TWO of the region’s leading theatres are collaborating on an autumn production of the darkly funny and popular musical Little Shop of Horrors. Opening at Exeter from 1st to 17th October, this will be the first full production of a musical at the Northcott in more than 20 years.

The show will be moving to Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre from 20th 24th October, and the short tour finishes at the third co-producer, Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, at the end of the month.

The production consolidates the Northcott’s commitment to ambitious, high-quality theatre made by and for the community it serves, says the theatre’s creative director and joint chief executive Martin Berry, who is directing the show: “This feels like an exciting moment for Exeter Northcott Theatre. Little Shop of Horrors is bold, funny, joyful and unapologetically theatrical – and it allows us to bring together everything we believe theatre can be.”

It’s an exciting project for Poole’s Lighthouse team, says head of programme Katy Griffiths: “I’m sure our audiences will love it – in fact, I can hear them now … ‘Feed me!’”

The musical tells the story of Seymour, a mild-mannered florist, whose life changes when he discovers a mysterious plant with a terrifying appetite. Packed with iconic songs, larger-than-life characters and a carnivorous plant with a mind of its own, Little Shop of Horrors promises comedy, songs and thrilling moments for the musical’s lifelong fans as well as the audiences discovering the show for the first time.

At Exeter, the production also features a community ensemble, performing alongside a professional cast in a fully realised mainstage musical. Renewing its dedication to local participation, the theatre will soon launch the auditions, offering community performers the opportunity to take part in a fully professional production.