The ensemble cast deliver hilariously over-the-top performances, with Paul Barrett finding a flamboyant vitality in his endlessly kvetching shop owner, while Andrew Grainger brings an unhinged edge to the sadistically deranged dentist and Rima Te Wiata lends a raunchily seductive voice to the diabolical plant.
Musical director Jason Te Mete generates a lively funk-soul vibe anchored in the awesome vocal trio of Rosita Vai, Bronwyn Turei and Bella Kalolo who invent a dance style that sits somewhere between the Supremes and early Split Enz.
The design team show enormous panache, with Tracey Collins' striking abstract set complemented by Elizabeth Whiting's outrageous costuming and Brad Gledhill's dazzling lighting effects. Collins' take on the plant-puppet is original and quirky, though the heavily sexualised plant forms seem slightly out of synch with the script.
Director Simon Coleman has produced a hugely entertaining show with a decidedly dark edge that could be frightening for young children.
Musical
What: Little Shop of Horrors
Where: Q Theatre until December 2
