"Little Shop Of Horrors" by Heanor Musical Theatre Company.

Mansfield Palace Theatre.

For anyone who has been living under a stone, or inside a plant for the last several decades, the story follows an hapless florist shop worker, Seymour, who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

This saves the closure of Mr Mushnik's flower shop and makes a celebrity of Seymour. Seymour is in love with Audrey, the female shop assistant, but that love cannot be returned as Audrey is in a toxic and violent relationship with a dentist called Orin.

To get fame, fortune and Audrey's love, Seymour has to keep the strange plant alive, and does what he needs to do, and at any cost!!

The musical is loosely based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film "The Little Shop of Horrors". The musical was also made into a 1986 film but is always a popular choice with local theatre groups because it is one of those shows that everyone loves.

This production though is different to any that you may have seen, which I'll explain why, later.

Seymour is played by Jack Readyhoof, and I'd almost got used to seeing Jack playing unhinged psychopaths, when along comes this role that places him in the role of the hero and romantic lead - with just a hint of psycho. It also means we get to hear Jack's vocals as well, which are always a treat, and he has quite a range if you've never heard Jack sing before. Jack is one of those actors who never fails to hit the spot with his acting, and this role, which is perfect for his physicality, seems to be made for him. Some lovely puppetry technique also.

Audrey is played by Megan Hill and like Jack, this role of the beaten and bullied shop assistant was just waiting for her to accept. Megan also managed to give me tingles with Audrey's big solo number "Somewhere That's Green" as well as her duet with Jack in "Suddenly Seymour"

Mr Mushnik is played by Benjamin Riley, who I can't remember seeing before, but has a really good voice as well as a feel for comedy, especially with the song "Mushnik & Son". A solid performance.

The Ronnettes are played by Katy Gaskin (Chiffon), Alana Moran (Ronnette) and Sarah Bright (Crystal). These three have incredible voices who can really harmonise, and they gave me goosebumps with the power they have in their voices as well as their vocal acrobatics. What a team!

The Shadow Ronnettes are Courtney Bowles, Chrissie Smyth and Emme Gunn. equally as exciting to watch as the above trio.

Orin, the Dentist, is played by Robert Stott-Marshall. I've always loved this character and everyone I see on stage plays the role slightly different, and Robert is no different. There are tweaks with Robert's performance that I've not noticed before in other productions, which makes it seem as if this is the first time I've seen the character. There is a freshness, a new evil and Robert extracts every ounce of sadism from Orin. Add to that a powerful set of vocals and you can't help but love this bad guy.

Audrey 2, the alien, is played by Kheenan Jones. One thing with this role is that, because you don't see Kheenan, you get to concentrate on his vocals. Audrey 2 is a very soulful character and Kheenan has a very soulful voice. I can't remember the last time that I heard Kheenan singing in a main character role, and it's long overdue.

The ensemble are Lianne Sheridan, Charlotte Swindles, Lisa Bottomore and Connor Moore who flesh out the production as well as playing various characters.

Directed by Paul Young, who has created a very different feel to this show. Right from the start with the cinematic element to the final number, "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space", which is not always included in productions, this particular productions holds a few surprises. I've seen many versions of this musical, and just when I thought I'd seen everything, along comes Heanor Musical theatre Company with even more surprises.

Paul was also responsible for the Projection Designs, which really created a fresh image to the stage. I loved the animated projection behind Seymour in "Da Doo", explaining how he and Audrey 2 first associated with each other. The clock in the projection was a great idea, plus keep an eye out for the cinema screening titles for further chuckles. Showing that projection and physical scenery can work brilliantly together.

The Musical Director is Dave Dallard who coaxed all of these wonderful vocals from these wonderfully talented actors. One of the best collections of singers and arrangements for this musical that I've heard.

All of the wonderful tunes that you'd expect are here, "Skid Row", "Suddenly Seymour", "Somewhere That's Green", the brilliant "Dentist", "Da Doo", "It's The Gas" as well as that brilliant finale section.

Choreography is by Cat Howourth and from the very start to the rousing dance ensemble with all the cast members, the choreography was excellent including some nifty footwork for Seymour. Cat was also responsible for bringing Audrey 2 to life on stage.

Lighting Design is by Paul Young and Chris Grantham which again worked very well, especially in the storm sequences, creating even more film noire atmosphere, reminiscent of the original 1960's version of the story.

It's lovely when you see so many versions of the same show, only to be surprised pleasantly with something fresh, in the way that this production has done. So, if you think it's just another production, think again. This re-opened my eyes to the glorious magic of this particular classic and is well worth seeing, that is if you can get a ticket if tonight's opening was anything to go by.

"The Little Shop Of Horrors" is at Mansfield Palace Theatre until Saturday 29 April.