Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in association with Woodward Productions today announced a revival of Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical Little Shop of Horrors would open for business in the Cremorne Theatre from 3 January 2026.
With Music by Alan Menken and Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman, since its premiere at Off-Off-Broadway in 1982, Little Shop of Horrors has enraptured millions of theatregoers worldwide and was adapted into a film in 1986 starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene and Steve Martin.
In the dark comedy musical, nerdy florist Seymour Krelborn stumbles upon a new breed of plant at Mushnik’s flailing flower shop on Skid Row. Naming it ‘Audrey II’ after his co-worker crush, Seymour soon discovers the foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore plant has sinister intentions.
The long-awaited revival will be directed by Alister Smith, who has realised musical adaptations of other cult classics like Bring It On, Cruel Intentions and The Wedding Singer.
Music Supervisor David Young (Frozen) and Musical Director Heidi Loveland (Carrie: The Musical) will lead a six-piece band through Little Shop of Horrors’ blend of 60s pop, doo-wop and R&B, delivering unforgettable earworms like ‘Suddenly Seymour’, ‘Feed Me (Git It)’ and ‘Dentist!’.
Designer Penny Challen, Lighting Designer Declan O'Neil and Choreographer Dan Venz will illuminate the gleeful allure of the American Dream in 1960s New York, B-Movie kitsch and meaningful silliness that is synonymous with Little Shop of Horrors.
Woodward Productions Founder and Producer Alex Woodward said he was excited to bring a new version of Little Shop of Horrors with its original magic back to QPAC after 10 years.
“When I saw Little Shop of Horrors at QPAC, it was one of the first shows I’d seen that had me completely rapt, so expect to see everything audiences have known and loved about this show for more than 40 years – think elaborate plant puppetry and a deranged dentist,” said Mr Woodward.
“Audiences are in for a potent nostalgia hit that is very camp, ridiculously fun and slightly gory.”
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said the Off-Broadway favourite was well overdue for a return to the QPAC stage.
“It’s rare to see a full-scale musical in an intimate venue like the Cremorne, but this setting is ideal for an international hit that had humble beginnings in a small, downtown theatre,” said Ms Healy.
“Following the runaway success of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) in the Cremorne earlier in the year, we are thrilled to once again unite with Woodward Productions to create a new production that is both captivating and accessible, and I can’t wait to see a whole new generation fall in love with Little Shop of Horrors.
“Its quirky, playful theatrical madness makes it perfect summer holiday fare.”
Woodward Productions has been bringing world-class theatre to audiences around Australia and the world since 2016. Recent works include the Australian tours of The 39 Steps, The Woman in Black and Sherlock Holmes - The Mystery of the Valkyrie, the comedic hit A Very Naughty Christmas, Plied and Prejudice and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
The full cast for the QPAC season of Little Shop of Horrors will be announced soon.
Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors are on sale to the public from Friday 26 September via qpac.com.au.
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