Little Shop of Horrors at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Review

With their first-ever in-house production, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre teams up with TheatreworX to present the much-beloved cult classic Little Shop of Horrors. The result? A slick, high-energy, and impressively staged show that raises the bar for Irish musical theatre.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Over the years, I’ve seen more productions of Little Shop of Horrors in Ireland than I can count; some sharing similar sets, others featuring oversized ensembles, and even a few with modernised twists. So I came into this production with high expectations...and I’m delighted to say it exceeded every one of them.

What is Little Shop of Horrors at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre?

For those unfamiliar, Little Shop of Horrors follows Seymour, a timid florist who comes across a strange and bloodthirsty plant just as he pines for his kind-hearted but troubled coworker, Audrey. The show, based on the cult film, was brought to life by the clever writing of Howard Ashman and the unforgettable score by Alan Menken (yes, the same duo behind many iconic Disney hits). Menken will be performing at the Bord Gáis with his one man concert in February next year, so it was a good choice to stage one of his most iconic shows in anticipation of this!

From the moment we stepped into the 2,111 seat auditorium, the scale of this production was clear. The set designed by Maree Kearns, a highly detailed Skid Row complete with the run-down facade of Mushnik’s flower shop, was both imposing and impressively functional. The lighting rig alone hinted at the level of investment poured into this production, and thankfully, every cent shows on stage.

Claire Tighe, well-known on the amateur circuit and as the director of the Helix Panto, makes a leap to a larger stage. Her direction is among the best I’ve seen in musical theatre in recent years. She leans into the show’s original campy charm but elevates it with a keen attention to detail, from creative and emotional staging in Skid Row to fully realised characterisation across the cast, including the ensemble. Her use of silhouettes throughout adds visual flair, and the revolve is employed cleverly, particularly in Closed for Renovation. While Act I occasionally lags in pace, that’s more a structural issue with the script than the direction.

Musical Director David Hayes is clearly in his element. The band sounds phenomenal, particularly during the plant-led rock numbers. Hayes and Tighe work in perfect harmony, using music not just to accompany scenes but to enhance transitions and storytelling. Bonus points for some brilliant, tightly timed musical flourishes, especially the satisfying door slams or actor movements in sync with some of the songs final notes!

In terms of cast, it is packed with exceptional Irish talent, and there isn’t a weak link in the bunch.

David O’Reilly delivers a quirky and well played Seymour. His vocals are strong, his comedic timing flawless, and his choices keep Seymour grounded and sympathetic. Halfway through Act I, I turned to my husband and said, “He’d make a brilliant Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon”, only to later learn he’s already done so on the West End.

Jacqueline Brunton is magnetic as Audrey. This role is deceptively difficult, balancing vulnerability, themes of domestic violence, humour, and a demanding and sometimes grating accent, but Brunton makes it look effortless. From her first entrance, she commands the stage with warmth and charisma. Her rendition of Somewhere That’s Green was perfection. In short: Brunton is a star.

Johnny Ward brings manic energy and great vocals as Orin, Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend, while Garry Mountaine is a solid and entertaining Mushnik, especially during Mushnik and Son. Kenneth O’Regan booms through the theatre as the voice of Audrey II, working seamlessly with puppeteer Chris Corroon, whose musical timing and expressive work give the plant real presence.

The Street Urchins, Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon, played by Ghaliah Conroy, Aoife Dunne, and Precious Abimbola, deserve a shoutout. These roles can be hit or miss in amateur productions, but here they’re standout stars, delivering tight harmonies and riff-filled vocals that practically lifted the roof.

The small ensemble (Michael Joseph, Rachel Gaughan, Amy Penston-Hendley, Michael Lovette, James Deegan, Zoe Talbot, Eimear Barr, and Cían O’Riain) is wisely kept lean. Thank you, Claire Tighe, for not shoehorning in a 40-person chorus. Each performer brings energy and strong vocals to smaller roles and doubles as cover for leads. Here’s hoping they all get their chance to perform them before the run ends.

John Gallagher’s lighting design is both atmospheric and functional, while Kevin Hynes' costume design pays homage to the time period without feeling dated. The final number was a visual treat, enhanced by both elements working in tandem.

However, the one ongoing issue at this theatre was the sound. Dialogue occasionally got lost, especially in Seymour’s duets where he was overpowered by the band or Audrey II. A few mic dropouts and feedback hiccups disrupted otherwise flawless scenes. It’s early in the run, so we can hope this tightens up.

Is Little Shop of Horrors at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre worth seeing?

Absolutely. With inventive direction, a tight band, and a dazzlingly talented Irish cast, this production is a joyous, high-calibre experience. It’s a major step forward for Irish-produced musical theatre, and I sincerely hope this marks the beginning of an annual tradition.

Lastly, it’s heartening to see homegrown talent, some making professional debuts, take centre stage on Irish soil. Too often, our best and brightest head to London for their shot. This production proves we have everything we need right here to stage world-class musical theatre. Let’s hope this inspires more professional Irish companies and opportunities for future generations.

Ticket information for Little Shop of Horrors at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Little Shop of Horrors runs at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin until the 9th of August. Tickets can be purchased here.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Venue: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Date of Review: 29 July 2025

Disclaimer: I was invited to this performance by the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review was not affected by this invite.