stage as they bought the beloved stage show to life.
Recently, Northcliff High School held their annual major production: Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Nick Jourdan. The annual musical has become a cornerstone of the school’s drama and culture department, continuing a tradition that dates back to the 1970’s.
The production follows Seymour Krelbourn, a nerdy florist, who raises a plant, Audrey 2, that feed off human blood. Based on the low-budget 1960 black, comedy film, the show features well-known tunes, such as the title song, Skid Row (Downtown), Somewhere That’s Green, and Suddenly, Seymour.
Comprised of a young cast, from Grades 8 to 12, Jourdan expressed the immense rewards of working with young performers, noting their growth and development throughout the rehearsal process. “Little Shop is a genre that is completely unfamiliar to them, and with its tongue-in-cheek dark humour, it has taken a good deal of tutoring to help them find the funny.”
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The youthful energy of the cast contributed significantly to the production, allowing them to embrace the cheesy B-grade horror spoof that the creators intended.
Despite having a smaller cast than in previous years, Jourdan highlighted that this did not hinder from the performance in any way. In fact, the ensemble worked more cohesively without overcrowding.
He added that a notable challenge was the construction of Audrey 2, which required the expertise of two ex-pupils who brought it to life through voice and puppeteering.
Preparation for the production began in the last term of 2024, with auditions and initial rehearsals.
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The cast and technical crew ramped up their efforts through the first term, culminating in performances from May 28 to 31. Following this, the cast will tour Durban for a week-long run at The Playhouse Theatre from July 2 to 6.
Productions like Little Shop of Horrors promote essential skills, such as discipline, time management, and confidence among learners. They also provide a unique environment for students to learn about themselves and others, creating lasting memories and friendships, according to Jourdan.
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Principal Andrew Wilkins praised the cast and crew, stating that was definitely one of the best productions, reflecting the high standards and dedication of Northcliff High School’s performing arts programme.
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