Beloved Brookside legend Michael Starke will star as Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors at Everyman Playhouse this December.
He will star alongside Jessie Elland, who will play Audrey, at the Liverpool Playhouse from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027.
This long-awaited major UK revival of Little Shop of Horrors will be directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier award nominee Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (Six – The Musical).
Carrie-Anne Ingrouille said:
“I am so proud to be presenting this cast and this production of Little Shop of Horrors. Every element of the show speaks to my vision for telling this story with honesty, heart, and relevance, and that begins with the people bringing it to life on stage. They embody the vulnerability, strength, and humanity that I believe are essential for this musical to have lasting appeal and to truly resonate with audiences today. I cannot wait for audiences in Manchester and Liverpool to experience it during this very special run.”
Little Shop of Horrors runs at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre from Friday 25 September 2026 to Sunday 29 November 2026, and will then head into its spectacular festive season at the Liverpool Playhouse, where Jessie Elland (Emmerdale, ITV, 101 Dalmatians, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) will take over the role of Audrey from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027. Joining them at both venues is beloved Brookside legend Michael Starke, who will star as Mr Mushnik.
Michael has appeared in many productions at both the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres, including The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2024: Rapunzel, Breeze Block Park, Dick Whittington, Hamlet, She Stoops to Conquer and The Star. His most recent stage work is Two by Jim Cartwright at the Shakespeare North Playhouse.
They will be joined by an outstanding West End cast, including Jed Berry (Back To The Future, Adelphi Theatre; Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) as Seymour, Marcus Ayton (Shrek, UK tour; Lovestuck, Theatre Royal Stratford East) as the voice of the monstrous Audrey II, and Benjamin Yates (Emmerdale, ITV; The Wizard of Oz; Jersey Boys) as the sinister and unforgettable Orin Scrivello, the Dentist.
Completing the iconic trio of streetwise narrators are Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid(&Juliet; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Crystal, Gabrielle Davina Smith (Matilda; Sister Act) as Ronnette, and Rio Maye (Grease, European Tour) as Chiffon.
The ensemble company will feature Ella Howlett (Tina; Madagascar the Musical), Joseph Peacock (Muriel’s Wedding; Dear Evan Hansen), Nathen Scott (Mamma Mia!), Kai Cameron Jay (Starlight Express) with further casting to be announced.
Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award nominated Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, this brand-new rival will unleash Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s legendary musical with jaw-dropping energy, razor-sharp comedy, unforgettable songs, and a plant with an appetite bigger than ever before.
Joining Ingrouille on an extraordinary creative team is award-winning Set and Costume Designer Morgan Large (Sister Act, This Bitter Earth, Newsies), Musical Supervisor and Arranger Paul Schofield (Hair, Bat Boy), Lighting Designer Rory Beaton (Burlesque The Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, For Black Boys…), Sound Designer Kelsh Buckman Drage (Evita, Hamilton, Mamma Mia!), and Casting Director Rob Kelly (Hadestown, This Bitter Earth, Geek Girl).
December 2026 marks 40 years since the release of the original 1986 film directed by Frank Oz, cementing Little Shop of Horrors as one of the most influential and enduring musical sensations of the past half century.
Little Shop of Horrors has music by Alan Menken, book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. It runs from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027 at the Liverpool Playhouse. Tickets priced from £17 – £62.
Find out more on the Everyman Playhouse website.
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