New rehearsal photographs have been released for Little Shop of Horrors ahead of the production’s first performance at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, on Friday 25 September 2026.
The newly unveiled images capture the cast in the final stages of rehearsals, including EastEnders star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Maisie Smith, who plays Audrey, coming face to face with the musical’s infamous man-eating plant, Audrey II.
The Manchester run will continue until 28 November 2026, with all previews during the first two weeks now sold out and waiting lists in operation.
Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, whose theatre credits include SIX, the production stars Maisie Smith as Audrey, Michael Starke as Mr Mushnik, Jed Berry as Seymour, Marcus Ayton as the voice of Audrey II and Benjamin Yates as Orin Scrivello.
The company also includes Kai Cameron-Jay, Ella Howlett, Rio Maye, Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid, Joseph Peacock, Nathen Scott and Gabrielle Davina Smith, with puppeteers Julia Frost, Christopher Dobson and Imogen Khan bringing Audrey II to life on stage.
Created especially for the production, Audrey II is realised through four specially commissioned puppets designed by Robert Allsopp. Set and costume design is by Morgan Large.
Featuring music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors follows the story of shy flower shop assistant Seymour, whose discovery of a mysterious plant offers the promise of a better life. However, the plant’s growing appetite soon leads events down a far more sinister path.
Produced by Thomas Hopkins Productions and SAMS Entertainment in association with Hope Mill Theatre, the revival arrives during the 40th anniversary year of the beloved 1986 film adaptation.
Following its Manchester season, the production will transfer to Liverpool Playhouse from 3 December 2026 to 9 January 2027, where Jessie Elland will take over the role of Audrey.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
