A Blooming Triumph: Little Shop of Horrors Devours the School Stage 

If you wandered into the Senior School Assembly Hall in early December expecting a typical musical, you may have been alarmed to find yourself cheering for a giant carnivorous plant!

This year’s production of Little Shop of Horrors wasn’t just good, according to some audience members - it was "the best show the school has staged in years." And honestly? They might be right!

From the opening number, it was clear something special was happening. The cast delivered performance so lively, funny and polished over its four night run that you would be forgiven if you forgot you were in Glasgow and thought you’d visited Broadway! Audiences were quick to comment on just how entertaining the whole show was and how incredibly talented the pupils proved to be. 

Director Lindsay Strachan noted that this is a famously tricky musical, complete with demanding songs, fast-paced scenes and of course, that hungry plant.

The cast worked extremely hard and achieved something truly impressive. Performing in a full-scale musical like this is not an easy thing to do.”

Musical Director Archie Morris also commented on how well the cast had delt with the full Broadway score - not a cut or simplification in sight!  

The cast themselves reported that it was “the most fun they’ve had doing a show”, which certainly showed onstage. Their enthusiasm was infectious, their comedic timing sharp and their harmonies tight enough to make even Audrey II pause mid-snack to applaud. 

Meanwhile, the backstage crew operated with total professionalism. Despite a short preparation schedule and the small matter of wrangling a temperamental, man-eating botanical diva, they delivered smooth scene changes and seamless technical cues. If there were awards for keeping carnivorous vegetation under control, they’d win!

After three months of intensive rehearsals, every ounce of hard work burst into full bloom on opening night. And with the final curtain falling to rapturous applause, only one question echoed through the crowd and cast alike: “So… what show are we doing next?” 

Whatever it is, expectations are now sky-high, and judging from this year’s triumph, HSOG pupils are more than up for the challenge!

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All the photos from a fantastic week of performances of Little Shop of Horrors can be seen below.

Pictures courtesy of Martin Shields.