For spring/summer 2026, Derby Theatre and Northern Stage are thrilled to be teaming up to bring the cult musical Little Shop of Horrors to the stage. Packed with dark comedy, unforgettable songs and a man-eating plant with a taste for fame, the production runs at Northern Stage from Friday 8 – Saturday 23 May, before transferring to Derby Theatre from Saturday 30 May – Saturday 20 June as part of Derby Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations. All performances will include creative integrated captions.
With music by Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast) and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors is a madcap mash-up of sci-fi, Motown and B-movie horror that’ll come to the main stage auditorium.
Seymour Krelborn, a hapless flower shop assistant, discovers a mysterious plant with a deadly secret – it feeds on human blood! As the creature’s hunger grows, so too does Seymour’s success and notoriety… but how long before the price becomes too high?
Packed with unforgettable songs like Skid Row (Downtown), Suddenly Seymour, and Feed Me (Git It!), this outrageous musical promises killer tunes, unexpected laughs and larger-than-life characters.
Sarah Brigham (Artistic Theatre and CEO, Derby Theatre and Director of Little Shop of Horrors):
“I am really excited to bring the fantastic and iconic musical Little Shop of Horrors to our audiences next year. A talented company of actor-musicians will bring to life those catchy, feel-good songs we all know so well, and artist Ben Glover will work with us to create B-movie-inspired integrated captions. It’s also really exciting to be co-producing with Northern Stage for the first time.”
Ben Glover (Creative Captioner):
“I’m thrilled to be bringing creative captions to Little Shop of Horrors. These captions won’t just sit quietly at the side; they’ll become part of the show’s world, playful, bold, B-movie inspired themed. The creative captions will help make the performances more accessible for Deaf and hard of hearing audiences while adding a whole new layer of fun for everyone. Making sure everyone can enjoy the show… before the plant enjoys them!”
Natalie Ibu (Artistic Director, Northern Stage):
“We’re really excited to be co-producing Little Shop of Horrors with Derby Theatre. It feels so important to see creative representation from both Newcastle and Derby at the heart of this production and together, we’re bringing fresh energy and perspective to an iconic musical, with a talented company of actor-musicians and integrated design that builds on our shared commitment to accessibility and representation. This collaboration not only connects our audiences across the country but also celebrates the creativity of both our cities. We can’t wait to see it come to life on stage.”
Follow Us
For more information and Little Shop of Horrors updates, visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk/ www.northernstage.co.uk or follow us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube – @derbytheatre, @northern_stage)
More Information
Accessible Performances
All performances will include creative captions, where captions are integrated artistically into the performance.
BSL interpreted performances: Sat 13th June 2.30pm, Fri 19th June 7.30pm
Audio described performances: Sat 13th June 7.30pm, Wed 17th June 2.30pm
Dementia-friendly performances: Thu 11th June 2.30pm
Relaxed performances: Mon 8th June 7.30pm
Auditions
Auditions will take place in Newcastle, Derby and London in October with the aim of securing representation from both the North-East and the Midlands within the cast. More details to follow.
Tickets and How to Book
£32 – £48.
Friends, Earlybird, group, under 26s and school rates available.
Book online at Little Shop of Horrors – Derby Theatre or Box Office on 01332 593939
About Derby Theatre
Bold and brilliant performances. Shows that represent our community. A platform for ground-breaking artists. A pathway for learners of all ages. A guaranteed great night out. We’re a theatre like no other. We’re known for artistic excellence. We’re committed to education. And we believe that theatre can change your life.
Previously Derby Playhouse, we have a long and important theatrical history. As Derby Theatre, we work in partnership with the University of Derby. We produce new plays and projects, collaborate with artists and local people, and welcome higher education students and anyone who wants to learn.
We are a charity and a National Portfolio organisation for Arts Council England, and we’re led by artistic director and CEO Sarah Brigham.
About Northern Stage
Northern Stage is a theatre where everyone is welcome.
We make and present contemporary theatre, live performance and creative programmes that spark connections, provoke curiosity and joy, and explore new ways of seeing the world from our home in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
We promote creativity and provide life-changing experiences for people who would not normally have access to such opportunities.
Northern Stage is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, which means funding thanks to National Lottery players plays a huge part in supporting our work.
More info here: www.northernstage.co.uk