Brent Hill
Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors is a plum role, much sought after and Brent Hill is undoubtedly enjoying taking on the challenge. Perth born Brent says he grew up with the 1986 film and the sound track, which he says he used to practice his drums to! For Brent this role is a dream come true.
Based on the original 1960’s horror film, the cult musical was born in 1982 as a stage show and made the transition to film in 1986. The stage show has since become a favourite with amateur companies, although it is a while since it has been performed professionally. Luckiest Productions and Tinderbox Productions, who brought us Sweet Charity in 2014, are presenting a touring production which will start its run in Adelaide after opening in the Hayes Theatre Sydney.
Brent (2011 Greenroom Award winner – Male Artist Leading Role for Rock Of Ages, 2015 Helpmann Award nomination for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role as Svec in Once) is eager for the Adelaide opening, as he is keen to share this “updated and exciting interpretation” with audiences. He says it is a small tight ensemble that has good chemistry and work well together. Brent is also very happy to be working closely with multiple award winner, Esther Hannaford, as his love interest Audrey, and Tyler Coppin as Mr. Mushnik. He is very impressed by the plants, built by the master puppet-makers Erth (last seen in Adelaide during this year’s Festival with Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo and Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium). Brent talked of how impressive they look in their various stages, “like a Pokémon that evolves to a monster”!
The teaming of the three girls, who have not sung together as a group before, was also a strong draw card Hill said. Angelique Cassimatis, Josie Lane and Chloe Zuel blend beautifully according to Hill. Scott Johnson is playing Orin the sadistic dentist, but whom, I asked, is voicing the Plant? Interestingly Brent said he was! He assured me it is not recorded and I am fascinated to discover how he does it.
The show focuses on mainly innocent characters dealing with things from the dark-side. Brent also assured me that there was a great team operating the plant, making the interaction life-like, which makes the show a great night out.
Little Shop of Horrors opens at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Grote Street on 20th April at 8pm. Bookings: www.bass.net.au
Interview by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Click here for the official ‘Little Shop Of Horrors’ website
Click here to access ‘Little Shop Of Horrors” on Facebook
Click here to access ‘Little Shop Of Horrors” on Twitter
More News
