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Little Shop of Horrors is set to launch a theatre company’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Littlehampton Players Operatic Society (LPOS) Musical Productions, one of Littlehampton’s oldest amateur theatre groups, will kick off their milestone year with the darkly comic musical at The Windmill Entertainment Centre. The show is scheduled to run from April 2 to 5, including a Saturday matinee.
The darkly comic musical runs at The Windmill from April 2-5 (Image: LPOS Musical Productions) Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the team behind Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors follows the story of Seymour Krelborn, an orphan who finds himself in a diabolical deal with a man-eating plant. The musical promises to bring a mix of show-stopping dance numbers, puppetry, and a rock-and-roll score featuring songs like Suddenly Seymour and Dentist!. Tickets can be purchased at ticketsource.
co.uk/lpos and are priced at £16 for general admission and £14 for concessions. (Image: LPOS Musical Productions) The production of Little Shop of Horrors is just the start of the anniversary celebrations for LPOS, marking 70 years since the group was founded in 1955.
The group, which started as a way to expand performing opportunities in the town, is now a registered charity. They have planned a series of events to commemorate the milestone. (Image: LPOS Musical Productions) On June 21, LPOS will host a birthday party ahead of a concert performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience, a nod to the first show the group ever staged.
In October, a full production of the musical Hello, Dolly! will take place. More details on these and other events can be found on the group’s website, lpos.org.
LPOS has a long history in Littlehampton, having been established in 1955. The company was born out of a desire to expand performing opportunities in the town, with a particular interest in operettas, specifically those of Gilbert and Sullivan. Despite facing challenges in its early years, such as casting difficulties and financial challenges due to a lack of a suitable theatre in Littlehampton, LPOS persevered.
The local theatrical community rallied round, with other companies lending their support until LPOS became more established. A key turning point for the company came in the late 1960s when the seafront shelter was converted into a theatre, transforming LPOS’ fortunes. The company has since staged over 100 shows at the Windmill, with its larger seating capacity allowing the company to become self-sufficient.
Having access to a larger and more flexible performance space also encouraged LPOS to broaden its repertoire, initially exploring operettas beyond those of Gilbert and Sullivan and, by the 1990s, adding musicals to the mix. To reflect this more diverse programme, the company was renamed LPOS Musical Productions last year. Recent productions have ranged from classic musicals to more modern fare, but their love of Gilbert and Sullivan still persists.
As LPOS enters its 70th year, the company continues to emphasise a warm, inclusive atmosphere, working to break down barriers that might prevent people from taking part in amateur theatre. LPOS aims to give people from all backgrounds and of all abilities and levels of experience the chance to get involved, whether on stage, backstage, or in a creative role. Membership, open to anyone aged 16 and over, costs £30 a year.
LPOS’ shows have won National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA) awards across the company’s history, including accolades for musical excellence for their productions of Oliver! in 2013 and Oklahoma! in 2017. For those interested in joining the group, LPOS welcomes people from all walks of life and encourages anyone interested to get in touch via email at [email protected].
The group is known for its friendly atmosphere and often sees multiple generations of the same family taking part in productions. Alternatively, the public can look forward to their live shows at the Windmill..
