AN OPERATIC society is taking on a horror comedy rock musical about a plant that feeds on human flesh as its next production.

Richmond Operatic Society cast members of Little Shop of Horrors, a modern musical based on the 1986 film starring Steve Martin and Rick Moranis, went to a local florist to help them get into character.

The production, which starts on Wednesday, May 18, and runs until Saturday, May 21 at the Georgian Theatre Royal, starting at 7.30pm, tells the story of a nerdy florist who stumbles upon a new plant which transforms the fortunes of his shop – the only problem being its unquenchable thirst for human blood.

John Holliday, society chairman, said "We are again proud to be performing a show which has never been performed at the theatre and again a new challenge for our society.

“We have a brilliant cast who have worked tirelessly for the last four months to bring this complex show together.

“ I am very grateful to our director Brigette Martin who has pulled all of this together on her first show for the society and know that the audience are guaranteed a fantastic night out.

“With a brilliant young cast, singing plant, great songs, a love triangle including a dentist, Audrey the dizzy shop assistant and Seymour the nerdy florist and a trio of fantastic backing singers.

“This show will have you rocking in your seats and certainly checking the contents of your flower beds when you get home!”

Tickets are available from the Georgian Theatre Royal box office on 01748-825252 and cost £6.50 to £13.50.