Exciting casting news has been announced for the upcoming UK revival of the cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors. Directed and choreographed by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, this highly anticipated production is set to open at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester before transferring to the Liverpool Playhouse for the festive season.
The production will feature two different leading ladies taking on the iconic role of Audrey across the run – Maisie Smith will star as Audrey during the Manchester season, running from 25 September to 29 November 2026 and Jessie Elland will step into the role for the Liverpool engagement, running from 3 December 2026 to 9 January 2027.
Joining them on Skid Row is a talented company of stage favorites. Jed Berry is set to play the timid botanist Seymour, with Benjamin Yates taking on the role of the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello. Veteran actor Michael Starke will appear at both venues as the shop owner, Mr. Mushnik. Meanwhile, the voice of the man-eating plant, Audrey II, will be provided by Marcus Ayton. The famous trio of urchins will be played by: Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid as Crystal, Gabrielle Davina Smith as Ronnette and Rio Maye as Chiffon Rounding out the company, the ensemble features Ella Howlett, Joseph Peacock, Nathen Scott, and Kai Cameron Jay.
Director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille leads a stellar creative team, including set and costume designer Morgan Large, musical supervisor and arranger Paul Schofield, lighting designer Rory Beaton, sound designer Kelsh Buckman Drage, and casting director Rob Kelly.
Featuring the beloved score by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, this revival marks two decades since the musical’s last West End run. It also arrives just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Frank Oz film adaptation.
The production is presented by Thomas Hopkins Productions, SAMS Entertainment, and Haffner Wright Theatricals, in association with Hope Mill Theatre and by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
