There are going to be quite a few opportunities to see musicals during the upcoming summer school holiday period at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), with Woodward Productions confirming that the cult-classic musical Little Shop of Horrors will be calling the Cremorne Theatre its home from 3 January 2026.
The dark comedy follows mild mannered florist Seymour Krelborn, who discovers a strange plant in Mushnik’s struggling flower shop on Skid Row. He names it Audrey II after his co-worker and not-so-subtle crush, only to learn that the smooth talking, R&B singing carnivore has a taste for something far more sinister.
This revival will be directed by Alister Smith, whose recent credits include stage adaptations of 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 the score’s blend of 60s pop, doo wop and R&B, including songs such as Suddenly Seymour, Feed Me (Git It) and Dentist!.
Designer Penny Challen, Lighting Designer Declan O’Neil and Choreographer Dan Venz are set to evoke 1960s New York with B movie flair, leaning into the show’s mix of kitsch and gleeful chaos. Full casting for the QPAC season, meanwhile, will be announced in the lead up to opening.
Woodward Productions founder and producer Alex Woodward outlined why this production is returning to QPAC a decade on, pointing to audience memories and the production’s practical magic:
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.
Audiences are in for a potent nostalgia hit that is very camp, ridiculously fun and slightly gory.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy also highlighted how the Cremorne’s scale suits the show::
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.
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.
A waitlist is now open, with pre sale access to commence from 9am tomorrow. To sign up, visit the official QPAC website.
