ONE of the longest-running off-Broadway shows of all time – an affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies and musical comedies – comes to Roleystone Theatre this November and December.

Directed by Lys Tickner, Little Shop of Horrors has a score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who redefined animated musical films with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.

The stage musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors with music in the style of early 1960s rock’n’roll, doo-wop and early Motown – but while it retains the basic concept and dark comic tone of the film, much of the story is changed.

A love story with a dark side, Little Shop of Horrors follows florist shop assistant Seymour who becomes an overnight celebrity when he discovers an exotic plant with a craving for fresh blood.

In exchange for blood, the plant helps Seymour win the love of Audrey – with disastrous consequences.

Little Shop of Horrors won the 1982-1983 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical and Outer Critics Circle Award

It was also adapted into a 1986 film featuring Rick Moranis, Steve Martin and Bill Murray, directed by The Muppets’ Frank Oz.

“I have wanted to direct this musical for more than 10 years,” Tickner said. “I was just waiting for the right timing for everything to fall into place and 2016 seems to be the year.

“This is my first stint at directing a musical, having only directed plays up until now.

“With a small cast and an amazing script and score, I just knew this was the one for me.”

A member of Roleystone Theatre since 1989, Tickner directed her first play – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – as a 20-year-old in 1993.

She has gone on to direct Alice in Wonderland, Little Women and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and has been involved in a plethora of productions, either singing, dancing, acting or stage-managing.

With Little Shop of Horrors, Tickner said incorporating dance moves was one of the main challenges.

“I am working with a choreographer for the first time, which is amazing,” she said.

“Not only are you staging the characters’ movements as you would do in a play but you are also incorporating dance and movement – the two parts have to flow as one.

“I look forward to this challenge and I’m already amazed with the results from the first few weeks of rehearsals.”

Little Shop of Horrors plays at 8pm November 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 30, December 2 and 3. Tickets are $25, $20 concession – book on 9490 9306 or at www.roleystonetheatre.com.au.   

Roleystone Theatre is located at 587 Brookton Highway, Roleystone, opposite the Croyden Road junction.