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Kenilworth School Wows Audiences with Spellbinding Production of Little Shop of Horrors

Kenilworth School's latest theatrical production, Little Shop of Horrors, has captivated local audiences with its energy, humour, and remarkable student talent both on and off the stage.

The show, which opened last week to a full house, has been praised for its professional-level performances and seamless coordination, showcasing the dedication and creativity of students and staff alike.

A quirky and darkly comedic musical, Little Shop of Horrors follows the story of Seymour, a timid florist who discovers a mysterious plant with a taste for human blood. As the plant — named Audrey II — grows, so too does Seymour’s fame and fortune, but at a deadly cost. The show blends 1960s-style rock and Motown music with witty dialogue and satirical themes, making it a favourite among theatre lovers.

One audience member shared their excitement after attending the premiere:
"I went to see the opening night of Kenilworth School’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. What an amazing show! You could see student involvement across both on stage, in band, and backstage roles."

Another echoed the sentiment, praising the students’ talent and commitment:
"What a fantastic show. Congratulations to all the students who were so convincing, funny, and just incredible singers. Well done to everyone involved."

The production featured standout performances from the lead cast, who brought the eccentric characters to life with flair and finesse, backed by a talented live orchestra.

“It was an absolute privilege to be the Musical Director for Little Shop of Horrors 2025. The music for the show was composed by Alan Menken, whose other theatrical credits include Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Sister Act.”

“There are many aspects to role of Musical Director which include rehearsing the ensemble and soloists to the rehearsing of the band. The fun comes when the elements of stage and live music come together. Whilst I have an overview of the range of speeds that songs will be sung at and how each principal character will sing, when we add in stage movements, choreography, scene changes props and dialogue into the mix, it can get quite complicated! “

“For example, there are occasions during any show where the band has to play 'underscore' music to cover scene and costume changes. The length of these short pieces of music are never the same for each performance. They often need to be repeated, or even finished early due to a whole host of reasons that neither I or the audience see. As musical director, you have to "expect the unexpected"!” Said Mr Dave Pugh, Head of Music at Kenilworth School and Music Director.

‘I will miss working with the students and staff who give of their time freely to play in the school show band.  I will also miss working with the members of the cast, who also give of their time and also produce top drawer performances for each show. Finally, I will very much miss working with Mr Shelton, who brings with him a wealth of experience from his time in professional theatre - he really does know his stuff, and like me, he "loves the showbiz".’

We would like to thank our friends at The Loft Theatre, The Priory Theatre, EPTIC Light and Sound and the PTA for all your support.

With such enthusiastic feedback and packed audiences, Little Shop of Horrors marks yet another success for Kenilworth School’s performing arts program.